Load shedding, port delays threaten SA's global competitiveness in agri sector, says WC MEC Baartman
This was revealed by the province's Finance MEC Deidré Baartman while tabling the budget for 2025/26 in the provincial legislature on Friday.
Picture: © Kostic Dusan/123rf.com
CAPE TOWN - South Africa's lingering rolling blackouts and port delays are threatening the country's global competitiveness in the agricultural sector.
This was revealed by the province's Finance MEC Deidré Baartman while tabling the budget for 2025/26 in the provincial legislature on Friday.
She also pointed to the province’s 2024/2025 winter crops season, which she said showed mixed results for wheat, barley, canola, and oats.
The MEC said that national wheat production was estimated at 1.94 million tonnes, with the Western Cape contributing 1.1 million tonnes.
Baartman added that in the wine industry, South Africa's 2024 grape harvest dropped by 7%, but quality remained high.
"But, Speaker I have to say, table grapes are forecasted to make a comeback. The table grape production is expected to recover by 5% in 2025 due to better weather and water availability. Overall, the Western Cape's agricultural sector is projected to grow by 1.4% in 2025 and 0.8% in 2026 as climate conditions improve."