
CEO, Grain SA
GRAIN SA’S CORE MISSION IS TO ADVANCE THE PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF GRAIN PRODUCERS IN SOUTH AFRICA. A KEY ASPECT OF THIS MANDATE IS ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND THE INFLUENCING OF GOVERNMENT PROCESSES TO CREATE A FAVOURABLE, PREDICTABLE POLICY ENVIRONMENT FOR GRAIN PRODUCERS.
This involves participation in broader agricultural and national issues, such as water security, land reform, labour, and infrastructure, which we share with other industries such as the potato, citrus and red-meat industries through national organisations such as AgriSA and Agbiz. In addition, Grain SA deals with industry-specific issues such as import tariffs, the regulation of agrochemicals, and market access.
We act as a watchdog regarding policy and regulatory issues and serve as a strategic partner to the state. It requires vigilance and understanding of a complex political and policy landscape to protect and advance the interests of grain producers.
The government of national unity (GNU) consists of parties with diverse policies and ideologies from opposite ends of the political spectrum. This friction has already ended up in court with the dispute over VAT and currently over the principle of expropriation without compensation – a sign of the fragile cooperation within the GNU. The coalition also has to navigate the transition to a true multi-party government – with the former ruling party reluctantly relinquishing their privileged position.
Amid political uncertainty and a GNU, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are becoming increasingly important to ensure service delivery. The growing realisation of the private sector’s valuable role in policy implementation suggests that partnerships can increasingly complement the state’s capabilities when it comes to economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, energy supply, and service delivery. Such partnerships increase trust, involve the private sector in policymaking, align practices with government objectives, and create a stable investment environment that supports growth and transformation.
An example is the independent power producer programmes where private companies sell solar and wind power to Eskom. This model brings capital and expertise and promotes policy consensus on shared goals. Transnet also recently approached the private sector to help restore key freight corridors, such as those from Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay. Within this changing context, Grain SA has to recalibrate its approach to influencing policy and government collaboration to ensure a favourable environment for grain producers.
What is the unique challenge facing the agricultural sector? The successful application of PPPs in agriculture will be determined by the ability to address provincial and municipal decay. The collapse of provincial and local governments is harming service delivery, increasing agricultural production costs, and discouraging agricultural investments. Our biggest challenge is that urban and mega projects will be prioritised while rural areas are left behind.
We will need to move quickly and position ourselves carefully to establish PPPs that will complement state capacity in rural areas and support sustainable growth in agriculture. The Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP), focusing on an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable sector and identifying PPPs as a key instrument, can be effectively utilised in this regard.
Within our own ranks, there are several examples of successful collaboration between Grain SA, the private sector, and the government. Although not called PPPs, these can serve as a barometer for the potential of future partnerships within the framework of the AAMP.
The recent expansion of market access to China and Egypt can be attributed to collaboration between Grain SA, the South African Cereals and Oilseeds Trade Association (SACOTA) and the Department of Agriculture (DoA). Another example is Grain SA’s fertiliser monitoring project, which is done with financial support from Fertasa and in consultation with the DoA. Grain SA’s Research and Policy Centre is also achieving great success in its collaboration with government departments, research institutions, universities, and public institutions.
However, partnerships in agriculture do not always mean unanimity – actually, different points of view create space for meaningful engagement. Fact-driven conversations on data, technology, regulations, and policy lead to better policy frameworks and solutions.
Agriculture in South Africa has demonstrated a strong capacity for adaptation, innovation, and perseverance over decades – despite droughts, policy uncertainty, and infrastructure decay. This resilience lies in the commitment of producers, and it highlights the undeniable value of collaboration between institutions, policymakers, the private sector and producers.
We are on the verge of entering a period in which the state and the business community will increasingly need to consult each other – not just about what needs to be done, but about how it can be done in the most efficient way. Ultimately, the ability to adapt, sustained collaboration, and a shared vision will determine the long-term success of our sector.