Inaugural summit addresses youth unemployment and the role of agriculture

Reeta Roy

During his opening address, Buti Kgwaridi Manamela, Deputy Minister to the Presidency, remarked that committed leadership, institutions and policies are needed in addressing youth unemployment and in driving young people toward agricultural and economic activity. According to Manamela, the frustration of the youth is evident in the recent protest action and their frustrations are not unfounded as they are increasingly affected by the economic conditions of the time.

Their frustrations and the consequences thereof will continue and perhaps escalate unless a commitment is made to prioritise their needs, especially with regards to their access to the job market. According to Manamela, the attitude of the youth will not change unless the systems change. Central to this is access to education as well as technical and financial support for those youths who find themselves in the agriculture sector.

Buti Kgwaridi Manamela

Manamela addresses some critical points, the themes of which ran throughout the summit:

1. An increase in access to land for youth is needed if they are to find the economic opportunities they are searching for. Further, engaging with the youth and encouraging them is essential to building their interest in the sector.

2. The existence of monopolies in the sector has stifled healthy competition and is also limiting the opportunities for new entrants to the market. Young entrepreneurs who are eager to make their mark in the agriculture industry are discouraged by the existence of large and established agri-businesses.

3. Labour laws and wages need to be reviewed. Many farm workers and small farmers receive very little for their efforts. It is essential to address these problems especially if we are to make the agriculture sector more attractive for South Africa's youth.

4. More effort must be spent to encourage and support entrepreneurs, be it educational, financial or otherwise.

According to Roy, The Mastercard Foundation has committed R1.6 Billion to economic and social transformation across 28 countries. Transformation is key and as Roy said "It is impossible to talk about the transformation of the continent without talking about the transformation of agriculture." Agriculture is essential in creating jobs, food security, increasing incomes and in the reduction of poverty.

As the world is moving and developing at an astounding pace with regards to new technologies and methods, the agriculture industry cannot remain stagnant. It must keep up with developments as well as take advantage of what these new technologies can offer in creating a sustainable agriculture industry.