Jozi’s Region G launches its own farmers’ forum

12 October 2015

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Region G, which has no major economic base but boasts vast tracts of undeveloped and vacant land, has established a farmers’ forum to harness the area’s agricultural potential and help transform it into a viable and sustainable economic hub.

 

The forum, which essentially gives emerging farmers an important voice, was launched at the Ennerdale Civic Centre on Friday October 9. The launch was attended by more than 150 farmers.

 

The forum forms part of Regional Director Mickey Padiachee’s mission to involve all sectors – including agriculture, retail and wholesale – in the economic renaissance of one of the most unequal regions in Johannesburg. Region G includes areas such as Rietfontein, Orange Farm, ThulaMntwana, Lehae, Lawley, Elandsfontein and Lenasia.

 

“This is the beginning. I’m appealing to you not to let this be a talk shop. Join us to get this region right,” Padiachee said at the launch.

 

“I believe in action and talk as well as in talk and action. Our role is to help you and take care of your needs. It’s up to you to grab this opportunity. As the City we are ready to partner with you.”

 

Padiachee said the critical question confronting members was how to make themselves better farmers by grabbing opportunities the City would make available.

 

“We also need to improve our communication lines, which is why I say we need to meet again in three months’ time to evaluate progress,” he said.

 

Boss Legwale, the forum’s Chairperson, said emerging farmers in Region D had, until now, been largely disorganised, operated in silos and made uncoordinated approaches to the City.

 

Some of the challenges Legwale mentioned included:

• Creating an enabling environment for high productivity;

• Inward-looking development to lead to a competent farming community; and

• Legislation, pest disease control, etc

 

He urged farmers to begin looking at themselves as entrepreneurs. He said they would, however, have to overcome challenges such as the lack of access to funding, acquisition of seed and fertiliser, water and electricity infrastructure and equipment. He said he hoped the City would be a valuable partner that would help to turn these challenges into opportunities.

 

Ntsoako Mabasa, the Area-Based Manager of the City’s Department of Social Development, described the launch as “a step in the right direction”. He urged all members to make it work and not turn it into a “complaints’ forum”. Most of the emerging farmers spoke about land ownership and the need to form a marketing forum for the region.

 

Boipelo Phale, Manager of Business Development at the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, urged emerging farmers to take themselves seriously and to value their produce.