Note to editors: The following speech was delivered by Democratic Alliance (DA)’s MPL, Tersia Marshall, in Mbombela during the sitting of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature this week
Honourable Speaker,
Today, I stand before you on behalf of the Democratic Alliance to address concerns and observations regarding the 2024/2025 budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs.
Firstly, it is crucial to note the overall reduction in the Department’s budget from R1.67 billion in the previous fiscal year to R1.51 billion. This significant decrease of over R155 million raises substantial concerns about our capacity to meet the essential needs of our agricultural sector and rural communities. The question that emerges is: How will we ensure continued support and development for our agricultural producers under these tightened fiscal constraints?
While we welcome the Government’s intention to address previous shortcomings, especially in the Veterinary Services which suffered due to understaffing, we must scrutinise the reallocation of funds within this reduced budget. An increase in one area, while a step in the right direction, cannot mask the overall decrease which might hinder our ability to reach broader departmental targets.
Furthermore, we find it alarming that the budget for Environmental Affairs has been cut from R252 million to just over R154 million. Given the pressing environmental issues we face today—such as acid mine drainage, air pollution, and the direct discharge of sewage into our rivers—this reduction seems ill-advised and counterproductive. These challenges not only pose a threat to our environment but also to public health and the sustainable development of our communities.
On a positive note, the Department has outlined plans for new projects in the coming financial year, with budget reprioritisation intended to support the implementation of these initiatives. Specifically, funds have been reallocated within the department, including a notable R14.83 million from Compensation of Employees for the ERP Programme and an additional R69.75 million within Goods and Services and Payments for Capital Assets. These adjustments are meant to strengthen the programs that will drive these new projects.
However, it is imperative to question whether these reallocations are sufficient and strategically placed to truly benefit the rural and agricultural communities we aim to support. The reprioritisation of funds, while necessary, must not detract from our core mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in Mpumalanga. Futher to that, and a recent plea to the Honourable MEC Hlophe to have Mpumalanga declared a disaster area, and thereafter addressing the Honourable Premier Ndlovu on this. Can MEC Hlophe tell us if she is retrackting her correspondence with the statement that the Honourable Premier will proceed to declare the province a disaster area? I am almost certain all emerging and commercial farmers; land owners and victims of the recent veld fires are waiting in anticipation to hear how this department will proceed with the disaster.
In conclusion, while the Democratic Alliance recognises the efforts made to accommodate new initiatives within a constrained budget, we remain concerned that the overall decrease may undermine our ability to deliver essential services and meet our environmental responsibilities.
The Democratic Alliance urges the Department to reconsider its allocations, especially in critical areas such as environmental protection, to ensure that our policies are not only reactive but proactive in safeguarding our natural resources and enhancing the lives of those in our agricultural and rural communities.
Thank you, Honourable Speaker.