NNationalational WorldWorld FoodFood DayDay — RReporteport 22009009 —

DIRECTORATE: FOOD SECURITY

agriculture,agriculture forestryDepartment: & fisheries Agriculture Department: REPUBLIC OF Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NNationalational WorldWorld FoodFood DayDay — RReporteport 22009009 —

DIRECTORATE: FOOD SECURITY 2009 Contents Published by

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Introduction ...... 1 Private Bag X250 National World Food Day 2009 ...... 1 PRETORIA 0001 South Africa WFD theme ...... 1

Available from WFD activities ...... 1-2

Sub-directorate: Employee Relations Food mountain ...... 3 Directorate: Human Resources Management Agriculture Place Entertainment ...... 3 20 Beatrix Street Exhibitors ...... 4 ARCADIA FAO – Food Security Recognition Awards ...... 5 Tel. (012) 319 7305 Group

Individual

Media partners and coverage ...... 6

Speechees/Keynote note addresses ...... 7

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson

Minister Communication: Gen (Ret) Siphiwe Nyanda

Premier : Mr Cassel Mathale

FAO representative in South Sfrica, Ms Rosebud Kureijila

The next hosting province ...... 9

Conclusion ...... 9 1. INTRODUCTION Every year the World Food Day is commemorated on the 16th of October. This year Muyexe Village, in Giyani was chosen as the venue for the 2009 World Food Day commemoration.

The IFSNTT – Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Task Team chaired by the Department of Agricul- ture, Forestry and Fisheries coordinated the preparatory work for this year’s event as well as other local stakeholders. The committee consisted of our sister department in the province namely:

• Department of Agriculture • Department of Social Development • Department of Public Works • Department of Education • SASSA • Greater Giyani Municipality • Mopani District Municipality • Department of Roads and Transport

The provincial World Food Day commemorations were held in the following areas:

1. Western Cape: Tierpoort on the 8th October 2009 2. Gauteng: 9th October 2009 3. Northern Cape: Keimoes on the 16th October 2009 4. Free State: Makholokweng on the 16th October 2009

There were no WFD celebrations in the North West, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape, however there were delegates representing these provinces.

National World Food Day 2009 This year National World Food Day commemoration was held on the 16th of October 2009 in Muyexe Village, Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province. The World Food Day was celebrated in partner- ship with the Department of Communication as they were also celebrating World Post Day. Some of the distinguished guests include the Honorable Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat – Pettersson, Minister of Communication, Gen (Ret) Siphiwe Nyanda, FAO Representative in South Africa, Ms Rosebud V. Kurwijila, MEC of Agriculture, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, Limpopo Premier Mr Cassel Mathale, Deputy – Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Dr , Deputy Minister of Communications: Ms Dina Pule, The First Lady, MaKhumalo, Your Majesty, the Chief, Hosi Muyexe.

2. World Food Day theme This years World Food Day was commemorated under the theme “Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis”.

World Food Day—Report 2009 1 3. WFD activities Various stakeholders headed the call for the government message of “Working together we can do- more” by contributing to the food mountain. These stakeholders include corporate companies and gov- The 2009 World Food Day activities included the erection of tower gardens in the selected households ernment departments such as: as part of the Household Food Production Programme see (Fig. 1). 1. Potato SA 2. Sunbake – Limpopo 3. Department of Correctional Services 4. ZZ2 5. Sentech 6. NTK 7. National development Agency

4. Entertainment The WFD committee highlighted the need for the event to also showcase the cultural diversity of Lim- popo which includes Tsonga, Venda and Pedi. The main attraction for the event was Mr Thomas Chauke with these supporting acts shown in (fi g.4).

(Fig 2.) Tower Garden constructed by senior offi cials

These Tower Gardens were supplied with Tomato and Spinach seedlings. The dignitaries started the working morning by erecting a tower garden from scratch (Fig.2) and then visited other households that already had tower gardens, which were erected during the CRDP launch (Comprehensive Rural Development Programme).

3. Food mountain From the various corporate sponsors that we received, about 390 families benefi ted from the distribution of the food mountain (Fig.3). The number of household reached was informed by the indigent register of the various provincial departments, this process was championed by the Limpopo Department of Social Development.

(Fig 4.) Different cultural groups

• Dikgwari ya Sekororo • Banareng ba Sekororo • Huvukani Magaza

5. Exhibition Stands A call was send out for various organisations to showcase during the 2009 WFD (Fig.5), this was to bring more light to what services they can offer to our communities. As some of these organisations are based in the districts and in Polokwane, it was critical for the people of Muyexe and the surrounding vil- (Fig 3.) Food mountain lages to access these services with the idea of “Bringing Government to the People”.

2 World Food Day—Report 2009 World Food Day—Report 2009 3 The following exhibitors showcased their services: 6. FAO - Food Security Recognition Awards 1. University of Venda These awards are aimed at recognizing the individual and groups that have been committed and contrib- 2. Johannesburg Fresh Produce uted signifi cantly to household food production to attain food security. These nominees are recognised during the World Food Day Commemoration,by the FAO Representative in SA, Ms. Rosebud Kurwijila. 3. Landbank The awards are in a form of certifi cates as well as vouchers to enable them to purchase production in- 4. Post Offi ce puts as per the need analysis by the FAO technical team in SA and Provincial Department of Agriculture (Extension Offi cer) of group (Fig. 6) and individual project (Fig. 7). This year, the following groups were 5. Department of Home Affairs recognised by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 6. SASSA 7. Department of Roads and Transport Group 8. Department of Education 1. Winner: Macena Community 9. FAO 2. Runner-up: Pfukani Community Garden (Shangoni) 10. Sasol Nitro 11. Department of Labour 12. DAFF – Genetic Resource 13. ARC 14. Department of Rural Development and Land Reform 15. DAFF – Food Safety and Quality Assurance 16. Department of Communication 17. PPECB – Perishable Products Export Control Board 18. Shiviti 19. Department of Agriculture – Limpopo 20. Mopani District Municipality 21. CIS – Giyani 22. Giyani Fire Department (Fig 6.) FAO: Food Security recognition Award winners (Group), from left, Mr Lot Mlati (FAO representation) 23. Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and the two ladies represents Macena Community and Pfukani Community garden and on the right hand side is Ms Rosebud Kurwijila-FAO representatives. 24. Department of Health – Malaria Control 25. Department of Health and Social Development Individual 26. DAFF – Plant Health 1. Winner: Mr Solomon Chavalala 2. Runner-Up: Mr James Manganyi

(Fig. 7.) FAO - Food Security Recognition Award Winners (Fig 5.) Exhibitions by various Social Clusters Department and NGO’s

4 World Food Day—Report 2009 World Food Day—Report 2009 5 7. Media partners and coverage 8. Speeches/Key note addresses

7.1 Electronic Media The 2009 World Food Day was covered extensively by various media houses, this started with an Inter- view Agri – TV with the Director: Food Security. He outlined the importance of this day, the need for a joint effort by all stakeholders to fi ght hunger, adverse poverty, chronic malnutrition and food insecurity in South Africa.

7.2 An SABC combo was also procured for the 16th October, which included • Mungana Lonene FM • Thobela FM • Phalaphala FM

7.3 Print Media In order for the 2009 WFD message to reach a larger audience, through GCIS – Government Com- munication and Information Services, Daily Sun was chosen as a national media partner based on their readership level and that it covers most rural areas. (Fig 8.) Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries delivered her key note address, she acknowledged the presents of FAO representatives: Ms Rosebud Kureijila from left hand In Limpopo, the Department of Agriculture (communication) placed an advert in Tsonga and English in side, First Lady Ms Sizakele Makhumalo-Zuma, and on the right hand side is Limpopo Premier: Mr Cassel the local newspaper namely: Mathale.

• Daily Sun – National coverage The Minister delivered a key-note address during this year’s 30th anniversary of the World Food Day, • Observer she acknowledged the presents of FAO representatives: Ms Rosebud Kureijila, Fisrt Lady Ms Sizakele Makhumalo –Zuma and Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale (Fig 8). She reiterated a message by the FAO • Review that there is a need for increased awareness on issues related to chronic hunger, malnutrition food inse- • Capricorn Voice curity and global food problems. With Africa being one of the wealthiest continent, with rich vegetation, • Informant livestock, wildlife, fertile land for agricultural purposes, this then calls for more efforts in addressing food insecurity through policy review and implementation. • Seipone • Northern Zone News With the global fi nancial crisis, more demand for staple food and for the world to produce more food to feed about 6 billion people. The climate change and global warming had an adverse effect on agricul- • Balaodi News Limpopo Regional Newspapers tural production (wheat production) and fl ash fl oods that damaged and destroyed crops. • Northern Media Group In her speech, the Minister outlined DAFF’s approach in responding to communal needs and the need • Friday Main to move away from emerging farmer mentality to a more business-like approach of having categorised • The Voice Press enterprises into:

• Nation Light • Subsistence • Africa Face – Weekly news • Smallholder and • The Speaker • Commercial • Africa Ntshebele She further highlighted that farmers will get support through agricultural starter packs that will include • Turning Point news seeds and seedlings, fertiliser and livestock. To protect crops and livestock, DAFF roll-out the fencing • Waterberg News Limpopo Regional Newspapers project that will safeguard livestock. A buffer zone is being created in Muyexe for vegetables and crop grazing land with a roll–out of a 50 km fencing at a cost of R 3,5 million. The expected outcome will be • SA Agriculture Magazine to have a mechanism for the facilitate trade in animals and animals products within this Foot and Mouth buffer zone. The speech further reiterated that DAFF is using Comprehensive Rural Development Pro- gramme - CRDP as a key driving project. CRDP was developed to ensure integrated participation of all spheres of government to ensure improvement in livelihoods and thus reduce food insecurity of both individual households and communities.

In line with empowering the poor and hungry, a partnership has been forged between agricultural re- search institutions, local governments and provincial departments. A tower garden pilot project was

6 World Food Day—Report 2009 World Food Day—Report 2009 7 rolled out in Muyexe targeting 300 households and roll-out process is at an advanced stage. such as water, electricity supply, sanitation, telecommunication, ID application, job application. Ordinary rural South Africans through the National Address system are now able to have to their physical ad- Through this approach, a nursery and a net tunnel were erected covering 1(one) hectare to grow veg- dresses. etables. “Together we will empower rural South Africans to become participants and owners for the stimulation of agriculture forestry and aqua production in the area. During this year’s World Food Day, Mr Cassel Mathale, DAFF is showcasing this innovative approach of food production, the Minister added”. “The Limpopo Provincial Government is faced with a mammoth task of making sure that basicservices In conclusion, the Minister touched on the work that is done by our mothers (not forgetting our fathers) are available to the rural poor”, that being said the Premier Mr Cassel Mathale commended the WFD who have given time their efforts and resources to highlight the plight of the food insecure and hungry. task team on selecting Muyexe as the stage for this year’s WFD commemoration. This will further high- On the 16th October 2009, our fi rst Lady Makhumalo has been nominated as our Food Security Am- light the challenge of water availability in Muyexe. This based on the backdrop of Muyexe being selected bassador (Fig. 9); she will champion Household Food Production Programme, lobby for experiential as a pilot for the CRDP – Comprehensive Rural Development Programme. The Minister further reiter- training; infrastructural and technological development in support to households which are engaged in ated the importance of having fi nancial backing from different structures which will enable the Limpopo activities for subsistence production commodities for a more meaningful economic contribution. Provincial Government to source water to Giyani through the Nandoni Dam initiative near Thohoyandou (Vhembe).

Ms Rosebud Kurwijila, FAO Representative in South Africa

The FAO Representative in SA, Ms Rosebud Kurwijila in her speech highlighted the sad fact that about 1 billion people globally are undernourished and this is compounded by the mitigating. Circumstances such as the economic recession, increasing unemployment, retrenchments. All these factors have con- tributed to the reduced income at household level, reducing access to staple food by food insecure families.

She further indicated that the global food system was fragile and there is an increasing number ofpeople who are malnourished, which is about 100 million more than last year. This means that one in every six persons suffers from hunger every day. The global economic crisis has had negative effect on the poor, such as unemployment, reduced access to food.

Ms Kurwijila further stated that the small-scale farmers and people living in the rural areas were the hardest hit by the economic meltdown. Statistics have shown that the majority of people who are hungry and vulnerable come form the rural areas. The increase in the production inputs such as seedlings, animal feed has made it diffi cult for farmers to produce profi tably. Her concerns are the same as that of the FAO Director – General, which clearly state that there is a need for support for agricultural activities particularly in this diffi cult fi nancial crisis

(Fig 9.) Newly appointed Food Security Ambassador for South Africa, the 1st Lady Ms Sizakele “MaKhu malo” Zuma. The next hosting province The 31st World Food Day Commemoration will be celebrated in a different province next year, Gen (Ret) Siphiwe Nyanda, Minister of Communication provinces that still need to host the event are the following: Through collaboration, the Department of Communication celebrated the World Post Day. The aim of the celebration was to inform the community of the services that is offered to ordinary South African 1. Western Cape citizens living in rural areas. The Department of Communication is embarking on a number of projects 2. North West to make sure services reach the rural poor: 3. Free State and 1. National Address System; 4. Gauteng 2. The modernisation of the South African Postal Sector; 3. The economic development driver; Conclusion This year’s World Post Day theme was “Worldwide network stay connected”, this is in view of the fact that the postal services is considered part of economic development. The Minister of Communication This year marks the 30th Commemoration of the World Food Day, with an overwhelming 5000 com- told the community that his Department is aware that Muyexe does not have a Post Offi ce, which makes munity members and dignitaries who attended the event. Again the parteship with the Department of it diffi cult for the people of Muyexe and the surrounding villages to access postal services. This is further Communication as they were also celebrating World Post Day proved to be a success. With Muyexe compounded by that fact that the nearest Post Offi ce is ± 50 Km away. being the stage for the WFD, the process highlighted the water shortage problem and the need for all stakeholders to work together in making the water disaster project successful. Looking at the re- The National Address system roll-out aims to provide every citizen with a physical address in order to sults that came out of the CRDP launch, World Food Day and the World Post Day showed that there is participate fully in the socio-economic activities of the country including access to government services still a lot of work to be done in the rural communities and there is a need for an integrated approach from the services to reach the right people at the right time.

8 Food Security—Report 2008 World Food Day—Report 2009 9