Agri SA is deeply saddened by the recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of the country. The loss of life and property has caused enormous pain and suffering, and we extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Agri SA welcomes the reclassification of the previously declared provincial disaster as a national disaster due to the impact of severe weather events. This will help free up much-needed resources to help address the extensive damage to infrastructure.

Agri SA welcomes the announcement of the temporary reduction of the general fuel levy. This is a necessary intervention to buttress the agricultural sector and consumers against the impact of rising fuel prices on the cost of food.

Agri SA welcomes the National Commissioner of Police’s announcement that the Rural Safety Strategy would be applied during this time to deal with stock theft and attacks on the farming community.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has filed an appeal to the Constitutional Court against a recent decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) which held that water rights’ holders are entitled to transfer such rights in accordance with the provisions of the National Water Act and that the trading in such rights are not prohibited or unlawful.

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released the quarter two (Q2) gross domestic product (GDP) figures for 2021 on Tuesday 7 September. It shows that the economy accelerated by 1,2% on a quarterly (q/q) basis, following an increase of 1,0% in the first quarter of 2021.

The veld fires in July, August and September this year caused enormous devastation in the Northern Cape, Free State and North West.

The situation that South Africa is experiencing at present no longer has anything to do with peaceful protest but is being exploited to destroy the country’s infrastructure and threaten the lives of ordinary citizens. “Agri SA called on citizens to distance themselves from such criminal actions. We now need to build the country’s economy,” says Vercueil.

Agri SA is seeking greater clarity on the following reference in the latest Level 4 regulations: ‘Gatherings at auctions are not permitted’.