EFF demands support package for emerging black farmers in F State

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Free State are demanding urgent commercialization support for black farmers. This support should encompass machinery, production inputs, livestock genetics, fencing, water systems, market access, and mentorship. The party is also expressing disappointment with the Agriculture Department's response to the recent cold-front disaster. They claim their attempts to engage the department since the start of the year have been ignored.

EFF Member of Parliament, Hon Mazwi Blose, rejected the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture on Oversight visit to the Free State Province to evaluate interventions to control Foot-And-Mouth Disease. She insists that responsibility must be placed where it belongs. John Steenhuisen, the ANC Premier, cannot be allowed to escape accountability.

The EFF's provincial secretary, Malefane Msimanga, urges the Premier and the department to declare the affected areas as disaster zones, a result of the inclement weather, and provide properly funded assistance.

Msimanga argues that black farmers should not be relegated to mere food gardening beneficiaries. She contends that the Minister of Economic Development must recognize the broader scope of agriculture and address issues surrounding the cold front disaster. Over 1000 cattle were lost, and this must be conceptualized as a disaster for rehabilitation purposes.