The impact of land reform on the livelihoods of land reform beneficiaries is of concern as most funds distributed to beneficiaries are either in distress or have collapsed. We must ensure that the recapitalisation and redevelopment of a further 387 farms will be more successful than the previous 200 farms.
The ACDP urges government to ensure that the farm distribution is done in a way that protects the interests of all parties, and that it achieves continued success. Land reform must include skills transfer and it must stimulate the local economy with value-adding business. This budget must facilitate both farming and rural infrastructure for access to markets, storage and credit facilities.
The ACDP agrees that the comprehensive Rural Development Programme, aimed at eliminating poverty and food insecurity in rural areas, has to be a key spending priority for the department. The specific needs in rural communities, like running water, sanitation, electricity, housing and development support must be urgently addressed. The ACDP will be supporting this Budget Vote.