In reviewing the recently tabled Annual Report for the 2020/21 financial year, we welcome the creation of 1 101 new green job opportunities through the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s LandCare Services sub-programme. This exceeds the original target by over 10%, proving the immense economic potential in implementing such ecological initiatives.
The Department’s LandCare programme was established such that agricultural resources could be sustainably used and managed, with a primary focus on empowering community based approaches. As such, the foundations are laid for greater productivity, food security, job creation and better well-being for all involved in these initiatives.
MPP Van der Westhuizen says: “This provincial government recognises the importance of working with previously disadvantaged communities whilst simultaneously supporting the best use of land resources for a secure and prosperous future. Due to the increase funding for the ecological infrastructure project, the Department was capacitated to enact even more interventions. For example, 34 352 hectares of agriculture land was rehabilitated between April 2020 and March 2021. This achievement is more than more than triple what was initially planned in the Department’s performance plan, and double what was obtained in the previous financial year. In addition, the Department was also able to render 1 010 LandCare services in order to proactively mitigate the effects of the drought conditions still being experienced in the province – which is 110 more than originally expected.
These actions show that the Western Cape Government is committed to ensuring that the agricultural sector is safeguarded against the changing climate by making use of these environmental measures. It further saves livelihoods and brings dignity to many stakeholders in the industry. More broadly speaking, this is seen by the Department’s decision to establish a climate change unit. As Chairperson of the Standing Committee, I will be submitting parliamentary questions to the provincial Minister to enquire about the progress which has been made with this unit.”