The government has on various occasions and in budget speeches referred to the importance of paying contractors who render services to the state within a reasonable period of time. Despite this, however, it does not always happen in practice, as was the case recently in the Northern Cape. Smaller contractors involved in repairing protection walls along the Orange River, which had been damaged in floods, had not been paid for several months.
"Agri SA raised this matter with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson. She showed understanding for the cash-flow problems caused by late payment to contractors and personally attended to the matter. Payment of arrears followed soon," said Agri SA president, Johannes Möller.
"Agri SA wishes to thank her for her understanding and actions which is in the interest of a wide spectrum of farmers. There is also appreciation for the budget allocation which will pay for extensive repairs over the next few years," said Möller.
For more information, go to www.agrisa.co.za.
