Two months after taking office, Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp stated that his main goal is to ensure sector growth, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen biosecurity.
In an exclusive interview with Food For Mzansi editor Tiisetso Manoko, Aucamp detailed the necessity of strictly implementing the Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), seeking new trade partners, addressing outdated infrastructure issues, and collaborating with other departments and organized agriculture to tackle rural problems.
Aucamp noted that AAMP requires faster implementation because it is a living document that can undergo changes as work progresses. He emphasized his readiness for all stakeholders to gather at the negotiating table to discuss necessary changes and ensure they are positive.
He believes that increasing the pace of plan implementation will allow for greater progress, especially considering its value as a starting point for developing export strategies and biosecurity measures. Therefore, initiating its implementation is mandatory.
The disease control situation is developing successfully. Aucamp stated that the current swine fever outbreak is the largest in the country. By the end of June, 13.5 million vaccines had been imported, with another 10 million vaccines planned for delivery to South Africa in July and August.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of implemented plans. Increased private sector participation contributes to the increased supply of vaccines. Previously, there was an issue with vaccine availability, but this problem has now been resolved. In the event of new outbreaks, the government bears responsibility for vaccinating areas where people lack appropriate conditions or financial means.
Aucamp noted that there is a tendency for people to act proactively, without waiting for government intervention or the onset of disease in their areas.
The Minister reported discussions with the Chinese ambassador. China expressed willingness to purchase meat from the country provided that compliance with biosecurity measures is demonstrated in specific regions. Biosecurity, according to Aucamp, begins directly on the farms, and farmers must adhere to conditions that ensure farms meet biosecurity requirements.
He stressed the link between trade and biosecurity. If swine fever outbreak zones can be cleared within four to six months by fully vaccinating animals and ensuring no new outbreaks, the country can guarantee the safety of its meat products for importing countries.
Nevertheless, this will require joint efforts from all parties. Companies in the Middle East are already purchasing products, and desert countries like Jordan have markets; only strict measures against swine fever need to be introduced.
The first step is acknowledging the serious infrastructure problem. Aucamp pointed out that the quality of roads, especially in rural communities, including potholes and verges, has long been neglected. Farmers have to navigate potholes when transporting produce to market, and port infrastructure is also inefficient.
There are also issues with railway networks that require attention. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the productivity of meetings with colleagues in the cabinet. He held discussions with the ministries of transport, water supply, sanitation, and public works, stating that issues concerning the agricultural sector are being discussed and plans are being developed to improve the industry's functioning.
Aucamp acknowledged that attacks on farms, killings, and cattle theft are realities. Previously, as a member of the Agricultural Portfolio Committee, he received reports on farm security. He confirmed that killings and attacks are real, but considers the level of violence accompanying these attacks excessive. He emphasized that every attack or killing of a farmer threatens food security and jobs in the country.
He firmly believes that farm attacks should be declared a priority crime so that the police can dedicate more effort and resources to preventing such incidents, acting not only reactively but also proactively.