3. PPECB Annual Report 2009-2010

eport by thechairpersonElaine AlexanderThe current Board’s term has not been without its highlightsand certainly not without the lows. However, I believe thatwhen critically reviewed the Board has discharged its dutieswith due diligence, remaining at all times cognisant of theresponsibilities delegated by the Minister of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries and expected of it by both clients andstakeholders in regards the regulation of South Africanexports of perishable produce.BackgroundInitially the Board was appointed for a period of only 1 yearwith its main task being the much needed review of thePPEC Act. Subsequent to the completion of the 1 yearterm the previous Minister of Agriculture extended theBoard’s term for another 2 years allowing the Board tofulfill the mandated 3 year term, as per the Act.In that time the Board has had 2 Chairpersons, the firstresigning to take up a position in the Department ofAgriculture. It also appointed a new Chief Executive Officer.The Board, in these 3 years, has also achieved 2 significantfirsts for the company, which I believe they should becommended for; 1. The appointment of the first womenChairperson and 2. The appointment of the first person ofcolour as the CEO in its history.Review of the ActThe Board has reviewed the PPEC Act and recommendationsand proposals were forwarded to the Department ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). At this stage, therehas been no significant feedback from the Department norhas there been movement toward finalisation of the reviewedAct. I believe that it will be important for the incoming Boardto relook the recommendations as they may no longer beas relevant, as it is now clear that the new administrationhas a greater role for the Board to play.StrategyA 5 year strategy has been developed, the period will becompleted in 2013. This strategy has been presented to bothDAFF and to the Portfolio Committee, where it has beenwell accepted. It has also been shared with clients andstakeholders who have, in the majority, supported the newdirection.The main intent of the strategy is for the PPECB to provideservices which support the ongoing development of theexport competitiveness of South African perishable productsall the while remaining cognisant of the role of a Public Entityin the developmental state. This strategy has brought thecompany into a position where, at times, it has been consideredto be operating outside of its mandate under the PPEC Act.Hence the need for the incoming new Board to ensure that,going forward, the PPEC Act revision is fully completed andpromulgated. I must state categorically that the current Boardhas spent many hours debating the merits of the strategyand its possible consequences and has identified the factthat the current Act is drafted broadly enough to allow theBoard the scope to respond to the ever changing andincreasing demand from South Africa’s export markets.16PPECB | annual report | 2009 - 2010