Decisions made in the months ahead, both on farms and in government, will determine whether this sector merely survives or becomes the stabilising force our economy urgently needs. Fertile land is not enough. Even the most productive sector can falter without the right policies, partnerships, and leadership. This session clarified one thing: agriculture is not just weathering the storm - it must help steer the country through it.
The panel discussion on navigating South Africa’s political and economic landscape in agriculture explored these very challenges, focusing on the evolving political and economic factors that will shape the future of our country’s agricultural sector. Political shifts, both at home and globally, are already beginning to affect trade, legislation, and food safety policies. In his opening remarks, Johann Kotzé stressed the importance of recalibrating South Africa's role in global trade. "We are insignificant in size, but strategically vital," he remarked, underscoring the immense importance of agriculture to South Africa's broader economy. Agriculture drives employment, rural stability, and social cohesion, all critical for long-term economic growth.
However, Kotzé highlighted that agriculture cannot be left solely to the government. "The government should not be the only entity responsible for the well-being of South Africa," he said. "We need to step up and man up.” He emphasised that we should play a larger role in creating jobs, economic stability, and rural safety. This sentiment echoed across the session as panellists agreed that agriculture must be more active in shaping its future, responding to government policies and driving the economy forward.
Wandile Sihlobo spoke passionately about the sector's future, pointing out that South Africa’s agricultural master plan provides clear direction. "We cannot let political cycles determine our progress," he said. “The operating conditions remain largely the same regardless of the political party in charge." His approach to trade echoed this sentiment, where he noted that South Africa should focus on establishing "new friendships" in international markets. While global trade dynamics shift, the key challenge remains whether we have the capacity to engage with as many markets as possible. Sihlobo expressed confidence in South Africa's ability to do so.
At the heart of this discussion was Dr. Frans Cronjé, who painted a stark picture of the road ahead. He noted that South Africa’s economic growth remains "abnormally low," a point that reverberated across the room. Cronjé made it clear that we won’t see stability on critical issues, such as property rights, until South Africa addresses the foundational issue of poverty and unemployment. "Once we overcome that, then we can move forward with confidence," he said. Cronjé's remarks stressed that addressing the social and economic challenges within the country must be a priority for creating long-term stability. Only then can South Africa focus on the structural issues plaguing the agricultural sector, including property rights and land reform.
Regarding international trade, Maarten Ackerman offered a sobering view of the economic landscape. The panel discussed the slowdown in global trade and how South Africa might navigate these changes. Ackerman highlighted the potential for a shift in global relations, noting that while trade may slow down, history has shown that the world will eventually find a new equilibrium. "We’ve seen it in the past, including during the COVID pandemic. The world will adapt, and South Africa must position itself accordingly," Ackerman remarked. He also pointed to how South Africa can exploit geopolitical tensions between major players like the United States and China. South Africa must carefully extract advantages from these tensions to bolster its economic prospects.
The panel concluded with a strong sense of urgency. Johann Kotzé said, “We need to get our house in order.” With the agricultural sector facing rising costs, global uncertainties, and domestic political challenges, South Africa must take immediate, coordinated action to safeguard the future of agriculture. The sector holds tremendous promise — but only if the right political, economic, and infrastructural support is in place.