Sugar industry review seeks to recognise black cane growers
The review follows complaints by the SA Farmers Development Association to the government that it is not adequately represented within the industry
The department of trade and industry is forging ahead with its plans to review the regulation of the sugar industry, in a bid to grant black cane growers who have benefited from land reform more recognition. The South African sugar industry generates an average direct income of about R8bn a year and is responsible for at least 80,000 direct jobs. Indirect employment is estimated at 350,000. In a recent government gazette, trade and industry minister Rob Davies said that the department was reviewing the regulation of the sugar industry to address the recognition of alternative associations such as the South African Farmers Development Association (Safda), which represents black cane growers. The act being amended is the Sugar Act of 1978 and the Sugar Industry Agreement of 2000. The aim is to ensure broad-based representation in the industry, improved competitiveness, and to promote transformation and inclusive growth, Davies said. The review follows complaints by Safda to the depart...
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