TLU SA has decided to follow a solution-seeking approach to address the controversy surrounding Landbank’s position in the agricultural environment and to find possible solutions to the benefit of all parties involved.
TLU SA recently had a constructive discussion with representatives of Landbank. The conversation was held in a spirit of finding the best solution in the interest of agriculture.
“We have made it clear that agricultural financing is of great importance for the producers to remain in production and precisely because of this we need a healthy and effective Landbank, which understands the unique circumstances of agriculture. Increasing and diverse challenges lead to the reduction in the number of farmers, which leads to job losses and is to the disadvantage of rural communities, therefore everything possible must be done to keep farmers in production,” says Mr Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager.
TLU SA discussed a handful of points with Landbank and received largely satisfactory answers.
“The fact that Landbank opposes us in the court case to be admitted as a friend of the court has been addressed. This case deals with business rescue, which currently only companies can make use of, but trusts and individuals do not have the privilege. In our opinion, this is unconstitutional and that’s why it was entered into so that all businesses can have the same opportunity to make use of business rescue.”
The actions of Landbank collectors were also addressed. For TLU SA, bully behaviour to collect debts is unacceptable. “Farmers who have problems with bullying tactics should contact us immediately. Landbank has undertaken to investigate the cases we report.”
Landbank has undertaken to make available the names of the lawyers involved in cases that have already been referred to the legal department. It has also been confirmed that farmers who have already been handed over to the legal department can still come forward with a plan and if it is acceptable, the case will be withdrawn.
“South African agriculture needs a reliable financial institution that understands agriculture and can also help manage the variables, such as the last eight years of droughts in certain parts of the country. We must solve the farmers’ crisis together and for that a climate of trust and willingness is needed. For this reason, we follow a solution-seeking approach.
“Landbank has given TLU SA the undertaking that it is prepared to attend to each farmer’s problem separately as long as it is within reasonable terms.”
Farmers must contact TLU SA when they wish to make submissions to Landbank. The process must be monitored to promote outcome-based results.
Mr. Van Zyl concludes: “Landbank has now committed itself to certain actions, and its integrity is at stake if this is not complied with. So is the integrity of farmers also at stake in order to handle the process of arrears transparently.”
