Chairperson, the MF is greatly concerned about the Durban Metro abandoning fishing. We took a decision that the small, medium and micro enterprises, SMMEs, and the informal sector in subsistence fishing were very important. There are over 200 000 subsistence fishermen around the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, and more especially black people are coming into the fishing industry.
At this time of severe unemployment these people are being harassed, yet they are earning a living. There are impediments that are placed in their paths. The MF therefore calls for the immediate intervention by the Minister to make sure that all restrictions on fishing on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline are lifted. We are absolutely concerned about KwaZulu-Natal and agriculture - there is hardly any progress. It is absolutely imperative to get the best people selected to handle agricultural matters in our country. Small-scale farmers collectively make an incredible contribution to farming. Bihar, a small state in India, grows vegetation for over 1,2 billion people.
It is very important that we see the reality of a lack of funding, and the need to assist small-scale farmers who are flood victims by compensating them for their losses. Land claims in respect of agricultural land have not been finalised and farmers have been waiting for a period of over three years.
Whilst government has allocated funds for disaster and drought, farmers are forced to abandon their farms because of a lack of assistance and relief. The MF calls for a thorough evaluation and investigation into the challenges of the agricultural sector, as it plays a pivotal and very important role in job creation and poverty alleviation.
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries play a pivotal role in creating a robust economy. These activities must therefore not only translate into economic opportunities for a special sector, but must translate into social improvements and economic opportunities for all our people. The MF will support the Budget Vote. [Applause.]