The Ladies on Farms Undertaking (WFP) has expressed grave concern over Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2025/26 Funds, labeling it as “anti-poor” as a result of deliberate will increase in Worth Added Tax (VAT) and minimal changes to social grants. Ladies on Farms Undertaking (WFP), a civil society group devoted to bettering the lives of ladies farm staff in South Africa, states that the funds falls in need of supporting essentially the most weak – significantly seasonal feminine farm staff who wrestle to make ends meet.
WFP consultant, Kara McKay states that the proposed VAT enhance of 0.5% this yr and subsequent yr is a major blow to farm staff who already face monetary hardships.
“Many ladies seasonal staff are employed just for a number of months every year, leaving them reliant on social grants through the low season. The rise in VAT will exacerbate their financial struggles”, stated McKay.
A analysis research completed by the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA) revealed that 20% of farm house owners have been ladies, with 66% of full-time staff being males and 52% of part-time or seasonal staff being ladies. The Meals and Agriculture Group (FAO) has reported that ladies make up nicely over 50 % of the agricultural labor pressure in lots of sub-Saharan African nations. Whereas ladies represent a good portion of the agricultural workforce (43.4%) in South Africa, they’re underrepresented in managerial roles (33.1%).
In 2024, the nationwide minimal wage in South Africa for farmworkers was R27.58 per hour, which got here into impact from March 1, 2024, the present minimal wage for all staff, together with farm staff, has been adjusted to R28.79 per hour, efficient from March 1, 2025.
Nevertheless, in a latest WFP workshop, farmwomen revealed that they typically resort to borrowing cash at excessive rates of interest to satisfy primary wants, pushing them deeper right into a cycle of debt.
Nicolene Mcgee, a seasonal farm employee from Paarl, articulated the dire scenario: “A rise of R30 per youngster implies that I’ll get R1620 for 3 kids. I’ve to pay R1450 per 30 days for varsity transport, which leaves me with R230 to purchase meals, garments, stationery, and toiletries – every part!”
“With this cash, there is no such thing as a hope of ever getting out of poverty. We, on the bottom, stay the losers of South African society”, stated Mcgee.
Whereas WFP welcomes the extension of the Social Aid of Misery (SRD) grant to March 2026, and the proposal for a Fundamental Revenue Grant, the group argues that the present funds doesn’t adequately handle the wants of the poor.
The WFP and different civil society organizations are advocating for a Fundamental Revenue Grant of at the least R1,654 for adults to fight seasonal meals insecurity confronted by farm staff.
WFP additionally criticized the Minister’s framing of the SRD as an expenditure with excessive alternative prices, emphasizing that taxing the wealthiest South Africans might present the mandatory funding for social packages.
In keeping with the World Inequality Lab, a Wealth Tax on the richest 1% might generate between R70 and R160 billion yearly, which might tremendously alleviate South Africa’s funds deficit and handle deep-rooted poverty and inequality.
McKay states that there’s a stark distinction between the wealth of billionaires and the struggles of farm staff, and that that is morally indefensible.
“The funds fails to replicate a dedication to tackling poverty and inequality head-on, leaving weak communities with out hope”, stated McKay.
Vice President of Hibarri, Cherrylee Samson states that the ICS2025 will use its platform to focus on the essential position of ladies in agriculture and advocate for systemic adjustments that empower them.
The Worldwide Commodity Summit 2025 goals to place itself as a catalyst of change for ladies on farms by addressing systemic challenges and selling gender-responsive methods in agriculture.
The panel discussions on the summit will handle structural boundaries, and promote monetary inclusion by growing ladies’s entry to credit score, agricultural inputs, and know-how, enabling them to boost productiveness and profitability.
In addition to capability constructing and schooling, which incorporates coaching and extension providers by offering focused agricultural coaching packages that equip ladies with trendy farming strategies and sustainable practices.
“As South Africa continues to face important challenges associated to poverty and inequality, WFP urges the federal government to rethink its funds priorities and implement a good taxation system that uplifts essentially the most deprived, guaranteeing that every one South Africans can thrive”, stated McKay. For additional data on The Worldwide Commodity Summit 2025, together with registration particulars, sponsorship alternatives, and the total agenda, please go to [https://internationalcommoditysummit.com/].