Minister Meyer pays tribute to VLV on Women's Day

On the eve of the celebration of Women’s Day 2021, I wish to pay tribute to the Cape Women Agricultural Association.

Commonly known as the VLV (Vroue-Landbouvereniging), this women’s organization offers its members opportunities for personal growth, personal advancement, and community service.

Women empowering themselves, other women and agri-workers over decades bear testimony to the VLV’s commitment to building healthy relationships in the agricultural sector in South Africa.

The charitable work done during the drought and the current pandemic has gone largely unnoticed.

The distribution of pampering boxes which has been a source of support and inspiration to women living in drought-stricken parts of the Western Cape has been extended to health workers fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wherever I travel, I am impressed with the work and commitment of these women to help build resilient communities.

Covid19 has harmed the mental health of many. So I am heartened by the VLV’s positive response to my request to also contribute to the mental well-being of rural communities.

Several members are also involved in various farming activities where they assist with administration, bookkeeping, marketing, transportation, supervision and payment of salaries to workers.

They also often raise young lambs, provide catering, run farm shops, manage packaging facilities and nursery schools on farms.

The VLV’s latest initiative to actively plant indigenous plants is welcomed as the restoration of our ecological infrastructure supports agriculture’s initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change by introducing climate-proof practices in farming operations.

Everything the women of the VLV do supports primary agriculture and ultimately the growth of the economy and jobs in the Western Cape.

Agriculture is the heartbeat of the VLV, and for this, we salute them.