Agriculture Minister Steenhuisen to mediate in Botswana-Namibia fruit and vegetable ban saga

By Johannah Malogadihlare

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said he will meet with representatives from both Botswana and Namibia in order to find a solution on the ban the two countries have imposed on South Africa’s citrus and other produce.

Steenhuisen was at the two-day Agri-Limpopo congress in Modimolle, Limpopo on Tuesday, where he addressed issues around job creation, trade, animal health, traceability and biosecurity within the red meat sector, improving infrastructure, and access to key citrus export markets.

He expressed confidence in finding a solution to the benefit of all involved, and said communication and compromise was key to resolving the matter.

“I believe a mutual agreement can be made between the three countries instead of restricting import and export of citrus fruits,” Steenhuisen said.

Steenhuise was disappointed by the ban and believed it was unhelpful to all countries, he said.

“You cannot just temporarily close the border or shut