In the three years that it has taken to get this far only a few projects have reached completion. But the groundwork has been laid for many other projects throughout the country. It was most encouraging to learn from Minister Hanekom recently that there are now over 300 such projects underway that will benefit over 60,000 households, in other words close on half a million people. You are now the owners of this land as a result of the government's land reform project have a great responsibility on their shoulders. Without exaggeration we can say that the future of the programme depends on their success or failure as farmers.
Agriculture is a vital sector of our economy.
South Africa is one of only six countries in the world which exports food on a substantial basis. To keep this up and improve the contribution which agriculture is already making to our economic growth, farmers will need to grasp the opportunities of our entrance into a competitive world market-place. Even more important, we should provide affordable food to our people. If managed well the Lephatsoana Trust can develop this farm to become the food basket of Daggakraal and an integral part of the region's agriculture. We are encouraged by the record so far.