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The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, recently hosted its 25th Annual Congress in Lions River, KwaZulu-Natal. The event focussed on the significant challenges faced by the agricultural and rural sectors over the past year and explored sustainable strategies for the future.
Dr Chandre Gould, senior research fellow at the Institute for Security Studies and convener of The Violence Prevention Forum, delivered the keynote address. With her extensive expertise in violence prevention and criminal justice in South Africa, Dr Gould provided an in-depth analysis of safety and security concerns within the rural and agricultural sectors. She highlighted critical areas requiring attention and practical steps to help prevent crime and violence.
“The more we respond to violence with violence, the harder it is to change the pattern. If we rely only on physical security measures and not on sustainable and effective long-term solutions, we will remain in a state of unsafety. We must change conditions that contribute to crime and violence,” said Dr Gould.
Read more about the 2024 Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year here.
Sector growth
The agenda included a compelling panel discussion on the province’s economic growth, led by key commodity representatives from across KwaZulu-Natal. Participants included commercial egg producer Robin Barnsley, Forestry South Africa business development director, Norman Dlamini, KwaZulu-Natal Red Meat Producers’ chairperson, Angus Williamson and SA Canegrowers’ industrial affairs manager, Dr Muhammad Kadwa.
Each representative provided valuable insights into their respective sectors, discussing the current status, challenges, and potential solutions. The discussion highlighted overarching issues and opportunities, offering a strategic understanding that facilitated the identification of common initiatives and actions required for collective economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal.
“When you have witnessed farms where everything has been destroyed, it is absolutely devastating. Now, more than ever, we need to focus on food security, re-establishing livelihoods, and improving disease management,” said Barnsley.
“Over 10 000 jobs were directly lost due to sugar tax. The ongoing buy local ‘Home Sweet Home’ campaign is now more critical than ever. The best thing that the average person can do to support the sugar industry is to check the sugar bag and ensure it was made in South Africa,” said Dr Kadwa.
“Land reform is the greatest threat facing the forestry sector. If land reform does not succeed in our industry, the industry will fail. We need to find solutions. The sooner we learn why we failed, the sooner we can make the changes needed to save our sector,” said Dlamini.
Activity feedback
In her feedback on Kwanalu’s activities over the past year, Kwanalu CEO, Sandy la Marque, said that Kwanalu focussed on six broad strategic areas:
- Commercial and economic matters.
- Land and agricultural development (including the protection of private property rights).
- Safety and security.
- Natural resources (such as water and mining).
- Labour and employment.
- Communication and image building.
“Kwanalu,” she stressed, “adopts a strong, clearly articulated policy position and will not compromise or deviate from the protection of the South African Constitution and the rights embodied therein.”
Referring to the six strategic focus areas, she provided the following pointers:
- Commercial and economic position (including roads, Eskom and rates)
- Foster profitable and sustainable economic environment.
- Implement appropriate policies for finance, service delivery and cooperation.
- Ensure efficient infrastructure: Road and rail, energy (electricity, fuel), communication networks.
- Apply equitable and fair municipal property rates. Kwanalu supports infrastructure that is efficient and cost-effective, while also ensuring landowners are fairly compensated for any loss of property or an impairment of their property rights.
- Land and agricultural development (protect private property rights, land reform, sustainable development)
- Uphold sacrosanct property rights.
- Adhere to free market principles.
- Utilise statutory mechanisms to prevent unlawful occupation and the undermining of property rights.
- Ensure accountable, transparent, and seamless land reform processes, including private settlement, restitution, labour tenants and occupiers.
- Safety and security
- Uphold the rule of law for a safe, fair and equitable society.
- Develop an integrated law enforcement strategy.
- Promote effective law enforcement and policing.
- Create safe and secure rural communities through economic investment, entrepreneurship, job creation, mentoring and clustering.
- Natural resources
- Promote sustainable and equitable use of natural resources (such as water and minerals).
- Protect natural resources, including productive agricultural land and water.
- Labour and employment
- Advocate equitable policies affecting labour and employment.
- Promote compliance with labour and related legislation.
- Public relations, sector image and communication
- Raise and position Kwanalu as a thought leader among key audiences.
- Lobby, influence and represent the views of members using credible information.
- Be the recognised spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal on agricultural and rural issues.
La Marque concluded that Kwanalu’s strategic focus is to provide leadership on rural and agricultural issues. With the emphasis on all aspects of economic sustainability, security, risk management, rural development, and land tenure.
For more information on Kwanalu, visit www.kwanalu.co.za or call 033 342 9393. – Izak Hofmeyr, Plaas Media
