‘New agricultural minister lacks experience’

Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana. Picture: Boxer Ngwenya.

Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana. Picture: Boxer Ngwenya.

Published May 26, 2014

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Bloemfontein - A lack of experience of the newly-appointed agriculture minister and his deputy took the sector by surprise, Free State Agriculture said on Monday.

“We trust they would work with organised agriculture to improve the dynamics in agriculture and to practically and positively address challenges,” said Free State Agriculture chairman Dan Kriek.

The farming body, nevertheless, welcomed Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana and his deputy Bheki Cele to the agriculture society.

It also welcomed Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Gugile Nkwinti for his second term.

Free State farmers were of the opinion the new leaders should be given a chance to prove themselves.

“We trust they would work together with organised agriculture to improve the dynamics in agriculture and to practically and positively address challenges,” said Kriek.

Good leadership was essential to overcome difficulties such as land reform, employment, food security, profitability, competitiveness and rural safety.

Kriek said he hoped with Zokwana's background as president of the National Union of Mineworkers, issues with regard to farm labourers would become priorities.

“These are topics which organised agriculture already focuses on, and farmers especially, on a daily basis.” - Sapa

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