Agricultural sector is being assisted

Mercletter@inl.co.za

FOR many South Africans, particularly those who ticked on the ballot paper for the first time in exercising their universal suffrage 28 years ago, Freedom Day evokes a feeling of ambivalence considering the terrain they traversed in their trajectory to reach the promised land.

While the country is polarised by different views of the electorates, some spewing unprintable sentiments about the government of the day, while others have confessed hope that despite the wheels of democracy turning (no attachments). All letters must contain the writer’s full name, physical address and telephone number. No pen names. slowly, South Africa will gradually realise prosperity.

Though some have rejected and some have approved the workings of government machinery, it is worth noting that everywhere in the world, it is difficult to have a socio-homogeneous nation where all citizens agree with everything the government does.

The reality is that many people say the government has not fared very well in changing citizens’ lives.

However, there are successes that we can point to and build on. For example, agriculture is a launching pad for prosperity, and the government is commended for assisting smallholder farmers to reach their potential.

Through the Farmers Production Support Units (FPSUs) that are set up by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the government is doing a lot to help smallholder farmers be part of the

whole agricultural value chain.

The FPSUs established in Rooiwal, Sokhulumi and Winterveldt in the Tshwane District and in all the districts in South Africa are aimed at creating job opportunities in each district, and provide support to farmers with equipment, capital injections as well as training and storage facilities within a 30km radius. This will also benefit the youth with skills training such as driving tractors and maintenance mechanisation.

SINAZO ALUNGILE NOVUKELA | Mount Frere