Farmers on the southern bank of the Orange River in the Vioolsdrif area risk their fresh produce spoiling in storage if the issue of uncompetitive imports from Namibia is not addressed soon.
Namibia’s prescribed minimum wage for farm workers is lower than South Africa’s. In addition, the state is leasing land to large agricultural enterprises on favourable terms, enabling large-scale expansion in the Namibian sector.
In contrast, it is nearly impossible for South African farmers to secure water rights for further expansion.
Labour costs and obtaining arable land are among the biggest expenses for fresh produce farmers. In both cases, statutory regulations make it more challenging for farmers south of the Orange River compared to those north of it.
As both South Africa and Namibia are members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), no market restrictions apply. Despite this, Botswana and Namibia close their markets to South African products during peak production periods. As a result, South African farmers are left with surpluses – similar to what occurred in early summer 2024.
While the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) supports neighbouring countries’ right to promote and protect their own agricultural sectors, South Africa cannot stand idly by while its farmers incur losses due to a lack of legislative protection.
The Freedom Front Plus, therefore, urges the Departments of Agriculture as well as Trade, Industry and Competition to take action.
Freedom Front Plus Education: The FF Plus calls for quality education and the protection of language rights in schools.
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Fun South African Fact: South Africa’s drinking water is rated 3rd best in the world for being “safe and ready to drink”.