In an interesting development, the province which saw farm labourer unrest earlier this year [2013] and at the end of 2012 has seen a GROWTH in employment opportunities on farms. In the other eight provinces, jobs on farms decreased.
According to Statistics South Africa, farm worker employment in the country dropped from 712 000 to 706 000 in the third quarter of 2013. In contrast, the Western Cape saw its figures go up from 117 000 to 139 000.
What is happening?
There is more to the answer, of course, but it is noteworthy how much energy goes into the issue of farm workers in this province. For starters, there is actually a farm worker portfolio in the provincial department of agriculture. The department also runs a Farmworker of the Year competition, which saw a record number of entries in 2013. The winner’s prize is valued at R100 000 (around USD 10 000) which includes cash and an overseas trip.
Find the Western Cape Department of Agriculture website here.
In The Agri Handbook for South Africa, job creation is a theme is many of the chapters, as well as being a chapter all on its own in the National Issues section. Find it here. [Editor note: today’s reader can go to the page “Labour and agriculture” on Agribook.Digital]
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