To Feed the Nation, Harmony Between All Roleplayers Are Needed, Said Mr Zokwane

June 2014 DAFF Official newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

he new Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is Mr Senzeni Zokwana, who has been president of the TNational Union of Mineworkers since 2000. To feed the nation, harmony between all roleplayers are needed, said Mr Zokwane. That is why his leadership style will include dialogue with all stakeholders. Through dialogue he wants to bring stability within the agriculture industry so that all farmers can work together and keep South Africa moving. In 1984 Mr Zokwana became a Union Representative for Shafts and after that several regions representative. Therefore he brings a lot of experience of negotiating to the table. At the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation Congress in North West Province, the chairperson, Mr Flip le Roux said that farmers must not be scared of the new Minister. They must just continue farming and Mr Senzeni Zokwana. give him a fair chance.

r Bheki Cele is the new Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Founding Member for Mthe National Education Union of South Africa. He serves as a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature and a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council led by Premier J.S. Ndebele. Cele also formerly served as MEC for Transport, Com- munity Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal. He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress. Mr Cele will bring political guidance to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries ministry, his spokesperson Buyo Mkhize said. He will ensure that the mandate of the department as a whole becomes one of the economic drives in the country.

Mr Bheki Cele. Departmental Officials bid farewell to the Minister

By Samuel Kgatla

Officials from the Department of Ag- under the Minister’s riculture, Forestry and Fisheries bid leadership. He added farewell to the outgoing Minister, Ms that they went through Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Deputy many hardships but Minister, Dr Pieter Mulder. The exit with the Minister at the function was held at the ARC Head- quarters in Hatfield on 22 May. The helm they survived. He two outgoing Members of Parliament, wished the Minister well whose terms expired in May 24 2014, and promised that they have contributed immensely to the will always remember smooth running of the department. her. The Minister met the Senior Manage- The officials ex- ment Staff members to say goodbye changed pleasantries to them and thanked them for their with the Minister and assistance. her deputy. She ex- The officials decided to give these two first pressed her gratitude officials of the department a good send off towards them and the as they feel that they played a pivotal role staff members returned over the past five years. the accolades by cheer- Professor Edith Vries, Director-General of ing her. The Minister the department, urged the Minister not to thanked the depart- Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, lose her good heart. The DG stated that she Forestry and Fishers receiving a gift from Prof Edith Vries, ment for finally having Director-General, left, of DAFF had the ability to engage with the Minister the farewell function on different roles. for her. She mentioned that government is not “On the behalf of the department, we “I enjoy having this kind of farewells be- there to condemn or judge, but to help. She wish you the best and it was a privilege cause they bring closure. I can say thank you saluted the staff for carrying her heart and working with you. I want to say sorry for the and say sorry where I have failed you. With soul over the past five years. department for not telling you all the good me, right is right and wrong is wrong. It is With her at the helm of the department stories because there is not enough time to sometimes painful working with me. When during her tenure, projects such as the read everything. We also apologise where I am not angry I laugh with you. Whatever Fetsa Tlala, Service Delivery Forum and we have failed you in some ways. You have I do with my officials I do it to protect them, others were launched and prospered. Other served the sector well as you were always even though sometimes they will not under- projects were also renamed or revitalised to fighting for food security. We shall miss stand it. I gave leadership to many of you. ensure that there is greater food security in you,” she said. We do not need to destroy each other’s the country. Agricultural unions also showed Meanwhile, Ronald Ramabulana, Chief lives or laugh at the demise of others. My unity and had one voice to communicate Executive Officer of National Agricultural intention is not to destroy people’s lives but with the Minister. The department wishes Marketing Council (NAMC) also represent- to build them. I have done my best and the both the Minister and her deputy the best ed all the entities that wished the Minister atmosphere of intolerance must not take of luck as they led with commitment and could stay another five years with them. place in the department,”she said. dedication for a period of five years. He believes that many changes happened

Editor Piwe Mbiko (012) 319 6936 [email protected] DAFFnews is the newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry Reporters Thuli Dube (012) 319 7929 [email protected] and Fisheries. Private Bag X250, PRETORIA 0001. Samuel Kgatla (012) 319 7181 [email protected] It is published by the Directorate Communication Services, Private Bag Musa Khumalo (012) 319 6695 [email protected] X144, PRETORIA 0001. Innocent Mhlanga (012) 319 7827 [email protected] Rony Moremi (012) 319 6622 [email protected] Jamela Nkanyane (012) 319 6903 [email protected] Opinions expressed in DAFFnews are not necessarily those of the Mercia Smith (012) 319 6666 [email protected] editorial team. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced or Interns Hellen Phushela (012) 319 7819 [email protected] transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, Dineo Makgato (012) 319 6958 [email protected] Subeditor Lerato Mofokeng (012) 319 7927 [email protected] recording or any information storage or retrieval system without prior Distribution Pam Sutherland (012) 319 7104 [email protected] permission from the editor. Website: www.daff.gov.za

2 June 2014 DAFFnews No. 6 Departmental Results on evaluation of Veterinary Services

The Department of Agriculture, For- specific interventions. industries. estry and Fisheries will publicise the The South African Veterinary Services Following issues pertaining to the FMD findings of an evaluation on the na- has over a number of years managed outbreak in the Jozini area of KwaZulu- tional Veterinary Services conducted major animal disease issues and events Natal in 2011 and avian influenza in the by the World Organization for Animal which impacted on the industry and Oudtshoorn district in the Western Cape, Health (OIE) Performance of Veteri- economy of the country. A ban on the South Africa requested the OIE to con- nary Services evaluation team. export of red meat, following an outbreak duct the PVS evaluation. This request was After studying the recommendations, of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in 2011 endorsed by the Parliamentary Portfolio DAFF is convinced about the accuracy was imposed. However, after coping with Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and of the information and sees the need to the challenges, South Africa regained Fisheries, reflecting the high priority of im- inform the public of the findings of the its official FMD-free zone status on 14 proving the national Veterinary Services. evaluation. February 2014. South Africa takes into consideration The evaluation, authorised by the World The ostrich industry also suffered an the OIE PVS evaluation findings in the Organization for Animal Health, was con- outbreak of avian influenza and is facing development of a high-level veterinary ducted in October 2012 to ensure that the challenges in trying to control the disease. strategy in order to improve the Veterinary national Veterinary Services achieved their Diseases such as classical swine fever, Services. The stakeholders and members objectives and were able to comply with avian influenza, and Rift Valley fever also of the public can access the OIE Report the OIE international standards. The OIE illustrate the challenges that the South Af- on www.daff.gov.za. The department will has developed a PVS Pathway. The PVS rican Veterinary Services is experiencing. be hosting the OIE PVS mission towards Pathway is designed to assist Veterinary Endemic livestock diseases, including the end of June 2014. Services to determine the baseline of per- tick borne diseases (heartwater, redwater, Owing to the time restrictions, the team formance and identify gaps in their ability anaplasmosis, etc.), lumpy-skin disease, proposed that the Department hosts a to comply with OIE international stand- sheep scab, Newcastle disease, blue- workshop with stakeholders where two ards. The Performance Veterinary Services tongue and others, continue to have a representatives per organisation will be Pathway comprises an “Evaluation”, “Gap significant impact on farmers and livestock allowed to attend this workshop. analysis” and ongoing support for country

No. 6 DAFFnews June 2014 3 Departmental Study tour of Swaziland delegates in South Africa

The Department of Agriculture, For- ments to date and the further plans of want to convert. ”CA is the best way to go estry and Fisheries (DAFF) in collabo- the NCATF. The role players involved in for sustainable agricultural development ration with the FAO hosted a study tour NCATF are DAFF, FAO, ARC, organised and to sustain our livelihood, and it is eco- for Swaziland delegates on Conserva- agriculture, input suppliers, civil society nomically viable” said the farmers in con- tion Agriculture from 24 to 28 March organisations (farmers’ club and associa- clusion. We hope that our children will use 2014.The purpose of the study tour was knowledge sharing and exchange tions), NGOs (the EcoPort Foundation and this sustainable conservation agriculture in of information on Conservation Agri- the CA Academy) and all nine provinces their farming units and we thank the FAO culture between Swaziland and South form part of the NCAFT forum. The forum that has given us an opportunity on how Africa. has developed a national CA strategy with to implement this method of farming. With In attendance were delegates from Swa- a vision to have secure food in Swaziland, practical implication and outcome of CA ziland, LUSM officials, the FAO, Ministry environmentally friendly farming practices farmers in the country are enthusiastic.” of Agriculture Swaziland. It was evident and access to markets. CA is the best way to go for sustainable that the Swaziland government has taken The Swaziland farmers remarked on agricultural development and to sustain a huge role in spreading and capacitating the progress of CA adoption in their per- our livelihood, and it is economically vi- farmers in the adoption of Conservation spective, stating that CA has changed the able” said the farmers in conclusion. The Agriculture (CA). Although agriculture in economic pattern and is producing higher LUSM official made a comment that policy Swaziland is mainly practiced by women, yields for their livelihood. Because of the alignment will be adopted by the extension young people are not enthusiastic about practical implication and outcome of CA, officers to create a platform for farmers to agriculture. Nonetheless, the launch of the farmers in the country are enthusiastic and practise CA. Swaziland CA Task Force in 2006 brought interest among farmers to convert from traditional tillage to CA or no-till as they call it. The study tour started in KwaZulu-Natal where the visitors were exposed to CA in South Africa. The delegates were further taken to Mpumalanga also to demonstrate the progress and give scope on CA in South Africa and to exchange information on the principles of CA as well. The CA farmers presented on the challenges of converting to no-till and highlighted the benefits, mentioning doubled carbon aeration in the soil, increased production and reduced production costs, just to mention a few. The Eden Equip representative made a presentation on CA equipment suitable for smallholder farmers and commercial purposes. He further elaborated on the advantages and disadvantages of CA and conventional agriculture. Ms Khwene also a delivered a presentation on the status of Swaziland delegates with the LUSM officials during the Conservation Agriculture CA in South Africa, its inception, achieve- study tour.

4 June 2014 DAFFnews No. 6 Departmental National Agricultural Research Forum (NARF) Plenary Meeting

The Department of Agriculture, For- portunities for research in the agriculture entailed the commitment of DAFF to estry and Fisheries (DAFF) through the sector . research and development, the need to National Agricultural Research Forum Mr Andile Hawes, the Deputy Direc- grow and develop the sector, as well as to (NARF) hosted the 9th NARF Plenary tor- General Policy, Planning, Monitoring strengthen the national and international Meeting at the CSIR International Con- collaborations and partnerships to achieve vention Centre on 27 May 2014. and Evaluation in the Department of sector goals. The highlight of the event was the intro- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries gave a Dr Joseph Sebola, in giving the Secre- duction of the Research and Technology keynote address on behalf of the Director tariat’s report, gave an overview of the Fund, established by the DAFF as a require- - General, Prof. Edith Vries. The address fund; discussing its pur- ment from the National pose, and stressed that it Agricultural Research is an important milestone and Development Strat- achieved by the NARF. egy (NARDS, 2008). Mr Sebola emphasised that Hugh Campbell, the In- through the Research terim Chairperson of the and Technology Fund, NARF gave an overview DAFF will be able to of the achievements and optimise resourcing for challenges the NARF research and also im- faced since the last ple- prove funding mech- nary meeting held in anisms that leverage 2008, and affirmed the on industry funding. He fact that it was the view covered the principles of of the Steering Commit- the fund, project criteria, tee throughout that a funding models and the Plenary meeting should expected outcomes. The only be convened once Plenary meeting also re- there was substantial ceived a presentation on progress on funding for the Research Agenda and the National Research Priorities for implementa- and Development Strat- tion through the RTF. egy (NARDS). Another key issue on Participants from the the programme was the provincial departments Terms of Reference (ToR) of agriculture, the Agri- of the NARF. Here Dr cultural Research Coun- Sebola indicated that the cil (ARC), state - owned reason to refine the ToR entities, stakeholders in was two fold. Firstly, to the agricultural research address the amalgama- and development sector tion of agriculture, for- as well as universities, estry and fisheries into a AgriSA, Agri proces- single department, and its sors, private agricultural implication for the coordi- research organisations, nation of research in the livestock industry, hor- three sectors, and to have ticultural industry and a more formalised legal agronomy industry were tone to the document. all keen to know more The meeting was well about the newly created received and had fulfilled research fund and op- its objectives.

No. 6 DAFFnews June 2014 5 Departmental Wildfires Veldfires Wildfires Veldfires Wildfires Veldfires Wildfires Veldfires Preventing veld fires during winter

Land users and farmers are advised develop firebreaks and places an onus on to exercise extreme caution to prevent landowners to be prepared and equipped veld fires during winter. Wildfires are to fight a fire and to take all reasonable a regular occurrence in South Africa. steps to stop the spread of fire. Firebreaks Every year during the fire season, do not replace the obligation to fight fires, the news contains stories of wildfires sweeping through the country. said, Mr Kosie van Zyl from AgriSA. Veld fires bring so much devastation to Chapter 2 of the Act regulates the communities in terms of loss of livelihood, establishment, registration, duties and livestock, infra-structure and human lives. functioning of Fire Protection Associations Everyone must be wise when dealing with (FPA’s). These associations must deal with open fires and when operating machinery. all aspects of veld fires, such as prevention The dryness of the vegetation, coupled with and fire fighting, where farmers can play the effect of winds creates perfect condi- an active role in managing and planning of fire management collectively, with tions for runaway veld fires. to give loans, grants or other assistance co-ownership of the risk management During winter, veld fires are a serious to: process. threat to the agricultural sector and farm- • Any fire protection association for any It has been noted that since the prom- ers are urged to take note of risk reduction of its activities, and ulgation of the Act, a concerted effort measures by ensuring that fire equipment • Any owner who prepares a firebreak were made by private land owners to are at all times easily accessible and in in terms of section 14 and in doing comply with the Act. For this they must good condition. so incurs expenses in excess of what be congratulated. However, all farmers South Africa has large grasslands, he would reasonably expect to incur if are encouraged, especially in those areas savannahs and forests and is particularly the boundary of his land coincide with where veld fires are almost a yearly oc- prone to fires since all the elements and that of the Republic. currence, to participate fully in the FPA’s, sources of fire ignition and spread of veld What is important though is that the Act where the overall risk would be managed fires are there. allows for flexibility in using firebreaks by: properly and it would enable all to mitigate In analysing the National Veld and Forest • Leaving standards to local decision, the general risk of fire spread. Act 1998, (No.101 of 1998), it provides • Allowing give-and-take on boundaries Chapter 2, section 7 allows the Minister a statutory obligation to all landowners to in terms of section 12, • Allowing the Minister to make exemp- tions in terms of Section 15 and the Minister may delegate this, • Allowing FPA’s to make their own strategies and rules, which would include fire prevention planning through measures such as firebreaks, and • Requiring firebreaks only where there is a risk of fire spreading from a property. It is compulsory for owners of State and municipal land to belong to an FPA where an association like this has been formed. It is also necessary for each Government Department which owns land to engage in the formation of an FPA. Landowners, including municipalities and structures of State, should allocate a percentage of annual funding for the to p 7

6 June 2014 DAFFnews No. 6 Departmental Wildfires Veldfires Wildfires Veldfires Wildfires Veldfires Wildfires Veldfires Working on Fire

The Working on Fire Programme (WoF), funded by the Government, is one of South Africa’s most successful poverty alleviation, job creation and community uplifting initiatives. Through the programme young men and women are recruited and trained as skilled, Wildland Firefighters to be deployed throughout the country to reduce the personal and economic harm caused by unwanted wildfires. There are currently more than 3 000 people deployed at more than 100 WoF bases across South Africa. WoF hotshot crew members are recruited from disadvantaged communities and deployed – where possible – at bases close to their homes. Throughout their time in the programme the Wildland Firefighters are offered opportunities to attend courses to from p 6 improve their skills. purpose of strengthening and improving economic and environmental assets, When they are not fighting unwanted vigilance, response actions and recovery diverse fire management priorities of the wild - or veld fires or implementing inte- efforts that include people. Costs could be major role players, remote and mountain- grated fire management initiatives, such as divided into direct and indirect rehabilita- ous terrain and unpredictable weather all burning fire breaks and clearing fuel loads, tion costs and additional expenses. contribute to these complexities, said Mr these highly trained Wildland Firefighters Training remains critical to the success Van Zyl. work in local communities, helping rural of FPA’s. Implementing the integrated fire Full compliance is needed by the ma- people and school learners to understand management plan for South Africa repre- jority of land owners and communities to fire and to appreciate the potential ben- sents a complex challenge. The mosaic reduce and enhance proper management efits of responsible custodianship of their of fuel hazards, the distribution of social of veld fire in our country. environment.

What you should do when Requirements for fire breaks

veldfire approaches • Every property must have a • Make decisions early – carry out the planned response - evacuate or stay? system of fire breaks in place. • Dress in protective clothing • The fire breaks must be on the • Move livestock to safer locations boundaries of the property • Listen to radio for news unless there is an exemption • Wet garden and house especially on the side of the approaching fire granted by the Minister or an • Stop gutters and fill with water agreement with an adjoining • Fill bath, buckets, dust bins with water in case water supply fails and have landowner that the fire breaks mops handy be must located somewhere • Seal any gaps between doors and floor using wet towels or similar items else. • Close house and screens of the windows • The breaks must be sufficient • When the fire arrives, go indoors and remain there until the fire front has to control the spread of wild- passed. fires. • Take fire hoses and other firefighting equipment indoors with you. • Fire breaks may not be burnt • Patrol house interior and also check the roof cativy to extinguish any small during times when there is a fires high fire risk. • Remain vigilant after the fire front has passed

No. 6 DAFFnews June 2014 7 Departmental NSG and Vaal University of Technology Collaboration yield positive results The National School of Government plication of research results. Furthermore, exposure that made them aware of the has an expanded role to play in de- it prepares participants for the challenges dynamics of being a manager in the public veloping the capacity of the State, that they are likely to encounter as man- service. “The programme is on point; it particularly in order to support the agers. confronts our day to day challenges at developmental state. The entire programme of EDP consists of work. The sessions were interactive be- The School is responsible for the provi- ten modules but the Certificate in Execu- cause it was an opportunity to exchange sion of quality education, training and tive Leadership is made up of the following ideas and share experiences with other development (ETD) that empowers all six core modules: departments. When you implement the public servants and public sector officials • Strategic Planning and Management learning experiences you find them to be to learn, grow and serve in support of • Finance Management and Budget- helpful in our respective scope of work” Government’s transformation agenda. As ing Mr Gadudu said. outlined in the Human Resource Develop- • Strategic Human Resource Manage- Mr Gadudu further encouraged department Strategy for South Africa (HRD-SA ment ments to allow those that have attended 2010-2013) and the National Devel- • Leadership for Good Governance the EDP to implement what they have opment Plan Vision 2030, a collective • Policy Formulation and Implementa- been taught. “I believe if we can be given contribution is urgently required to make tion the space to take the theory we have been credible interventions that will accelerate • Programme and Project Manage- taught to the actual workplace, this would progress towards achieving South African’s ment benefit the public service greatly as de- development goals. The NSG is a critical The four additional modules are elected partmental performance can also improve role player in mobilising strategic partner- by participants who intend to apply for in the long run”, said Mr Gadudu. ships to build and enhance requisite skills enrolment into the relevant Masters pro- Mr Victor Serakalala, Deputy Direc- and capabilities. gramme of VUT. The additional modules tor: Policy Development at the national As such, the partnership between Na- are: Department of Correctional Services was tional School of Government (NSG) and • Communication and Customer Fo- also a graduate on the programme. Mr Vaal University of Technology (VUT) pro- cused Strategies Serakalala, who is visually impaired, didn’t duced positive results. This was witnessed • Leading Change allow his disability to impede him from when officials from different government • Research Methodology completing the programme. When asked departments graduated in the Post Gradu- • South African Economy in a Global which programme module captivated him, ate Certificate on Executive Development Context he indicated that Strategic Management Programme (EDP) on the 09th of April Overall, the EDP is mainly a skills pro- module enlightened his understanding, 2014 at VUT, Vanderbijl Park Campus. gramme hence the public departments concepts and application of prescripts as The EDP is one of National School of may enrol participants for each module required from him as a manager. Government’s flagship leadership devel- depending on the required skills. “This programme rejuvenated me, it en- opment interventions aimed at enhancing Since 2011 to date, the VUT and NSG hanced my finance knowledge, monitoring the capacity of public service leaders in hosted six graduation ceremonies with ap- and evaluation and project management. a dynamic, democratic, developmental proximately 220 learners that successfully I applied what I learnt on the programme state. The EDP is a one year programme completed the programme. and I found it to be working for me.” Mr tailor-made primarily for Senior Managers The sixth annual graduation ceremony Sarakala elaborates. and for specially identified Middle Manag- had participants from the Departments Since the EDP was rolled out in full ers working in the Public Service, who are of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, in 2009, senior managers in the public central in strategic decision making within International Relations and Coopera- service correctly identify the Executive departments. The programme is aligned tion, Correctional Services, Cooperative Development Programme (EDP) as an to the Senior Management Service (SMS) Governance and Traditional Affairs, Tour- indispensable intervention for their leader- competency framework, and aims to equip ism, Labour, South African Social Security ship and professional development. Over participants with necessary knowledge Services, Transport and National Develop- the five years, more than 680 managers and skills to perform effectively as senior ment Agency. One of the graduates, Mr have graduated at different ceremonies managers and team leaders in the public Sandile Kenneth Gadudu from National held in association with the Vaal University service.. It is also aimed at enhancing Department of Tourism, indicated that the capabilities in research, analysis, and ap- to p 9 programme was such a good platform and

8 June 2014 DAFFnews No. 6 Departmental Legalising the trade in rhino will not be a bad move for South Africa

Have you ever seen the famous big five? Lions stalking their prey? Have you watched a buffalo strolling to a waterhole with the strength and size that makes it more likely to kill a human than most other mammals. The black rhino is famous for with its extraordinary horns and vicious temper. Leopards are known for their beauty, speed and remarkable hunting skills. It is time for you and your families to go and see the “big four” before only three remain. I am saying four with a broken heart myself because I never had a chance to see the complete big five. At some point, it will be traumatic to see the last, prob- ably dehorned, rhino, so I will rather go for four. According to the WESSA Rhino Initiative, about 227 rhinos have been poached since the beginning of 2014. Bear in mind that it is only April now. In 2013, the number of dehorned rhinos was estimated at approximately 1 004, in 2012 or the other, rhino poaching will continue, people are. So it is up to our government it was 668, 2011 was 448 and in 2010 it not that it is encouraged but that is how to legalise the trade and benefit from it. was about 333. Whoever said that prevention is better than cure was right. The only way to decrease rhino poaching is through legalising the trade in rhino horns. This will NSG and Vaal University reduce the unsafe poaching that people do almost every day. It is still the same, with or without legalizing dehorning, peo- of Technology ple will continue doing it. It will therefore be much more simple and beneficial to legalise the trade. from p 8 The New Age featured an article stating that the market value of a rhino horn is presently between R200 000 and of Technology (VUT), the North West Uni- University certificate ceremony will take R300 000 a kilogramme and, surpris- versity (NWU), and the Nelson Mandela place on 19 May 2014 and the Mandela ingly, horn that weighs 5 kg might have Metropolitan University (NMMU). More Metropolitan University graduation cer- the potential value of R1 million. If rhinos students are still expected to graduate on emony will be on 29 May 2014. can be dehorned in a proper manner, the the programme during the month of May, All managers employed in the public horn can grow back to its original length which will mark yet another cohort of suc- service and interested in the programme in two years time. cessful learners comprising of managers can call NSG contact centre for more It does not help to sit and do nothing from various provinces. The North West information on 012 441 6777. while one of our greatest wild animals becomes extinct. There is no cure for HIV and Aids but people are taking ARVS to support their immune systems. One way

No. 6 DAFFnews June 2014 9 Sector Farmers asked for help with Inkberry

Inkberry is a weed which can cost 3) Full farm description eg. farmers dearly if their stock consumes Subdiv 1, thus Rietpan 123 it. It has been declared a weed in ac- 4) District cordance with Regulation 15 (1) of the 5) Farm size Control Measures, which was prom- 6) Hectares infested with Inkberry ulgated in accordance with Section 6 (1) of the Conservation of Agricultural 7) Number of livestock lost due to Ink- Resources Act, 1983 (Act 43 of 1983) berry poisoning (CARA), and must be controlled. The information can be sent to the fol- Inkberry is an evergreen shrub or tree lowing e-mail address - KefilweD@daff. growing 1-2m high, but reaching 15m gov.za. Information on Inkberry is avail- or more along the coastal regions. This able on the departmental website www. poisonous plant has lance-shaped leaves daff.gov.za. so that the extent of the Inkberry problem and greenish-yellow, tube-shaped flowers, Farmers can also obtained more infor- in the Free State can be determined and which appear from October to May. mation on the website: www.agis.agric. brought under control if needed. The Department of Agriculture in the Free za/agisweb/wip or by using Google and The following information is needed: State requested Free State Agriculture’s typing in Cestrum laevigatum. 1) Land User/Owner name members to assist this office with a survey 2) Contact number Launch of Conservation Agriculture and Agro-forestry Forum

The Limpopo Conservation Agriculture land degradation is accelerating at a very and Agro-forestry Forum was launched high level because of poor soil manage- on 27March 2014, at Masana Lodge in ment practices. It is therefore believed that Polokwane, Limpopo. The launch was the integration of these two practices will attended by DAFF (LUSM), FAO, LDA, feed the nation at same time conserving Mvula Trust, Smallholder Timber Rep- our arable land and natural resources. resentatives, Natural Greening and Several studies show that under canopy/ World Agro-forestry Center. trees high yields of maize are achieved The ceremony was hosted by the compared to no tree plantation. Limpopo Department of Agriculture in LCAAF aims to link CA with programmes partnership with Department of Agricul- of the department to ensure the achieve- ture, Forestry and Fisheries and Food and ment of sustainable agriculture based Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a way on CA principles. The principal objective of promoting conservation agriculture in of the LCAAF is to create a platform for agro-forestry. The integration of conserva- information sharing, soil conservation tion agriculture and agro-forestry aims to techniques and ensure the promotion and address land degradation, which is esti- adoption of CA in the province. It was mated to be 75% owing to poor manage- concluded that there is a need for capacity ment of natural resources; and promote building for farmers and extension officers sustainable agriculture, food security and to manage and for better adoption of the create ongoing and sustainable employ- integrated system. ment for future generations. The rate of

10 June 2014 DAFFnews No. 6 Sector Transformation, growth, progress and partnership

Transformation, growth, dynamism, to unleash the full potential of Africa’s commitment to the continent’s women and progress and partnership: these con- agricultural sector, which provides employ- young people. I express my solidarity with cepts are central to the African Union’s ment to two out of every three Africans. By the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls narrative as it embarks on the second processing commodities and using other in Borno State, Nigeria, along with the half of its first centennial. This is the means to add value, we can help develop country’s government and people, and message of the Secretary-General of rural areas, create jobs and empower pledge to work for their safe return. the FAO on Africa Day. people while ensuring food security. Africa is achieving admirable growth, Agriculture and food security—the I encourage Africa’s leaders and their however, social and economic inequali- theme of this year’s Africa Day—will be partners to advance these aims. The United ties are on the increase. Greater equity critical. More countries are investing in Nations will continue to accelerate our presents a mutual challenge to the entire agriculture, while donors have pledged to push to reach the Millennium Development continent and can help foster peace and increase funding and technical assistance. Goals and to ensure that Africa’s priori- stability. Conflict prevention and the peace- I am especially alarmed by the high risk of ties, as expressed in the Common African ful settlement of disputes through dialogue famine in South Sudan, where the lack of a Position, are reflected in the post-2015 and mediation are critical to realising the genuine cessation of hostilities may cause development agenda. goal to end all wars in Africa by 2020. farmers to miss the planting season. I also call on Africa’s leaders to partici- The United Nations will maintain a My Zero Hunger Challenge initiative pate in the Climate Summit I will convene strong partnership with the African Union aims at upscaling efforts to eliminate hun- in September to galvanise action toward a as we pursue peace, sustainable develop- ger through sustainable agriculture and meaningful new climate agreement. Africa ment, democracy and human rights. On food systems. The observance of 2014 as is among the regions that are most vulner- this Africa Day, let us pledge to continue the International Year of Family Farming able to the effects of climate change, and I standing with the people and leaders of aims to mobilise support for smallholder fully support the continent’s leaders as they Africa as they advance on the path to a farmers, especially women, who contribute engage on this critical issue. more peaceful, prosperous and sustain- so much to Africa’s food security. Africa Day is also a moment to reaffirm able future. At the same time, we must do more The Ruminant Veterinary Association of SA During the recent congress of the Live- pany, it will function as a group of the stock Health and Production Group South African Veterinary Association. (LHPG) of the South African Veterinary • The main business of the Association Association (SAVA) held in Skukuza is to adopt a leadership and guidance during June, the following decisions role for veterinary issues relating to were taken during the annual general livestock with a particular emphasis meeting. on ruminant populations to ensure • To comply with the demands of the food security and safety and to sup- King 3 commission, a Memorandum port related enterprises and systems of Incorporation (MOI) was approved, wherein owners derive benefits. replacing the old constitution. • Disease prevalence and disease con- • The name of the group will also trol by veterinaries throughout South change to The Ruminant Veterinary Africa are reported in the agricultural Association of South Africa. (Ru- media every month. VASA) Enquiries: Dr Faffa Malan • Although the association is a com- Tel 082 908 8666

No. 6 DAFFnews June 2014 11 Sector Sheep shearing an appealing career

The art of shearing sheep is growing ever popular among the youth, with more and more school children and young people considering it as a career move. Izak Klopper, manager of shear training at the National Wool Growers Association (NWKV), says since 1994 they host com- petitions for school children and students studying at universities and colleges as part of promoting the skill in the country. The Free State Sheep Shearing and internationally. Some of the shearers do Botha, chairperson of the Federation of Wool Handling Competition took place so well that they are able to start their Sheer Shear, says they want to streamline at the Trompsburg Agriculture Expo during own businesses after a few years of work, the sheapm shearing to make it the indus- April, with many children who took part or they able to buy their own farms with try more professional. in their category. Klopper says interest in their savings. Klopper describes sheep shearing as a these skills has increased over the past According to Herman Archer, NWKV wonderful career which offers an individual two years. representative on the Free State Agriculture a chance to work their magic depending Various shearing teams have been Young Farmer Committee, the growing on how hard he or she works. Competi- started to offer youth who want to develop popularity can also be attributed to the tions take place on a regular basis at their skills and follow it as a career, the fact that South Africa’s use of shearers venues like BloemShow or the Nampo help to utilise the opportunities offered from Lesotho is being limited. Hendrik Harvest-day. Agbiz Congress

The Agbiz Congress 2014 will be held them”, the Agbiz Congress will feature a and necessary. from 28-29 August 2014 at the Lord comprehensive programme focusing on Shared economic growth and food Charles Hotel in Somerset West. This threats, risks and opportunities brought security imperatives are driving policy and prestigious congress of the Agricultural about by major shifts in the socio-political legislation development on an unprec- Business Chamber (Agbiz) is one of the and economic power dynamics across the edented scale, while economic considera- major events on the food, feed, fibre and wine sectors’ agenda in South globe, and how to manage them. tions and consumer demands are also Africa. These significant shifts in the power dy- driving agro-food system development in Congress delegates consist of CEO’s, namics across the globe have resulted in a particular direction. senior executives and board members of a multipolar growth world, with changed The question is thus not whether these the majority of South African agribusi- dynamics and structural stresses in both major shifts will or are happening, but it nesses. The event is one of the premier the Developed Market (DM) and Emerging is about identifying the threats, risks and agribusiness networking opportuni- Market (EM) countries. opportunities these shifts bring, and how ties where business leaders and policy South Africa is not immune to these you manage them. makers meet to shape the future of the dynamics and challenges, and even has For more information and to register for South African agribusiness industry. additional transformation imperatives that this congress, please go to: http://www. Themed: “Shifts Happen! - Manage make fundamental society shifts inevitable agbiz.co.za/congress-2014.

12 June 2014 DAFFnews No. 6