More than 2 000 people expressed their disapproval through TLU SA’s platforms in the two days before the comment period on the controversial proposed regulations for the allocation of water licenses closed. The comments were sent to the relevant address, each contributing to expressing dissatisfaction. TLU SA itself has submitted official comments.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) published proposed regulations for allocating water licenses in the Government Gazette on 19 May. One of the requirements is that licenses for agriculture and forestry should be granted to entities with between 25% and 75% black ownership.
“We want to thank every person who has commented on this matter,” says Bennie van Zyl, general manager of TLU SA. “The influx of negative comments confirms that the department and the government’s short-sighted plans will be detrimental to food security. We are grateful that consumers have followed the proper procedures to voice their concerns about something that will affect us all. This is the only way we will contribute to curbing the government’s ideological plans.”
In its official commentary, TLU SA expressed concern about the proposed regulations and highlighted various implementation implications.
– The changes infringe on a person’s constitutional right to decide where and how they conduct their business.
– The use of water is of cardinal importance in producing food.
– Commercial farmers produce food for approximately 70% of urban South Africans.
– The guise of job creation is a lie that can only benefit a small percentage of people to some extent.
– Market forces have always had the final say in the economy’s success. A strong economy can only be sustainable if economic principles are followed above an ideological approach.
“TLU SA rejects the proposed regulations,” says Van Zyl. “It was clearly put together hastily and formulated with a specific ideology. It holds no advantage for South Africa.”
