While the SA sugar industry had already begun embracing the necessity for racial equality and integration within its ranks long before the formation of democratic SA, the process of speeding up this integration since 1994 has been slow.
More effort and incentives could have been directed at this aspect in order to achieve a fully inclusive industry. After voicing this regret while speaking at the recently held Founding Congress of the fully integrated and inclusive Sezela Cane Growers’ Association (SCGA) on the KZN South Coast, chairperson of the SA Canegrowers’ Association Bruce Galloway highlighted the benefits that could be experienced through unity within his organisation’s structures. “The new organisation and its structures will produce tangible results such as the holistic development of small-scale grower areas. This will increase cane tonnage to the local mill, thereby ensuring sustainability of cane supply in the area.
Duplication of activities among smaller independent grower groups will be avoided, with energies now harnessed for the good of the whole group,” explained Galloway. H e added that the best interests of growers would be well served through the SCGA’s organisational structure and the ability of its leadership to adapt as they began to recognise the different needs of growers as dictated by their land title type, size of operations, distance to the mill, and even language. “A well-organised representative structure is of importance to maintain the essential ingredient of grower unity. Fostering participation and inclusion by all the growers is key to the success of a unified structure,” Galloway continued. “Other benefits that will become evident to the members will include the real political credibility of the organisation as well as the SCGA’s negotiating clout with the miller and with government.” While acknowledging that the formation of such a diverse, yet unified, entity such as the SCGA was no easy task, Galloway pointed out that the combination of skills and assets presented by each SCGA member would contribute to the well-being and progress of the cane-growing community. He encouraged these members always to respect the diverse opinions of their colleagues. – Lloyd Phillips
