Latest news with #Nampo2025
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Expropriation Act panel discussion sparks debate at Nampo 2025
The signing of the Expropriation Act into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year sparked lively debate on land reform and property rights, with agricultural leaders and legal experts unpacking its potential impact during a Nation in Conversation panel at Nampo 2025. A panel of experts examined the signing of the Act's potential effects on property rights, land ownership, and the broader agricultural landscape, Farmer's Weekly reported. Different interpretations of the law Waldimar Pelser led the discussion that aimed to provide clarity on the Act's provisions and its anticipated impact on commercial farming operations. Although the topic of the discussion was understanding the implications of South Africa's Expropriation Act on agriculture, it was clear that amongst the panel members and also the general public, there is no consensus on the understanding of certain aspects of the new law. The panel members were Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt, deputy president of Agri SA; Dean McPherson, Minister of Public Works, and Infrastructure; Jaco Kleynhans, head of international liaison at Solidarity; Hermann Pretorius, Head of Strategic Communications at the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR); and Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz. According to McPherson, the new Act standardised the procedures in which expropriation could take place. 'The Act provides a uniform procedure that must be followed whenever expropriation takes place. It is an improvement on the 1975 Act which did not have the clauses and procedures guiding these processes. The Act exists to drive the economy and infrastructure development. It must be seen as a tool for economic development and growth.' He also referred to the 'nil-compensation' provisions in Section 12(3), and said that in reality, nil compensation would be lawful under the Act. Compensation is a delicate balancing act According to Boshoff and De Chavonnes Vrugt, the 'nil-compensation' provisions are not as clear-cut as other elements contained in the Act, and are rightly the most controversial part of the law. Its impact is also the most difficult to predict, as compensation is not a simple equation; it is a delicate balancing of rights that will differ from case to case. 'Agri SA remains dedicated to protecting private property rights and fostering the growth and stability of South Africa's agriculture sector. Agri SA actively participated in the Expropriation Bill drafting process, including Parliamentary and National Economic Development and Labour Council discussions, from 2013 to 2020. We have been involved in the process from the start and what we have now is a better option than what we started with,' said De Chavonnes Vrugt. The Act facilitates the expropriation of land with no compensation under specific conditions in the public interest. 'While Agri SA is supporting the need for transformation and land reform in the agriculture sector, it must not come at the expense of the economy and investor confidence,' De Chavonnes Vrugt said. Expropriation not an exception of property rights According to Boshoff, Section 25 of the Constitution is commonly referred to as the property clause with the aim of safeguarding property rights from arbitrary deprivation. The same rules apply to expropriation. Where the state requires private property for a public purpose or in the public interest, there must be a legitimate reason, and the reason must be contained in legislation. 'Expropriation is therefore not an 'exception', nor a 'watering down' of property rights because no expropriation can take place outside of the law or for an arbitrary reason,' Boshoff explained. 'The Act is a means to an end and not the end itself,' Boshoff said. 'The Act provides that the state can only expropriate [property] if it has failed to buy the property on reasonable terms. It's a deadlock-breaking mechanism that can only be used as a last resort. Expropriation is certainly not a 'shortcut' for the state to acquire property, as the procedures that the state must follow are far more onerous than buying the property in question.' He further explained that in the case of expropriation, the normal verification process would still need to be followed to prove a valid claim before expropriation can take place. 'If it does, the provisions of the Expropriation Act will apply.' According to McPherson, if the Expropriation Act was not enacted, the authority to expropriate property for various reasons would still exist. 'The difference is that the procedure contained in the old, 1975 Act would then be applied. This act predates the Constitution, and the process it prescribes is unlikely to pass constitutional muster.' The ministers pointed out that the Constitution requires compensation to be just and equitable, reflecting an equitable balance between the public's interest and that of the affected parties. 'All relevant factors must be considered, but the overriding standard is still that the compensation must be just and equitable.' If the reaction to the Act is anything to go by, there are clearly very different expectations surrounding this Act. According to Boshoff, the real risk does not lie in nil compensation but in protracted and expensive litigation. 'The possibility exists' Kleynhans however, expressed concern with the wording in the Act and said that Solidarity does not like the processes described in the Act. 'It leaves the possibility that farm land can be expropriated and that litigation in this regard can take long to the detriment of the farmer.' He said that according to Solidarity's knowledge, South Africa is already experiencing disinvestments due to the Act. Kleynhans stated that South Africa did not need expropriation for land reform. 'There is land available to cater to those needs.' 'Court has been 'innovative' with water and mineral rights legislation' Pretorius noted that there were a number of legal uncertainties in the current Act and referred to sections 8 and 13(2), while also pointing out the uncertainty around the 180 days allowed for the Constitutional Court to become involved. He also said that he did not have confidence in the Constitutional Court, and described the court as being 'innovative' in its application of water and mineral rights legislation. 'As far as we are concerned, that could be the same situation with land ownership.' He also referred to the alternative Act that the IRR has created and invited the public to read it and give their comments. McPherson concluded by acknowledging that there were aspects of the Act that are contentious and that created uncertainty. 'The contradictions can be addressed and solved. We can have discussions and provide answers and solutions that can be satisfactory to the vast majority of people. I encourage discussions and hearing the different points of views as these opens up the floor for finding common ground and working towards finding solutions.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Steenhuisen backs farmers who stay: ‘My focus is on those who choose South Africa'
Minister John Steenhuisen addresses concerns at Nampo 2025, saying those who left South Africa 'made a mistake' and reaffirming support for farmers committed to building the country's agricultural future. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen says his focus is firmly on farmers and agricultural stakeholders who have chosen to remain in South Africa, rather than those who have left the country. Speaking at the Nampo Harvest Day 2025, Africa's largest agricultural exhibition currently underway in Bothaville, Steenhuisen addressed the controversy surrounding the recent departure of 49 South Africans to the United States, reportedly citing concerns over safety and political uncertainty. 'I think that we can't determine where people live and what their life choices are. That's for them to make. I happen to think that they've made a mistake,' said Steenhuisen in an interview with Newzroom Afrika. He emphasised his commitment to those who continue to work within the country's agricultural sector. 'My focus as the Minister of Agriculture is on those farmers and farm workers and people in the agri-space that have chosen, like me, to stay here and make a difference. ''They're going to get my full attention and focus and support.'
eNCA
15-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Growing smarter to deal with climate change
BOTHAVILLE - Day three of Nampo, the largest agricultural exhibition in Sub-Saharan Africa, was in full swing in Bothaville, in the Free State on Thursday. WATCH: Nampo 2025 | Bothaville hosts agricultural exhibition The annual event attracts approximately 80,000 visitors, including farmers, agribusiness leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the continent and beyond. The expo exhibitors offer insight into the latest in agricultural machinery, crop and livestock technologies, and sustainable farming practices.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Nampo Harvest Day kicks off, spotlighting the future of South African agriculture
Nampo Harvest Day, hosted by Grain SA, earmarked as the biggest agricultural show in the Southern hemisphere, kicked off in Bothaville in the Free State on Wednesda Nampo Harvest Day, hailed as the largest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere, officially commenced on Wednesday, welcoming industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Hosted by Grain SA, the annual event anticipates a robust showcase of innovations, technologies, and collaborations designed to fortify the future of South African agriculture. Grain SA acknowledged the pressing global challenges that modern agriculture faces, ranging from climate change to the intricacies of interconnected food systems. The forthcoming Nampo Harvest Day, running from 13 to 16 May, will emphasise the importance of utilising global knowledge and innovations to empower local producers. The Nampo Harvest Day continues to uphold its reputation as a platform where local farmers can engage with international advancements while respecting South Africa's unique agricultural landscape. Grain SA said the event remained the one-stop platform for producers, agribusinesses, and service providers to connect, collaborate, and trade. 'Global Agriculture Locally' is not just a theme: it's a timely lens for South Africa's grain producers to view their role in a fast-changing agricultural economy," it said. "The exchange of ideas, technology, and practices across borders presents unprecedented opportunities for local farmers to increase their resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability. From climate-smart practices to precision agriculture, South African producers are part of a global network of knowledge - but with deep roots in local soil.' Grain SA said that food security, input costs, and production efficiency continue to dominate agricultural conversations. Nampo 2025 provides producers with the tools, technologies, and relationships they need to navigate this complex landscape. 'Whether it's cutting-edge machinery, climate-adaptive seed varieties, agri-finance services, or digital solutions, Nampo remains the platform where local meets global in real time.' Dr Dirk Strydom, managing director of Nampo, said that South African producers understand that they were not farming in isolation. 'What happens globally, whether it's innovation, trade flows, or climate patterns, affects what happens locally," Streydom said. "Nampo gives producers access to global agriculture in one location, with solutions they can use today. It remains the ultimate one-stop event for any serious player in the agricultural industry.' Francois Rossouw, CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), said that Nampo remained the single most important event on the South African agricultural calendar. 'It is not just a showcase of the latest technology and innovation; it is a place where relationships are built, businesses are formed, and the future of farming is discussed," he said. Rossouw added that for family farmers, Nampo was a vital platform to access the tools and networks they needed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving sector. 'From mechanisation to digital solutions, and from policy dialogue to youth involvement, Nampo creates the space for farmers of all scales to find their place in the future of agriculture,' Rossouw said. He added that its significance to the sector lied in its ability to bring the entire value chain together: government, private sector, organised agriculture, and farmers, all in one place, sharing ideas and driving the industry forward. Theo Boshoff, CEO for the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz), said that Nampo was an opportunity both for the sector to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and technology but also to celebrate the role of the industry in the broader economy. 'It is therefore as much an opportunity for companies to market their products as it is to celebrate the sector at the time when the summer crop is being harvested,' he said. 'It brings together agricultural leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss the burning issues facing the sector.' Visit
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nampo 2025 kicks off: Traffic backed up for kilometres on first day
Nampo 2025 kicks off: Traffic backed up for kilometres on first day Traffic was backed up as far as the eye could see as visitors waited to enter Nampo Park for the 2025 version of the harvest day show, which is happening for the next four days. Farmer's Weekly reports thousands of visitors are expected to visit the 40-hectare showground from now until Friday. 'Nampo is not going anywhere' The traffic on the R30 through Bothaville to Nampo Park can easily be compared to peak-hour traffic on the N1 to Johannesburg during a weekday. However, motorists are generally more relaxed in this agricultural area of the Free State than their city counterparts, even though the temperature dropped to 4°C early this morning, and Toyota Hiluxes, Fortuners and buses drove bumper-to-bumper. It took the Farmer's Weekly team around an hour to travel the 17kms from our accommodation. 'The traffic is not worse than last year, or the year before that,' said Bennie Zaayman, manager of Nampo Park. 'There is, unfortunately, only one road going through Bothaville. That's something we cannot change.' 'Be patient. Be relaxed. Nampo is not going anywhere,' Zaayman added. Organisers geared to accommodate thousands of visitors Nampo kicked off today, and organisers expect more than 86 000 visitors over the week. Accommodation is limited, with many visitors staying as far as Klerksdorp and Kroonstad. 'It's usually an early start for visitors. I recommend leaving around 06:00. The peak traffic times are between 07:00 and 10:00. I suggest not arriving after that. There are over 800 exhibitors, and it's worth taking your time to visit each one,' said Zaayman. There is ample parking on the grounds. Zaayman said 25 000 vehicles used the parking facilities last year. 'We can accommodate up to 30 000 vehicles per day.' Growth of around 26% Grain SA's Nampo Harvest Day has grown from humble beginnings in 1967 to the largest agricultural trade exhibition in the southern hemisphere. Statistics recently released by Grain SA show that, over the past 25 years (excluding 2020 and 2021), visitor numbers have increased by around 26% — from 68 900 in 2010 to 86 407 last year. Visitors can also expect to see breed examples including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Here are the stats: The exhibitor area spans over 40 hectares, with almost 5 hectares under roof. The power supply at Nampo Park is serviced by 7km of voltage cable and 15 transformers. Nine boreholes and a main water line spanning 4.2km supply water to the showgrounds. 450 000 litres of water are consumed daily. The sewerage network is 4.65km long. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
