SAFDA hosts sugar regulations imbizo

A milestone has been reached on the sugar industry's journey to transformation, writes Jyothi Laldas.

- Jyothi Laldas

To celebrate the gazetting of the sugar industry regulations, which confirms the South African Farmers’ Development Association (SAFDA) as a permanent member of the industry, SAFDA recently hosted the Sugar Regulations Imbizo in Gingindlovu, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The event was attended by industry leaders and farmers as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel.

The South African sugar industry marked a crucial milestone on the road to transformation and inclusivity on 28 March, when the transitional provisions outlined in the Sugar Industry Agreement of 2000 and the Constitution, initially introduced in 2020, were officially made permanent by the Government Gazette. These pivotal provisions, along with those outlined in the government notice, signify a substantial shift towards more inclusion of black small-scale growers in the sugar industry through representation by SAFDA.

Dr Siyabonga Madlala, CEO and executive chairperson of SAFDA, said: “We are thrilled about the announcement in the Government Gazette, making the transitional regulations governing the South African sugar industry permanent. The transitional regulations were introduced in 2018 and extended in 2020 to expire on 31 March 2024.