MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT DISTANCES ITSELF FROM BLACK FARMERS’ INDABA
19 October 2024
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government (MPG) has learned with shock about an indaba in which Black Farmers are invited to attend on the 24th and 25th of October 2024 at the Mbombela stadium.
The organizers claim that the indaba will discuss among others, support for black farmers. The claim further states that the Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) will attend.
The MPG would like to put it on record that none of the Provincial departments are taking part in the Indaba. Premier Ndlovu says while the MPG is determined to support and engage in any initiative that seeks to support farmers and the agricultural sector generally, however, due processes of inviting the government for partnership purpose, should be followed.
"We would like to advise individuals and interest groups to refrain from using government's name to invite people into their gatherings. Under no circumstances has government hired any private company or any individual to organize an indaba for black farmers," Mr. Ndlovu emphasised.
The Premier says nothing prohibits any individual from organizing stakeholders in a certain field, but misrepresentation should be avoided. “We are committed to support the private sector’s proactive activities, but the use of my name or that of the government to garner support for programmes and interests without our knowledge, should be prohibited,” the Premier explained.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za