Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism

2) (a)   The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) does not maintain records of road fatalities as this responsibility lies with the Western Cape Mobility Department, as well as the Department of Health and Wellness, which manages and collect data on road accidents and fatalities. Subsequently, no distinction can be made between the fatalities of an agricultural worker and other citizens.

2. The WCDoA continues to engage all relevant agricultural stakeholders, to promote and encourage the safety of workers, inclusive of dignified and safe transportation.

The Department has implemented the following measures, for the safe transportation of agri workers:

• Road Safety Awareness Sessions were held in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Mobility;
• Continuous engagements with agricultural stakeholders regarding the safe and dignified transportation of agri workers, highlighting best practices.
• Establishment of a Rural Safety Monitoring Dashboard to monitor rural safety incidents reported within the agricultural environment, including agri worker transportation.
• Correspondence to the previous Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Minister Didiza, requesting assistance with amendments of the applicable transport regulations (specifically Regulation 247), which will contribute to safer transportation of agri workers
• Developed a Rural Safety booklet which is distributed at all information and awareness sessions as well as farming/ rural community engagements.