MESSAGE
The findings of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Agri Worker Household Census, released in November 2017, also revealed trends for job seeking in agriculture. The census, which surveyed over 11 000 households, found that over the next 15 years, the number of rural residents who will enter the job market will increase by 34%. Only 12% of the sector’s current employees will be leaving the workplace over that same time period. To accommodate the rise in work-seekers, agriculture must grow by between 8% and 10%. Other milestones we have reached in Project Khulisa include an 80% increase in wine exports to China, the production of which has a positive effect on jobs. In partnership with Wesgro, we have also secured private-sector investment worth over R1-billion into this sector. While we are pleased with our progress, we are concerned about our natural resource base, and realise the need to put urgent plans in place to address the water shortages in our region. A reliable water supply is critical to economic growth. We are working with the private sector to find the best solutions. This includes highlighting best practice in reducing water use, and finding long-term plans to sustain our water supply. I am confident that by working together we can continue to build on these successes across all sectors of our economy.
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WESTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2018