The Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently sign the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill (B8-2021) into law, as the agricultural future of Mpumalanga hangs in the balance.
This bill, which seeks to protect agricultural land from degradation, pollution, and the encroachment of non-agricultural activities, is critical to safeguarding South Africa’s food security.
In Mpumalanga, agricultural land is severely threatened by water pollution caused by acid mine drainage, compounded by insufficient efforts to reverse this damage. This not only jeopardises the sustainability of agriculture in Mpumalanga but also places the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities—who depend on farming for income, sustenance, and employment—in grave danger.
Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s vital agricultural regions, contributing significantly to the nation’s food production. However, the lack of enforcement of legislation to protect the environment and water resources from pollution are compromising its ability to continue doing so. Water contamination caused by mining operations in protected areas is endangering irrigation systems, reducing crop yields, and depleting the land’s agricultural potential.
The Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill will serve as a comprehensive framework to:
Protect high-value agricultural land from being converted for non-agricultural purposes.
Prevent further fragmentation of farming areas through unregulated development.
Safeguard food security by preserving land best suited for long-term agricultural production.
Mitigate environmental damage caused by industrial activities such as mining that threaten agro-ecosystems and water resources.
We implore the President to prioritise this bill for the sake of future generations, our agricultural sector, and the food security of our nation. Mpumalanga’s agricultural sector, and South Africa’s broader agricultural landscape, cannot afford any further delays.
The time to act is now. Let us ensure that our agricultural land is protected, not only for the sake of today’s farmers but for the millions of South Africans who depend on a stable, sustainable agricultural system to feed their families.