Indigenous Knowledge must influence the Cannabis Industry
By Nontuthuzelo Mendu
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform held its third session of stakeholder engagement in Mthatha following East London and Lusikisiki.
The aim of the sessions is to solicit input from farmers on proposed Cannabis Bill for Private Use.
“Our indigenous property must be protected and it must not be sold back to us as intellectual property ,we must jealously guard against that.”
This was the opening statement by the King of Abathembu , Buyelekhaya. Dalindyebo during the third leg of the stakeholder engagement for the 2020 Cannabis Bill held in Umtata Mayfair Hotel.
“As the traditional authorities we welcome this Bill, we want it to develop all those that are underprivileged in this country,”
“This process has been delayed for too long in the Thembuland and as the King I’m giving everyone free reign to use this indigenous plant that we were given by our ancestors, any type of cannabis must be 100% legal’’
“Time for talk shows is over ,we want action.
Our people must be wealthy from our indigenous seed ,government must directly hear from us . This will never be done without us.
Community trusts must be established so that our people who are the main producers of this plant ,directly benefit ”.
“We don’t want the repeat of what happens with other crops, we used to have our own indigenous maize but today we import maize.
We must not lose our heritage, we must jealously guard it, This Bill must protect our wealth in the Eastern Cape not take it away” concluded Dalindyebo.
“As the Eastern Cape government we intend to develop a multi-billion rand industrialised cannabis value chain that enables the empowerment of small-scale farmers and the development of agro-processing co-operative hubs that focus on developing the following value chain such as seed, medicine, Building, Textile, Paper and Bio-fuel and plastic ” said the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nomakhosazana Meth.
“currently the department has set aside R4,5 million to assist cannabis farmers for fencing of the fields, access to trade permits making sure that we unlock this industry” said MEC Meth.
Meth further pleaded with stakeholders to make their voice heard and educate the nation about how this plant has changed their lives .
MEC encouraged the farmers to use the opportunity given to them to submit what they want to see on the Bill.
The submissions are expected to maximise the full potential and economy of this indigenous plant.
To be clear on what kind of cannabis industry we want, as we are the owners of cannabis as the Eastern Cape Province, ” she added.
One of young farmers, Philasande Mahlakatha urged fellow farmers to educate people about benefits of cannabis and
“We must demystify the stigma that has been attached to this plant for more than hundred years , this is our wealth”
“We are happy that the Council of Churches is part of this cannabis engagement , this is our gift from God and our ancestors. Lets treasure it.”
“When I look at the land, I see gold,
All those who left this province to look for greener pastures in other provinces , its time they come back home and work the land.
Chief Gwadiso said , as we engage in this cannabis journey we must ensure that even if we form partnerships they must be watertight so that we don’t lose our wealth . We must benefit directly and Phondoland seed will always be the best “
Representing traditional healers, Greekson Zweni said “ the Bill regulates us in the number of trees that we must plant and that will not assist us. We therefore not accepting this Bill,”
The delegates agreed in unison that this Bill must not talk to private use only , it must also include commercialisation of the cannabis
In closing MEC Meth informed the stakeholders that Lusikisiki College will do training on cannabis as Lusikisiki is the Cannabis capital of the Eastern Cape Province.
“We will also have cannabis ambassadors programme so that we give you a platform to educate and share with the nation the valuable knowledge , rich and deep understanding that you have shared with us here. These engagements are an eye opener to all of us.”