Drought Conference: Minister’s last-minute cancellation shows contempt for those suffering 

23 June 2016

The DA can reveal that an important drought conference has been cancelled – just twelve hours before its commencement - because the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) had a “similar event” in the Northern Cape that they didn’t want upstaged. 

This so called “similar event” is really just ANC electioneering with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane and the Premier of the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas cutting the ribbon at the launch of the refurbished and upgraded Vaal Gamagara Water Scheme. 

The Inaugural National Government Indaba on Policy Priorities for Managing Drought is extremely important in the context of the ongoing drought and the impact that it is having on South Africans, especially the poor and vulnerable. 

We call on the Minister of DAFF, Mr Zokwana, to urgently furnish the nation with a follow-up date where he will reassure us of his attendance as the private sector cannot help alleviate the harsh effects of drought alone without joint action from government. 

Meanwhile the DA government in the Western Cape has hosted a two day strategic session to discuss the drought with more than a hundred delegates from leading stakeholders such as Agri WC, and the African Farmers Association of SA and devise action plans. This is proof that the DA is taking the drought seriously in the areas where we govern.

According to a Water and Sanitation Joint Meeting of Portfolio Committees at Parliament earlier this year, 33 million people in South Africa are being affected by the drought, it is shocking that the Minister does not see this as a national disaster crisis, so much so, that his counterpart, Minister David Van Rooyen has not yet declared the current drought a national disaster.

The DA cares for the lives of those suffering through water and food shortages and we are saddened by the lack of accountability from government equally. We will be ensuring in areas that we govern that no individual will go without food or water as a result of the drought.

Issued by Tarnia Baker, DA Member on the Water and Sanitation Portfolio Committee, 23 June 2016