The agricultural sector, a pivotal player in the nation’s economy, is poised to receive a substantial boost in KwaZulu-Natal, thanks to the BRICS Women Business Alliance. In the face of a range of challenges, this vital industry is set to undergo a significant transformation.
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, lauded the resounding success of the two day BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference, which concluded on Monday, 21 August 2023.
Hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, the event attracted participants from Sunday, 20 August 2023.
Representatives from more than 500 women led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) spanning 18 countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, among others, convened at the conference. The gathering culminated in the signing of several partnership agreements, collectively valued in the billions of Rands. Premier Dube-Ncube underscored these agreements as strategic catalysts for economic development.
Premier Dube-Ncube expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes: “These deals are worth over R48.4 billion and over 120,000 jobs will be created across these projects. This marks a pioneering moment in our shared journey as women.”
Among the notable agreements was the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Agreement establishing a dynamic Agriculture and Energy Venture between China and South Africa.
This innovative multi dimensional project envisions the integration of a marigold plantation and processing facility with an advanced 1GW solar production plant and beef production operation. With a value exceeding R45 billion, this venture is set to span an extensive 3,000-hectare land parcel.
It should be noted that marigolds attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and this is in turn extremely beneficial for growing edibles such as squash and tomatoes, both of which are staples to the South African diet. This plantation will prove to be highly important for farmers growing crops in this vicinity.
While the exact location of the land parcel remains undisclosed, expectations run high for the positive impact this investment will have on the province.
Peet Liebenberg of AfriForum Newcastle welcomed the economic infusion, stating, “Any economic injection is positive. Although I’m not sure how local farmers will be affected. But, if the beef production works like a feeding lot, it can benefit not only local farmers but all farmers.”
Addressing concerns about employment, Liebenberg emphasised the potential for job creation and its implications for the local populace and economy. “People may have the idea that China wants to exploit South Africa, but if this is a genuine effort, it will be positive,” Liebenberg concluded.
However, Newcastle wheat farmer Bertie Pretorius added that the way he understood the agreement between China and South Africa, is that local farmers would not benefit greatly, as the beef production would be focused more on farmers around the province who deal with export.
As for the marigold plantation, he said, “The marigold plantation’s success will depend on the area where it is set up. For example, I focus on wheat and I can get corn right, but Vryheid farmers struggle with it.”
Speaking on local challenges, Pretorius explained that if the government wants to support farmers, “they can look at assisting with the financial losses that farmers have to carry themselves.”
In addition to this, he pointed out that fertilisers and compost are often imported into the country, which can be a costly venture. By the government looking at regulating these costs, Pretorius said farmers could be assisted immensely.
The prospect of this investment has stirred discussions on its potential impact. Share your opinions in the comments section below.
