National Development Plan

South Africa’s government has been buying land and leasing it to black farmers. Why it’s gone wrong and how to fix it

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 4, 2023

This has resulted in an incorrect understanding of the real progress made to correct the racial distribution of farm land ownership in South Africa.

Key Points: 
  • This has resulted in an incorrect understanding of the real progress made to correct the racial distribution of farm land ownership in South Africa.
  • In 2012 the National Development Plan set a target to redistribute (or restore) 30% (or 23.7 million hectares) of all freehold agricultural land to black South Africans by 2030.
  • The general perception is that the land reform programme has failed to deliver a recognisable shift in ownership patterns.
  • I have also identified steps that the government should take to fix the problems.

Land acquisition

    • Since then, by our calculations, the total area of land rights transferred away from white ownership – either to the state or black beneficiaries – or where financial compensation has been made, is equal to 19,165,891 ha.
    • This is equivalent to 24.7% of all freehold agricultural land.
    • Although the number may look heartening, given that it is close to the 30% target set out in the National Development Plan, the issue of concern is that the state is now a major owner of agricultural land (more than 2.5 million hectares).

Flawed design

    • Through the scheme the land is then held by the state for the use by lessees of the programme.
    • By June 2023, the state had acquired 2.5 million hectares of productive farmland through the programme.
    • Most of the roughly 2500 beneficiaries have a 30-year lease agreement with the state.
    • It's not gone well

      I have gained further insights in conversations with farmers currently leasing land from the State.

Major obstacles

    • This makes it difficult – or impossible – to invest in the land or secure loans for improvements and growth.
    • Beneficiaries have to rely on government grants to do business.
    • Farmers have limited credit history, collateral or access to formal financial institutions because of the nature of the lease arrangement.

Action that needs to be taken

    • Firstly, the government should transfer the asset to an institution with a vested interest and capacity to provide both oversight and finance.
    • Fifth, the purchase price (pegged value minus lease amounts paid) should be financed over 25 years at a preferential interest rate.
    • Seventh, put a moratorium on the allowed window of reselling the farm to 10 years and let government have the first right of refusal.

South Africa is failing to live up to its constitution. Gains made since democracy are being squandered – report

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 28, 2023

The end of apartheid in 1994 and advent of constitutional democracy resulted in major societal changes in South Africa.

Key Points: 
  • The end of apartheid in 1994 and advent of constitutional democracy resulted in major societal changes in South Africa.
  • The country’s constitution commits the government to take remedial action to address the legacy of past discrimination and injustice.
  • It must improve the quality of life of all citizens and promote equality.
  • Since then, other macroeconomic policies have included the Growth, Employment and Redistribution and Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa policies.
  • Most South Africans continue to face socio-economic exclusion and persistent discrimination on the basis of “race”, gender and disability.

A poor performance

    • Extreme inequality has a profound impact on social and personal relationships as well as social cohesion.
    • The major gap between rich and poor makes it difficult for people to relate to one another and form strong bonds.
    • The quality of basic services in some communities is poor.
    • Lastly, the report shows nation-building efforts have been undermined by growing inequalities, decline in good governance and persistent corruption.
    • This has been evident in unethical political leadership, state capture, institutional decay and low levels of public trust in government.

Progress undermined

    • But these have been undermined by weak governance and poor economic performance since 2006.
    • Addressing the socioeconomic and political challenges will be indispensable to the strengthening and consolidation of its democracy.

South Africa is failing to live up to its constitution. Gains made since democracy are being squandered - report

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 27, 2023

The end of apartheid in 1994 and advent of constitutional democracy resulted in major societal changes in South Africa.

Key Points: 
  • The end of apartheid in 1994 and advent of constitutional democracy resulted in major societal changes in South Africa.
  • The country’s constitution commits the government to take remedial action to address the legacy of past discrimination and injustice.
  • It must improve the quality of life of all citizens and promote equality.
  • Since then, other macroeconomic policies have included the Growth, Employment and Redistribution and Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa policies.
  • Most South Africans continue to face socio-economic exclusion and persistent discrimination on the basis of “race”, gender and disability.

A poor performance

    • Extreme inequality has a profound impact on social and personal relationships as well as social cohesion.
    • The major gap between rich and poor makes it difficult for people to relate to one another and form strong bonds.
    • The quality of basic services in some communities is poor.
    • Lastly, the report shows nation-building efforts have been undermined by growing inequalities, decline in good governance and persistent corruption.
    • This has been evident in unethical political leadership, state capture, institutional decay and low levels of public trust in government.

Progress undermined

    • But these have been undermined by weak governance and poor economic performance since 2006.
    • Addressing the socioeconomic and political challenges will be indispensable to the strengthening and consolidation of its democracy.

FBS Donates Over $62,000 to Charitable Organizations in Seven Countries Around the World

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 14, 2023

By leveraging the support of our clients, FBS encourages meaningful changes in the world," says Ksenia Molodkina, Strategic Marketing Director FBS.

Key Points: 
  • By leveraging the support of our clients, FBS encourages meaningful changes in the world," says Ksenia Molodkina, Strategic Marketing Director FBS.
  • During the Ramadan season of 2023, more than 29,000 traders from 17 countries worldwide participated in the FBS Trade & Aid charity promo.
  • The collective effort resulted in a donation of over $62,000, which FBS equally distributed among seven charitable organizations.
  • FBS remains committed to supporting charitable initiatives that contribute to social welfare and economic empowerment in developing countries.

FBS Donates Over $62,000 to Charitable Organizations in Seven Countries Around the World

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 14, 2023

By leveraging the support of our clients, FBS encourages meaningful changes in the world," says Ksenia Molodkina, Strategic Marketing Director FBS.

Key Points: 
  • By leveraging the support of our clients, FBS encourages meaningful changes in the world," says Ksenia Molodkina, Strategic Marketing Director FBS.
  • During the Ramadan season of 2023, more than 29,000 traders from 17 countries worldwide participated in the FBS Trade & Aid charity promo.
  • The collective effort resulted in a donation of over $62,000, which FBS equally distributed among seven charitable organizations.
  • FBS remains committed to supporting charitable initiatives that contribute to social welfare and economic empowerment in developing countries.

Farming in South Africa is being hobbled by power cuts and poor roads. Rural towns are being hit hardest

Retrieved on: 
Monday, June 5, 2023

The sector’s gross value added grew by 14.9% in 2020, 8.8% in 2021 and modestly by 0.3% in 2022 .

Key Points: 
  • The sector’s gross value added grew by 14.9% in 2020, 8.8% in 2021 and modestly by 0.3% in 2022 .
  • The current season is also likely to deliver solid growth for the sector, with variation across sub-sectors.
  • Export performance is likely be robust, especially with a weaker rand exchange rate, which makes South African products more competitively priced in the global market.
  • These challenges highlight the effects of weak governance across all spheres of government in South Africa.
  • Farming and agribusiness play a crucial role in sustaining the economies of small towns and rural areas.

Roadblocks facing farmers

    • The impact that poor roads have on farmers is well illustrated by a recent case in the Eastern Cape province.
    • Dairy farmers in the Ncorha area struggled to receive farm supplements, feeds and diesel because of the poor state of roads.
    • Water has often been flagged by various agribusinesses and farmers as another major problem.
    • Harvest and livestock theft affect all farmers and are much harder for new entrant farmers without a strong financial position to invest in security and technical solutions.

Why strong agricultural sector matters

    • Agriculture is one such sector, while agribusiness and agro-processing also present a range of employment opportunities.
    • The recently launched Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan presents practical steps for implementing Chapter Six of the National Development Plan, which outlined a vision for developing the agricultural sector further.
    • Public-private sector partnerships can also be considered to help tackle some of these challenges.

Huawei and partners to boost digital inclusion in Uganda through DigiTruck project

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 13, 2023

KIRUHURA, Uganda, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ugandan President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched a new DigiTruck project in Uganda.

Key Points: 
  • KIRUHURA, Uganda, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ugandan President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched a new DigiTruck project in Uganda.
  • President Yoweri Museveni commented in a tweet, "I launched the Huawei DigiTruck project in Uganda.
  • He added that, "Digital transformation is one of the key drivers of effective human capital development, it therefore gives me pleasure to launch this Huawei Project."
  • This is why we have the slogan 'A better You for a Better Uganda'," said Gao Fei, Managing Director for Huawei Uganda.

Huawei and partners to boost digital inclusion in Uganda through DigiTruck project

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 13, 2023

KIRUHURA, Uganda, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ugandan President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched a new DigiTruck project in Uganda.

Key Points: 
  • KIRUHURA, Uganda, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ugandan President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched a new DigiTruck project in Uganda.
  • President Yoweri Museveni commented in a tweet, "I launched the Huawei DigiTruck project in Uganda.
  • He added that, "Digital transformation is one of the key drivers of effective human capital development, it therefore gives me pleasure to launch this Huawei Project."
  • This is why we have the slogan 'A better You for a Better Uganda'," said Gao Fei, Managing Director for Huawei Uganda.

Angola Air Conditioner (Room, Ducted, Ductless, Centralized) Markets, 2017-2021 & 2022 & 2027: Analysis, On-going Trends, Opportunities/High Growth Areas, Market Drivers - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 12, 2022

Angola Air Conditioner Market report comprehensively covers the market by types, technology, components and application.

Key Points: 
  • Angola Air Conditioner Market report comprehensively covers the market by types, technology, components and application.
  • Angola air conditioner market witnessed a moderate growth during the period 2017-2020 owing to rapid urbanization and increase in construction activities in the country.
  • The major reason for growth in the Angola air conditioner market size can be attributed to the upcoming residential projects.
  • With higher penetration of room air conditioners in the residential segments the Angola air conditioner market revenues is expected to increase during forecast period.

Caribbean Data Center Market Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities Report 2022-2027 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 9, 2022

The "Caribbean Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points: 
  • The "Caribbean Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
  • The Caribbean market is witnessing more on-premises data center investment than colocation and hyperscale data centers.
  • The Caribbean data center market is growing with strong economic factors, government support, digitalization, technology penetration, and connectivity with major global markets.
  • During the forecast period, a detailed study of the existing Caribbean data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Caribbean data center market size.