Joemat-Pettersson: agriculture-opportunities need partnerships

Speaking at the launch of the Black Business Council in Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg, Joemat-Pettersson said that, having been called "to speak [...] about opportunities in my sector for black business, I will tell you that the opportunities are many and varied. But most importantly I will tell you that the best route of tapping into most of these opportunities is through partnerships."

The transformation charters of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors are currently at various stages of development and implementation, Joemat-Pettersson said, adding that her department has created the AgriBEE Equity Fund, which is geared towards increasing black entrepreneurs in the sector. "The objective of the fund is to acquire ownership equity for black beneficiaries in white commercial agricultural businesses [and also see to the] funding of qualifying enterprise development initiatives, which are targeted at creating economic access and participation for black people in the agricultural sector."

According to Politicsweb, the Minister emphasised that the future of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as the future of food security and wealth creation lies in partnerships between white business and black business, between small and large business. "My department has already formalised partnerships with relevant stakeholders including black business and professionals with an objective of accelerating economic transformation and empowerment in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors," Joemat-Pettersson announced.

Read the full article on www.politicsweb.co.za.