Gerrit van Rensburg announced that he will retire as Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development after the 2014 elections.
“I will remain active in the public sector, but will serve the agricultural/public sector in a new capacity”. Van Rensburg said he will announce his future plans at a later stage.
Van Rensburg said he is satisfied and proud of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s performance during his term in office, which started in 2009. He said highlights included:
Van Rensburg said he remains passionate about agriculture. “I believe the agricultural sector can play a fundamental role in solving the challenges of South Africa. The South African agricultural community is made up of exceptional people, most of whom are true and committed nation builders.
Van Rensburg said agriculture is central to land reform and black economic empowerment in South Africa. “In the Western Cape we are proving that empowerment projects can be successful with the right design and support”.
He said agriculture can help solve unemployment challenges. Van Rensburg said investment in agriculture creates more jobs and generates more revenue than any other sector in the South African economy.
Van Rensburg expressed his gratitude to the agricultural community for its unwavering support during his term as Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Without a dedicated agricultural community of farmers and farm workers nobody will have food on their tables tonight.
"Thank you."
Wouter Kriel
Tel: 021 483 4700
Cell: 079 694 3085
E-mail: wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za