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so that small enterprisecanalsobenefit from it. Tome, subsidiesare
anon-progressivewayofgivingmoney,whereas incentivesmotivate
people.” Ifmanagement skillsaredeveloped, smaller enterpriseswill
prosper. She would also love to see more women involved in the
farming industry.
Agro-processing
Innovation is a big part of the DTI’s functionality. Part of Unati’s
job entails her involvement in the new product development envi-
ronment. An example of this is the recent addition of a prepared,
ready to eat chick pea and a potato canned product that has been
introduced in the market. Being a practical mother, she has also
been involved in creating baby food in a tube. This innovative pro-
ductwill save timeandprevent thecontaminationof the food ina jar.
Furthermore she is also involved in international trade support
and does a lot of regulatory work. Currently she is rewriting the
sugar act – legislation that has not been changed since 1978 al-
though it was amended twice in the eighties. Reviewing legislation
to assist trade on the international and domestic markets is on her
task list. “Wehave also startedwith training sessions in the informal
sectors so that it canbe run tohigher standards,” shementions.
She further explains the role of the DTI as follows: It is there to
promote economic growth in South Africa with its key focus being
the broadening of participation across all industries to the benefit
of the economy and the country as a whole. “Our sector has the
potential touplift our economy. Our role is to strengthenproduction
and to ensure that there is capacity to process or to add value,” she
explains.
Agricultural issues
To Unati, issues like job creation, food security and land reform
are tied together in access to land. She firmly believes that if
well-managed, these issues couldbe resolved in apeacefulmanner.
“The relationship between the farmer and the farm worker should
be one of participation in a community conversation. It is not
necessary for outside sources todictatewhat should takeplace.We
should learn from Zimbabwe how things should not be done. The
government should facilitate this dialogue. It is time for us to leave
thepast behind andmoveon.”
Contrary to popular belief, the urbanisation of rural populations
often leads to poverty as opposed to the expectation of prosperity
and better lives. “We have to enhance our rural economy so that
urbanisation is limited,” she states, and continuous: “If a child has
anoptionof ownership in the areawhere hewas raised, it will bring
security.” She also feels strongly that attempts should be made to
skill people in their surroundings and not
to allow skills like sheep shearing and vine
pruning to become non-progressive because
ofmoney issues.
She views commodity organisations such
as Grain SA as agriculture’s support system
and the voiceof the farmer. They are involved
in giving policy direction to the DTI and
government and the services they offer are
very important in aligning the industry as
a whole. “Their role is fundamental in the
growth and enhancement of the agricultural
industry,” she supports her statements.
Personal history
Unati was born in East London, where she
also matriculated before moving on to
further studies. She completed a BSc at the
University of Fort Hare and obtained a law
certificate at the University of Cape Town
as well as a diploma in Project Management
through Damelin College. She is currently
studying MSc(Agric) through Unisa and
trusts that shewill graduate at the endof this year.
She started working as a project co-ordinator at the Canon Collins
Foundation Rural Development project and then decided to gain
some international experience when she worked as a teacher at a
Calloway High School in the USA and also at the Post Office in the
Netherlands.
Upon her return to South Africa, she joined the South African Insti-
tute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as regional manager. For
the next six years she was in charge of the Eastern Cape and
involved in pioneering the Thuthuka Project, which assists black
students to become chartered accountants. Her next stop was
as agri-business sector manager at the East London Industrial
Development Zone (ELIDZ), where she was tasked with attracting
investors for the agro-processing sector into theEasternCape.
Her accolades include:
Being chosen as a delegate for the United Nations to represent
South Africa in a UN investment promotion initiative. Unati had
to travel around theworldpromoting investment inSouthAfrica.
Business Women’s Association (BWA) regional award (in the
corporate category).
Award by the SA Poultry Association for her contribution to the
industry,which she receivedon10June this year at a functionat
Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg.
Womenmatter
Her wish for women during Women’s Month is that women will
come to the forefront and get involved. “I believe that women will
help bring about change if they start participating at any level,” she
says. “Join the neighbourhoodwatch if necessary and help prevent
crime,” she continues.
Howdoes this energetic ladybalanceher career and family life?
“I always laughwhen I get asked that question, as it isnot aquestion
men ever get asked!” She explains that she tries to maintain a
balance by prioritising. Her mother is her role-model because of
her perseverance. “She has been running a school for 33 years
– a school that she had to build up from nothing after they were
abandoned on the roadside in SouthAfrica. She never gave up and
has been an inspiration tome andher community.”
How should people remember Unati Speirs when she is no longer
around? “As anhonest, practical, real woman: If there’s a problem, I
want a solution,” she concludes.
“
Our sector has the potential
to uplift our economy. Our
role is to strengthen produc-
tion and to ensure that there
is capacity to process or
to add value.
“
