1. No. The Agri-Parks programme was conceptualised to be implemented through its defined three legs as outlined in the programme simultaneously. An Agri-park comprises three distinct but interrelated basic components:
However, noting the less than desired and envisaged private sector investment and active involvement of other government departments, it became evident that implementing all three legs of the programme at the same time is not affordable. The approach of prioritising the first leg of the programme (FPSUs) became the obvious one and is what the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is focusing on.
The implementation of the programme is not unfolding as originally planned but we would not classify it as a failure given the fiscal constrains the country faced post introduction of the programme.
There are success stories that can be shared with regards to Agri-Parks. One of the success stories is support provided by the African Development Bank. In an effort to build capacity of the Agri-Parks, the African Development Bank has recently approved Technical Assistance (Transaction Advisory Service MIC TAF Grant) of UA 400,000 (about R9.9 million), to support the development of two Agri-Parks, namely Tsiame Agri-Park located in the Free State Province and Springbokpan Agri-Park, located in the North -West Province. This grant is intended to upscale the South Africa Agri-Park program to the Sustainable Infrastructure Development System (SIDS) methodology at the Infrastructure Investment Office (IIO) in the Presidency. This grant will also assist with coordination, bringing the project to financial closure and provide an operations and management structure that will enable investors to provide investment funds for infrastructure development and attract private sector investment to the respective provinces.
A letter of Agreement is currently under preparation by the legal team of the African Development Bank for review and signature. Once this process is completed it is estimated that the launch will be in November 2021, whereafter the process of recruiting a Transactions Adviser will commence.
2. No. There has not been corruption detected or reported on the Agri-Parks.
3. No. No maladministration and incompetence have been detected or reported.
(a),(b),(i),(ii) Falls away.