NCERA FARMS PRESENTATION TO THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE

BACKGROUND  DAFF has noted the Portfolio Committee resolution on the Ncera Farms  The Ncera Entity issue cannot be treated in isolation from the other surrounding State land  The Department will ensure the staff within Ncera will be placed in various state institutions as per Public Service Act, the Labour Relations Act and any Collective Agreement concluded by the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council.

 In terms of disciplinary action against implicated officials and due to the fact that precautionary suspension is impossible based on the time of offense, the DAFF has appointed employer representative (initiator) and presiding officer to kick start hearing processes.  The Ncera issue is going to be tedious and protracted process, given wide-ranging implications  The leases (farmers) will be engaged on the modalities to take process forward amicably

WAYFOWARD  Meanwhile, the maintenance of all assets, including farm land, will be ensured as prescribed by the PFMA  Farms, once released, will have to be managed by the Entity in order to remain productive  Consultations and engagement with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government will be expedited 4

 Engagements with the National Treasury and Departments of Public Works and Rural Development and Land Reform will also take place  Thereafter the DAFF will embark on a proper administrative process

THANK YOU 6