[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs, Ms Thoko Didiza, welcomed the outcome of the budget vote.

More importantly, she welcomed the diesel rebate announced in the budget. Her view is that this incentive will assist South African farmers to be more competitive.

The other important element of the speech was the recognition of the importance of land ownership and agricultural development for people who were previously excluded. She expressed that it is encouraging that adequate resources have been allocated for this purpose.

Minister Didiza said, "the strong growth that occurred in agriculture announced in the speech is an indication that more and more we are handling our agriculture sector competitively."

Contact: Moses Mushi on 012 465 7690/ 082 378 2943

Issued by: Ministry for Agriculture and Land Affairs, 21 February 2001