Founder: Turnaround Talk
Many of us will remember 27 April 1994 when South Africa hosted its first democratic elections. For the first time, political parties were given airtime on television to explain their party’s manifesto and what they would do if they beat the ANC at the polls.
And there were some crazies on that list. Outside of the ANC and the Democratic Party, there was the KISS Party and the Soccer Party. The latter was popular among the youth of the country for its desire to legalize cannabis (dagga). It was a stretch. However, according to a recent article by EWN, we cannot ignore the value of the herb for much longer.
Money and jobs
The article points out that the Western Cape government says the introduction of cannabis to the agricultural sector will create over 25 000 job opportunities.
It announced an implementation framework to introduce cannabis to the province’s agricultural sector this week.
It said the plan would launch cannabis as a role-player in economic development, by creating job opportunities and alleviating poverty.
The article adds that, according to the government, the plan would formalise the sector for informal producers and processors of cannabis.
Western Cape MEC for Agriculture Ivan Meyer said the cannabis industry in South Africa was valued at as much as R28 billion.
“The plan aims to mainstream production and agri-processing, secondly to promote cannabis and hemp as a rotational crop in the industry, and also to evaluate measures to protect and promote the unique Western Cape hemp and cannabis features,” said Meyer.
Legalize it
The movement to legalize cannabis goes beyond listening to bob Marley wax lyrical about the value of the herb. It is an industry that is in high demand and is an industry that has genuine medicinal value.
Cannabis is legal in South Africa for domestic consumption. If we grow and invest in the industry, it may be an unconventional way to grow the economy. However, in a time of financial crisis, we need all of the help we can get.
