31 / 53
ႅႃ
CHAPTER 4
In the era in which NOPO was founded, the oilseeds industry was faced by material
changes, including:
• A new political dispensation that came into existence after the first democratic
election in 1994.
• The first steps in the deregulation of the oilseeds industry had been taken.
• The GATT agreement, which would place international trade and the import of
oilseeds to South Africa on a new footing.
The amendment of the existing marketing scheme for sunflower, soybeans and
groundnuts would be the central theme for Congress in 1995.
First management committee meeting
The first management committee meeting took place on 10 January 1995. The
following persons attended:
• Gert Pretorius (Chairperson)
• Japie Grobler (Vice-chairperson)
• Jan Theron (Member of management committee for groundnuts)
• Japie Middel (Member of management committee for soybeans)
• Faan Malherbe (Member of management committee for sunflower)
BECAUSE THERE WAS
UNCERTAINTY ABOUT
THE PRODUCERS’
REACTION TO THE VISIT
BY THE ANC, IT HAD TO
TAKE PLACE IN GREAT
SECRECY AND SPECIAL
ATTENTION WAS PAID TO
SECURITY MEASURES.
AMONG OTHER THINGS,
ACCESS TO THE MEETING
VENUE WAS STRICTLY
CONTROLLED AND A
SECURITY NET WAS DRAWN
AROUND THE GROUNDS.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE
ALSO MADE FOR THE
VISITORS’ AEROPLANE TO
LAND AT 09:00 TO COINCIDE
WITH THE TIME OF MOST OF
THE CHURCH SERVICES IN
BOTHAVILLE SO THAT
IT WOULD EXCITE THE
LEAST ATTENTION.
Mr Mandela’s message in the NAMPO Park visitors’ book.
Mr Gert Pretorius, Chairperson of NOPO,
1999.