Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen warned that climate-related risks are likely to intensify in the coming years, requiring both government and industry to strengthen resilience across the agricultural sector.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has called for urgent interventions to restore critical infrastructure damaged by recent flooding in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, warning that prolonged disruptions could threaten agricultural production, exports and the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers.
Addressing the media on Monday, Steenhuisen said he had already engaged with Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to address power outages in parts of the Western Cape, where fruit destined for international markets is being stored in cold storage facilities.
“About a week ago, I met with Minister Ramokgopa, where I impressed upon him that we get electricity restored in the Western Cape so that we don't lose the fruits that are sitting in cold storage for exports,” he said.
Steenhuisen stressed that restoring damaged transport infrastructure was equally critical to ensuring agricultural exports continue to flow to international markets. He highlighted the strategic importance of Mitchells Pass, a key transport route used to move fruit exports to ports.
