Thoko Didiza establishes a task force to examine the impact of power outages on the food and farming industries

Industry executives have raised concerns about food security as a result of the unpredictability of load-shedding.

Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, will assemble a task force to examine the impact of load-shedding on the agriculture, food, fibre, and beverage industries.

This follows a meeting on Friday with sector executives to discuss the impact on business and future strategies.

“The industry leaders outlined difficulties faced by businesses and workers, while highlighting threats to food security when load-shedding continues to take place unpredictably and at short notice, without strategies to mitigate its impact. The development of alternative energy sources within the sector was also analysed,” said department spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo.

It was decided that the minister will form a task team comprised of government representatives, industry participants, and energy professionals to assess its impact and capacity to offer South Africans with safe, nutritious food, he added.

“Technical work to measure financial costs is under way and will help to underline the strategy. The task team will also explore short, medium and long-term interventions to ease the burden of load-shedding within the farming, food, fibre and beverage value chains,” Ngcobo said.

Didiza noted the challenges that businesses confront and praised delegates for their efforts in delivering food to the country under tough conditions. “Despite the current challenges, the agricultural industries will continue to ensure availability of food and fibre is assured,” she stated.