Industry body Agri SA has welcomed Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen’s appointment as the new Agriculture Minister, as well as Mzwanele Nyhontso’s appointment as Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, with these departments having been separated as respective ministries.

“These appointments come at a critical juncture and we are confident that under their leadership the agriculture sector will thrive and continue to be a cornerstone of the economy,” says Agri SA CEO Johann Kotzé.

Agri SA reiterates the importance of addressing three critical areas that are vital for the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation, including improving productivity, sustainability and profitability, towards food security.

By improving these factors, social stability across the country can also improve, the entity states.

Kotzé adds that increased exports, the pursuit of new markets and enhanced competitiveness can ensure that the agriculture sector continues to support the economy, while Agri SA will also continue to promote policies and practices that protect and enhance natural resources to ensure long-term viability of the sector.

The Agricultural Research Council has also welcomed the new appointments.

It says Steenhuisen is likely to promote sustainable agricultural practices, provide robust support for smallholder farmers and bolster efforts toward food security.

Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa chief economist Wandile Sihlobo comments that the current policies need to be maintained regardless of new appointments in the Ministries.

He mentions that the Agriculture and Agroprocessing Master Plan should still be seen as the overarching plan to be implemented for the sector to drive it forward, particularly to create new jobs.

The Master Plan’s success hinges on the release of 2.5-million hectares of land within State holdings to beneficiaries, a Ministerial special task team’s work to provide action plans to implement regarding animal health, the resolution of delays and backlogs in the Registrar’s office, the improved efficiency of ports for exports, improved irrigation water actions and water infrastructure management, and more effectively dealing with rural crime such as stock theft.

Developments in science, such as improved seed varieties, should also not be neglected, Sihlobo advises.

He concludes that more effective municipal service delivery could also greatly assist farmers with international competitiveness and job creation through improved infrastructure maintenance and management.