Dr Lindikaya Myeki, a senior lecturer in Agricultural Economics and Extension at North-West University, has called for immediate action following the release of the Competition Commission of South Africa's (CCSA) Fresh Produce Market Inquiry report. Highlighting the recurrence of issues despite multiple investigations over the past three decades, Dr Myeki questions the efficacy of these inquiries in bringing about reform in South Africa's fresh produce market system.
With a history of investigations dating back to 1995, including efforts by the Auditor-General and the Office for Serious Economic Offences, Dr Myeki points out that recommendations from these reports have not been fully implemented. He raises concerns about the accountability for monitoring implementation and the binding nature of these recommendations. The lack of progress reports further complicates the situation, leaving unanswered questions about the achievement of targets set by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC).
Dr Myeki underlines the need for a shift towards coordinated implementation of the CCSA's recommendations to ensure meaningful transformation in the market. He references Russell Brand's perspective on the necessity of action over new ideas to emphasize the importance of executing existing recommendations for change. Specializing in agricultural productivity and efficiency, Dr Myeki advocates for systemic reforms to support farmers, enhance market efficiency, and achieve transformation goals in South Africa's fresh produce sector.
Source: News NWU