Monday, September 11, 2023
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, says growth in the agricultural sector signifies the importance and influence of the sector in the nation’s economy.
Didiza’s remarks advance after the latest figures released by Statistics South Africa on the Rude Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2023, showing that the agricultural sector was once again, one of the biggest contributors to the country’s economic growth.
The report showed that the agricultural sector grew by 4.2% in the second quarter of 2023, fuelled largely by a excellent summer harvest of grains, and oilseeds commodities, coupled with solid horticultural exports.
The report also showed that South Africa has, in the second quarter of 2023, exported agricultural products worth R60.2 billion, which is almost 13% higher than the corresponding period last year.
Didiza commended the agricultural sector’s continued contribution to the country’s economy, noting that currently, the country is expected to harvest 16.4 million tons of maize and about 743 000 tons of sunflower, a crop size that will bode well for consumers, as food inflation will subside.
“The growth in agriculture and its contribution to the country’s economy can be attributed to the increasing footprint of South Africa’s agricultural products in the international markets.
“This is underscored by government’s decisions to invest resources in opening recent export markets, while maintaining trade relations with existing markets,” Didiza said.
Didiza said already in July 2023, food inflation had receded to 9.9%, providing a much-needed relief to consumers.
In August 2023, the Minister secured recent export markets for avocados, beef and other animal products to countries including Saudi Arabia and China.
“The drive to open recent export opportunities will continue as government strives to grow a competitive, resilient and export-oriented agriculture,” Didiza said. – SAnews.gov.za

Divine Quasar
\”Reeeelly??\” says Van.
\”Ja\”, says the larnie. \”Check, there\’s someone up front now, I\’ll show you!\”
He starts steering towards the pedestrian, grinning from ear-to-ear, then at the last second he swerves back onto the road. But he hears a terrific \’thud\’, and he glances left to see Van closing the door.
\”What the hell, man!\’ he shouts.
\”Jirrah\” says Van, \”You need to get those sights adjusted, china, If I hadn\’t opened the door, you would have missed him completely!\”
Bambi Benz
Voetsek! – Go away! [foot-sak] Usually said with an angry tone when telling someone to go away or get lost. You don’t want to be saying this to a local or worse, if a local says this to you – you’ve really angered them!