"Rural South Africa faces enormous challenges to facilitate a turnaround in communities and the many households where poverty and under-development continue to linger. Upliftment at this level will not only contribute to greater stability and security, but will also create bigger opportunities for agriculture and related sectors. For this reason, agricultural development should be a priority in which commercial farmers and their organisations participate and at the same time reach out to people who are unable to provide in their basic needs," said Agri SA president Johannes Möller.
Möller pointed out that the United Nations had declared 18 July 2013 as an outreach day, linking former President Nelson Mandela's name to it in light of his imitable example of building relations and taking action that would lead to a permanent improvement in the living conditions of the disadvantaged.
Möller said there was much ignorance as to what had already been done by the farming community to support development and upliftment. While there remains a lot to be done to improve welfare and prosperity in rural South Africa, he encouraged agricultural organisations and farmers to take stock of their contributions in this area every year on Mandela Day.
He also encouraged local as well as national media to acknowledge this in their reporting. "This will motivate everyone who is able to make a contribution to become involved and will also help to address negative perceptions and build relationships," said Möller.
For more information on Agri SA, go to www.agrisa.co.za.
