The ANC is unable to listen. [Interjections.] We ask ourselves whether she understands the department's strategic objective of recruiting specialised personnel to assist the processes of food production and security in our country. Politicians must stop treating officials like slaves. They are good men and women of credibility and value in the Public Service. Doing things differently is a strategic imperative; it requires speed. Doing things differently does not need to be used to settle old political scores.
In 2010 the department was meant to spend R450 million on the purchase of tractors and farm equipment to be delivered to all nine provinces, but only two provinces benefited. The nondelivery to other provinces was mired in controversy. The Minister allegedly stated that the acquisition could not be concluded because the procurement processes were compromised and that proceeding with the project would have impacted negatively on the image of government. The Minister must explain which procurement processes were compromised and whether delivery to the other provinces was executed.
The Minister must abide by the laws of the country when issuing tenders, for example when it came to Kingmaker Communications.
Cope knows that several commodities, including, but not limited to, potatoes, wheat, chicken, beef and many more are being imported into the country at the expense of the promotion of local industries, with the net result that jobs are compromised. Jobs are being lost in the downstream value addition.
The department is failing not only workers but the country as a whole by not doing enough to promote the growth of local commodities. Foreign imports continue to undermine our local products. Let the progress in exports not compromise local production.
For a lengthy period, the red meat industry forum failed to access an appointment with this Minister and the department. Minister, we want to raise serious concerns about issues that impact on the sustainability of the local red meat industry. Cope notes that this industry generates billions for our economy. Yet, the Minister refuses to listen to these critical stakeholders. Many of the stakeholders are compelled to take the department to court.
The Land Bank celebrated 100 years of existence this year. Since its founding, it has promoted many new farmers, extending bank loans at low single-digit interest rates. The bank is expected to do the same for today's new emerging farmers as it did in the apartheid era. The cost of accessing loans is very high for emerging farmers. The Minister once more promised to put in place ...