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makers and the industry are informed
through data science. They returned to
South Africa with ideas in mind and met
up with the Trust for funding. In 2003 they
received an initial grant of R300 000, where
they were able to leverage that funding
through the private and public sector. That
money has been developed into a R10 mil-
lion per annum programme.
‘One of the secrets for success of the Trust
is the co-funding principal, because you
never stand isolated. But then there is also
the carrot-stick principal: Apart from co-
funding you also have to prove that you can
stand on your own feet beyond the funding
of the Trust.’
He said that if you are part of the Trust fam-
ily, funding will come and go. ‘However,
what is important is to be actively involved
in the industry by creating creative ideas
and pushing the boundaries in terms of
what is possible.’
The latest BFAP incentive that was co-fund-
ed by the Trust was the Integrated Value
Information System (IVIS).
Strength in the unity of
diversity
The Maize Forum represents the maize in-
dustry, while the Maize Forum’s Steering
Committee carries out the work of the Maize
Forum. The forum’s main functions are to
be a sounding board for the applications
received for funding. After consideration by
the forum, recommendations are made to
the Trust.
According to Mr Rod Gravelet-Blondin
(chairman, Maize Forum) this is a platform
where the diversity of the industries can
look for unity, where possible. ‘The very
fact that we have this platform is something
to nurture. It is in the interest of the maize
industry and South Africa to have this sec-
tor platform where diverse views can be
considered and an attempt can be made
towards unity. A forum that lends itself to
reach common ground, is something that is
of importance and strength.’
Gravelet-Blondin said the Maize Forum is
a vital cog in the success of the Trust. ‘The
Trust relies on the industry to present this
unity in diversity where it can.’
He believes the structure of the maize in-
dustry (the Trust looking after the funds on
an evergreen basis and the maize forum
feeding upwards through the Maize Forum
Steering Committee) is something that
can be used not just in other agricultural
industries, but in many industries in the
economy itself.
The newly appointed National Marketing
Council (NAMC) secretariat also joined in the
20 year celebrations. Front: Lizette Mellet,
Boikanyo Mokgatle (executive director,
National Chamber of Milling and NAMC
member) and Precious Yeki. Back:
Lucius Phaleng, Dr Abongile Balarane
and Matsobane Mpyana.