(Debate in the Gauteng Legislature on the Department of Agriculture’s annual report)
Gauteng’s future could be bleak if the province does not take urgent and decisive action to address the growing agricultural and environmental crisis.
The latest annual reports of the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Agriculture and Rural Development confirm the scale of the threat.
With more than 16 million residents in a highly urbanised province, ensuring food security is vital.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of economic development. Gauteng should boost urban farming, commercial producers and modern agricultural technology to counter rising food prices and vulnerable value chains.
Even though Gauteng is one of the most polluted provinces in the country, the environmental portfolio continues to be marginalised.
Uncontrolled illegal dumping, toxic air pollution and the contamination of scarce water resources by municipalities and industries jeopardise public health while undermining economic growth and investor confidence.
The crisis is exacerbated by the fact that water is a national responsibility.
National government keeps ignoring Gauteng’s frequent pleas for help, leaving the province without the support it needs. This failure undermines the provincial government’s ability to fulfil its mandate and safeguard its residents.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) proposes that Gauteng launch a provincial agricultural innovation programme, restore extension services and unlock the full potential of agro-processing to create more jobs.
On the environmental front, it is essential to enforce legislation more stringently, promote community-based river rehabilitation, and facilitate genuine collaboration between the provincial and national governments to restore Gauteng’s water security.
Gauteng will not remain South Africa’s economic heartbeat if its people cannot breathe clean air, use safe water and access affordable food.
The time for mediocrity is over. What the province needs now is immediate and decisive action.
FF+ Manifesto on Immigration: Implementing a fair and effective immigration system.
Fatsy Bear
Could you perhaps tell me which political party is the ruling party in South Africa?
General Finish
Fun South African Travel tip: You can visit the hominid fossil displays and learn more about the beginnings of our planet at the Maropeng Visitors Centre and Sterkfontein Caves.