Minister Steenhuisen advocates for sustainable food systems at UN summit
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers
Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has called for an accelerated transition to localised, sustainable food systems, reaffirming the country's commitment to food sovereignty as a 'pillar of national resilience and development.'
His remarks came during the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4), held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia.
Speaking to a global audience of policymakers, scientists, producers, youth leaders and civil society, Minister Steenhuisen unveiled a set of strategic initiatives aimed at transforming South Africa's food system.
Central to his address was the government's push to empower communities to define their food futures through localised production and indigenous knowledge systems.
'We are promoting localised food production, with a clear focus on leveraging indigenous crops and livestock, which have both nutritional and climate resilience advantages,' Steenhuisen stated.
He outlined ongoing efforts to map indigenous crops nationwide and invest in research to unlock the potential of underutilised plants, particularly for agro-processing and nutrition security.
'Current government programmes are mapping these crops nationwide and investing in research to identify underutilised plants and their agro-processing potential to develop products that will facilitate the upscaling and uptake of these foods,' he said.
The minister also highlighted the development of community seed banks as a key tool to ensure access to quality seeds and promote agricultural self-sufficiency.
Livestock breeding is another major area of focus, with emphasis on using indigenous genetic material to boost resilience. In addition, modern diagnostic tools and vaccine research are being prioritized to strengthen biosecurity.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
'Breeding for resilience is the buzzword in promoting livestock,' said Steenhuisen.
'We are also developing modern diagnostic tools that will aid tracking and tracing outbreaks.'
Steenhuisen stressed that smallholder farmers remain central to the country's agricultural development agenda. Through targeted interventions under the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), farmers receive financial aid, training, and infrastructure support.
'With food inflation on the rise, initiatives like Ilima/Letsema's 'One Household, One Garden' model are designed to help households mitigate rising food costs, especially for vulnerable populations,' he said.
The minister also emphasised the government's commitment to regenerative agriculture and agroecological methods, which aim to restore degraded land and enhance biodiversity.
'We are actively encouraging our farmers to embrace regenerative agriculture, agroecology and conservation practices,' Steenhuisen said.
'These approaches are designed to restore land, improve biodiversity, and future-proof local food systems in the face of climate volatility.'
On food quality and standards, the Minister highlighted the South African Good Agricultural Practices (SA GAP) programme as a vital mechanism to help farmers meet both local and international market requirements.
'Food safety and quality assurance are non-negotiable priorities,' he declared.
'SA GAP is helping farmers, especially smallholders, adopt responsible, market-friendly production methods.'
Steenhuisen underscored the importance of global collaboration. South Africa is working with partners like the G20 Food Security Task Force and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to address food price inflation and ensure equitable access to nutritious food.
'The aim is to develop policy 'baskets' that support effective interventions, both at home and across the African continent,' he said.
'Key elements include smallholder farmer support, sustainable agriculture aligned with CAADP, and country-led planning, all in support of the African Agenda 2063.'
IOL News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
11 hours ago
- IOL News
Ramaphosa remains hopeful in US tariff negotiations
President Cyril Ramaphosa is still hopeful that South Africa can find a way out of the US tariffs within the next seven days. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed hope that his administration will still be able to find a way out of the 30% tariffs that US President Donald Trump implemented on Friday, but to be effective within the next seven days from the deadline. In case South Africa fails to convince Trump, the Presidency said in a statement released on Friday that the government was finalising a package to support local companies affected by the tariffs. 'The package consists of a number of measures to assist companies, producers, and workers affected by the tariffs on SA exports to the US,' read the statement. Ramaphosa's office will announce the details of the measures in due course. The office said, according to Trump's Executive Order published late this week, the products affected by the tariffs when exported to the US market include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap, and energy products. Addressing the media after the inauguration of Firoz Cachalia as the acting police minister on Friday, Ramaphosa said the seven days were the window period for the continuation of the engagements with the US. He stated that South Africa was not the worst affected among many countries by Trump's tariffs, although some countries fared slightly better. He said his government was in the process of holding discussions with the United States, as some local companies were dealing with the US customers. 'We export vehicles, steel, aluminum, and citrus, so we have to engage with them and find a way to reach a settlement. So, within the window that is still open, we are hoping that we will find a way to settle this matter. 'So intensive negotiations are under way,' said Ramaphosa. After his private meeting with Trump at the White House on May 21, Ramaphosa expressed hope that he had mended the relationship. The visit was prompted by allegations that South Africa was mistreating its Afrikaner citizens and that it was in support of US enemies. However, it became clear this week that Trump was still hostile when he told journalists that he thought he would send someone to represent him in the G20 Summit to be held in Johannesburg in November because he had problems with South Africa's 'very, very bad policies, where lots of people are being killed'. As the country was still counting days before the tariff deadline, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that the country was swiftly expanding its global trade partnerships as a strategy to mitigate the impact of the US tariffs on its exports. He called on the country not to waste time by being overly reliant on the US market. Steenhuisen said the country was already strengthening its trade alliances with the likes of Chile, Peru, and New Zealand 'to jointly lobby for fair and stable trade treatment of fresh produce' through the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters. He also said the state had finalised new phytosanitary protocols for the export of avocados to China, table grapes to Vietnam and the Philippines, and maize to India. Ramaphosa's administration said during its engagements with the US, it submitted a Framework Deal to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between the two countries. Ramaphosa was still optimistic that all channels of communication with Trump would remain open. 'Our negotiators are ready pending an invitation from the US. South Africa and the US trade relations are complementary in nature, and South African exports do not pose a threat to US industry,' read the statement. The government was using its diplomatic channels with the US to safeguard its national interests for ensuring that companies keep producing high-quality products destined for the world, to prevent job losses. The latest Executive Order stated that products that were already on their way to the US via vessels before 12h01 am, Eastern Daylight Time, seven days after Friday, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption, before 12h01am Eastern Daylight Time on October 5, 2025, will not be subject to the tariffs. In a joint statement issued on Friday, MPs DA MPs Toby Chance and Ryan Smith blamed Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and International Relations and Cooperation's Ronald Lamola for failing to secure a trade deal with the US. 'An executive order from the White House last night makes clear that US-imposed tariffs are now a certainty, to be levied on South African goods and produce from 07 August 2025, due to the negligence and ineptitude of two ANC ministers and their departments. 'Both the departments of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC), and International Relations & Cooperation should hang their heads in profound shame today,' said the MPs. On July 29, the DTIC said the government was not going to retaliate against the tariffs, but was preparing itself for any scenario. 'We have put our best foot forward, bringing together the subject specialists within our ranks who have dug deep to ensure that our country is adequately prepared for a number of potential scenarios. We have planned for these scenarios and have not sat idly. 'We are working with other government departments on a response plan, which includes a support desk within the DTIC. Our response package also focuses on demand-side interventions in the impacted industries,' read the DTIC statement.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Joburg ‘unfit to host G20' : DA slams leadership vacuum and failing services
DA Gauteng Leader Solly Msimanga says the City of Johannesburg is unfit to host the upcoming G20 Summit. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers. Just days after US President Donald Trump said he will likely not attend the G20 Summit in South Africa, citing 'very bad policies,' Democratic Alliance Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga says the City of Joburg is not ready to host the high-profile event. Msimanga, who briefed the media on Thursday outside the Johannesburg City Council, blamed what he described as a 'lack of leadership' in the city, saying Johannesburg is far from prepared. The event will be held in Johannesburg in November. 'Why is it that they cannot even appoint a city manager?' he asked. 'As we're sitting here, the city doesn't have a city manager. They've seconded someone from the province - from Cogta. Why is that the case?' In January this year, the city appointed Tshepo Makola as acting city manager after the Johannesburg High Court ruled that the appointment of former city manager Floyd Brink was unlawful and irregular. Makola, previously the city's chief operating officer, assumed the role temporarily. Msimanga's remarks follow Trump's announcement aboard Air Force One on Tuesday that he will "probably not" attend the summit. 'I think maybe I'll send somebody else because I've had a lot of problems with South Africa,' Trump said. 'They have some very bad policies… A lot of people are being killed. I'd like to, but I don't think I will.' Trump's comments reflect long-standing tensions between his administration and Pretoria. He has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims of violence against white farmers in South Africa, a claim the South African government has consistently rejected. The White House has also cited concerns over the country's Black Economic Empowerment policies and land expropriation legislation passed in January 2023. Meanwhile, to tackle Johannesburg's mounting infrastructure and service delivery issues ahead of the G20, Joburg mayor Dada Morero launched the 'bomb squad' last month to address the issue. ANC Veterans League President Dr. Snuki Zikalala leads the team. Morero said the team's mandate is to identify crisis areas and support municipal units in ensuring efficient service delivery. However, Msimanga remains sceptical. 'President Cyril Ramaphosa cannot then just come and talk to us about a bomb squad. That is not actually addressing the basics. We're on our own here. We've been left with no leadership.' He said the DA has already tabled actionable proposals. 'We're ready to share our ideas, to allow experts to come and engage on behalf of the residents. Politics aside, this is about ensuring that Johannesburg becomes the city of gold we all know it can be.' Joburg continues to battle long-standing infrastructure problems including hijacked buildings, a water shortage crisis, rolling power outages, pothole-riddled roads, non-functioning traffic lights, high crime, and alleged corruption in various departments. Morero has said the bomb squad is part of a broader turnaround plan, but critics argue the initiative lacks transparency. DA caucus leader in Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, said many G20 delegates are expected to stay in Sandton, which she said is currently plagued by service disruptions. 'Last week, Sandton was without water for eight days,' she said. 'There are ditches all across Sandton, where these delegates will be staying. They're doing the bare minimum to make it appear as if they're fixing things.' Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the city has yet to release the terms of reference for the presidential working group (PWG), or clarify how much money is being spent on the bomb squad. 'We've asked for a plan. We don't know what they're doing. We don't know how much is being allocated,' she said. 'These are unconstitutional, parallel structures. We have heads of departments who should be doing this work.' She said the city is also suffering from a leadership vacuum at the executive level. 'There's no MMC of finance. The MMC of transport, Kenny Kunene, is on suspension - he's resigned. So who's fixing the roads? Is the mayor going to be the MMC of finance and transport too?'
IOL News
16 hours ago
- IOL News
South African farmers on the frontline of US tariff hikes
More than 70% of arable land is still in the hands of the white minority decades after the end of apartheid, according to the latest figures from 2017, and it is these farmers who will be among the hardest hit by Trump's new tariffs. Image: Phando Jikelo/Independent Newspapers As winter clouds gathered above South Africa's prime wine-producing Robertson valley, the mood has been sombre ahead of new US tariffs of 30% due to come into force next week. Much of South Africa's sparkling white wine, Cap Classique, comes from this area 150 kilometres (90 miles) east of Cape Town. The prized wine -- produced with the same method as France's champagne -- had previously been exempt from US tariffs under a special trade deal that protected many South African products, including citrus fruits, macadamia nuts and avocados. Washington announced late on Thursday that the new tariffs would take effect next week, as US President Donald Trump seeks to reshape global trade to benefit the US economy. In the weeks before the new levies were to take effect, the Graham Beck estate -- a renowned Cap Classique producer -- shipped out its entire annual quota for the US market of around 300,000 bottles, and even a little more, general manager Pieter Ferreira told AFP. "We realised, as a team, let's buy some time," Ferreira said, as farm workers wrapped in thick fleece pruned the vines outside. The aim was to have stock in place "that can see us out for the whole of this year without affecting our price points or price increases in the US," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The US market represents almost 15% of the annual production of the Graham Beck estate, which employs 135 people. This year's early export does not reassure Ferreira. "The crystal ball is very unclear for 2026," he said. Four percent of South Africa's farming exports, worth nearly $600 million, are destined for the US market, according to the chamber of agriculture. 100,000 jobs at risk More than 70% of arable land is still in the hands of the white minority decades after the end of apartheid, according to the latest figures from 2017, and it is these farmers who will be among the hardest hit by Trump's new tariffs. Many among them are Afrikaners, descendants of the first white settlers who Trump has falsely claimed are persecuted by government policies and targeted killings, leading him to take in around 50 as refugees in May. "It's not a racial divide as he is trying to make it look and sound like," Ferreira told AFP. "He says the government is not looking after the farmers and yet he is penalising the farmers by putting up tariffs of 30% on agricultural products... It's ridiculous," he said. The hiked tariffs could cost South Africa 100,000 jobs, according to the head of the central bank, Lesetja Kganyago. The continent's most industrialised economy is already struggling with an unemployment rate of nearly 33%. "The impact in agriculture could be quite devastating because agriculture employs a lot of low-skilled workers, and here the impact is on citrus fruit, table grapes and wines," Kganyago said on 702 Radio. Between 6 to 8% of South Africa's citrus production is sent to the United States. For farmers in Citrusdal, 200 kilometres north of Cape Town, this is an essential market and also tariff-free under the preferential African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). "At the moment it's about 25 to 30% of our business," said Gerrit van der Merwe among rows of oranges on his 1,000-hectare (nearly 2,500-acre) plot. Death of a town? Van der Merwe's family estate, ALG, employs around 2,000 people. "As an established business, we can survive this," he said. "We will probably have to cut off a couple of hectares, take two steps back, wait four or five years and then move forward." "But what is the reality? If we cut off 100 hectares, there's going to be 200 people looking for a job next year in Citrusdal," he said. The impact would be huge for the small rural town of fewer than 10,000 people, which is particularly busy at the July-August peak harvest period. "Citrus is the only source of income. So if we don't employ those 200 people, who will?" van der Merwe said. "And that's going to have a knock-on effect on the supermarket, the pharmacy, the clothing shops." "There's no point in just a farmer surviving while a small rural town is dead," he said. The farmer respected Trump's stated aim to bring industry back to the United States, but said South African citrus was no threat. "We are offering something counter-seasonal, so we're not stealing jobs from California. We're offering a healthy piece of fruit at a very affordable price," he said. AFP
