The Northwest Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reiterated its commitment to implementing the Cannabis Master Plan into the province’s agriculture transformation.
During a recent hybrid Cannabis Lekgotla organised by the province Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the North West University, the department made the pledge.
The Cannabis Legotla, which was attended by various cannabis advocacy groups, including the Cannabis Council of South Africa, Rastafarian formations, traditional leaders, academics, interest groups and individuals, and farmers, aimed to discuss the rollout of the National Cannabis Master Plan and the economic rationale behind the commercialisation and development of the herb.
The Cannabis Master Plan intends to establish a wide framework for the development and expansion of the South African cannabis business so as to contribute to economic development, job creation, inclusive participation, rural development, and the reduction of poverty.
Desbo Mohono, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West, stated at the Lekgotla that every avenue must be pursued to create employment and combat poverty, allowing businesses to grow, emerge, and flourish, while also utilising the State’s capabilities to create a conducive environment for farmers.
“As government, we always appreciate the direct, considered and constructive approach that higher institutions of learning take in responding to the challenges facing our country.
“That is why we saw it fit as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to rope in the North West University, in particular, looking at their research output, which is amongst the best in the entire country,” Mohono said.
The MEC said that the department would collaborate with traditional leaders to form a relationship and ensure that those living on community land are not left behind by “the train of this economic hub.”
“The department will also set aside a certain amount of money in making sure that we train our farmers fully about how to be experts in this field. This will be done through roping in experts who we have met in this Lekgotla,” Mohono explained.
Principal and Vice Chancellor of North West University, Dr. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, said that the institution is prepared to help to the execution of the National Cannabis Master Plan in order to harness the economic potential of rural regions.
“We must all work with the government to assist in the review of policy and regulatory framework that will fast-track the industrialisation of hemp and cannabis towards the realisation of economic investment and job creation,” Tyobeka said.
Development of a provincial cannabis structure
During the breakout sessions, participants suggested that the province develop a Cannabis Structure with distinct authorities, functions, and reporting lines.
Participants also decided that Cannabis Lekgotla would execute Action Plans and/or the selected Programme of Action (POA).
They created further terms of reference for the Provincial Cannabis Structure and determined that it would meet quarterly.
Department Head Thupi Mokhatla said that all suggestions would be implemented by assigned institutions and stakeholders within the specified time frame.
The permission application procedure for hemp has begun.
Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza announced on October 29, 2021, the start of the application procedure for hemp licences.
This follows the 1976 designation of HEMP as an agricultural crop under Section 53 of the Plant Improvement Act. The classification of hemp as an agricultural product currently permits its importation, exportation, cultivation, sale, and study in South Africa.
This is a necessary stage in the creation of the Cannabis Master Plan.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said in February’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the government would evaluate the legislation and regulatory framework for industrial hemp and cannabis to realise the enormous potential for investment and job development.
“The hemp and cannabis sector has the potential to create more than 130 000 new jobs. We are therefore streamlining the regulatory processes so that the hemp and cannabis sector can thrive like it is in other countries such as Lesotho,” President Ramaphosa said at the time.