Most residents in attendance yesterday at public hearings in Bronkhorstspruit in the City of Tshwane supported the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill. The public hearings were hosted by the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development as part of the Gauteng leg of nationwide hearings on the Bill.
Expressing their support for the Bill, participants highlighted some areas that in their view need refinement. While welcoming the protection of agricultural land provided for in the Bill, they said the Bill overemphasises this protection and the correct zoning of the land, and yet it is silent on the environment around farms.
The residents highlighted two areas of concern. The first one was that non-agricultural operations in their areas have negative environmental impacts. For example, they claimed that a silicone manufacturing company in the area operates without any environmental impact assessment or proper licences. This causes severe respiratory problems to the people and livestock in the area. The other concern was coal mining, which they said pollutes ground water.
The participants also called for a clause in the Bill to protect food crops against an unhealthy and toxic environment that can harm crop and livestock production.
A vegetable and chicken farmer appealed for the Bill to provide for more agricultural resources, such as agri-parks. The farmer pointed out that there is only one such facility in the area currently and they require them for both vegetables and livestock.
Residents also called for the Bill to include a clause on land claims, as they are disadvantaged by not having title deeds to the land. This means that they are unable to apply for funding for agricultural and other developmental purposes. They further appealed to the committee to assist them to obtain land for farming.
The residents also urged the committee to assist them to ensure that the Department of Basic Education includes agricultural studies in school curriculums.
The committee Chairperson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, welcomed all the submissions received. He told the participants that the committee holds the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development accountable through the committee’s oversight work. “This is why we felt it necessary to invite its senior officials to attend public hearings of this nature so that they respond to issues and questions that you have raised.”
Nkosi Mandela also said it is concerning to hear that some local officials are fraudulent and corrupt. He urged the residents to report these officials directly to the department and to the committee.
Source: Parliament of South Africa