IMPORT PERMIT NEEDED TO BUY MAIZE MEAL FROM SA

MBABANE – It will now be compulsory to have an import permit when buying mealie-meal from neighbouring South Africa.

These permits will be free for now and a person wishing to buy the commodity from SA has to bring their national identity card to obtain the import permit.
The permits will be obtained at the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) and other strategic areas throughout the country from October 1, 2016.
This was stated in a statement issued by NAMBoard for the interim increase of mealie-meal important volume for household use.

The permits will be issued at the following borders: Lavumisa, Nsalitje, Mahamba, Sicunusa, Sandlane, Ngwenya, Matsamo, Lundzi and Mananga.
The statement reveals that the Minister of Agriculture issued a press release on September 14 announcing an instant review of the limit of mealie-meal to be imported for household consumption from 20kg to 50kg, after obtaining a permit from NAMBoard, as a temporary relief to the drought-stricken areas, while continuing to explore better ways to address the situation in the next three months.
Details of the agreement are that importation of mealie meal shall remain limited for household consumption only.

The limit of mealie-meal to be imported has been increased from 20kg to 50kg per month, per household, as earlier announced by the minister.
Chief Executive Officer of NAMBoard Siphephiso Dlamini explained that for now, import permits would be issued free of charge and that people were required to bring their national identification cards so as to enhance their database.
This relief response shall run for a period of three months and will be reviewed to allow for an assessment of the situation within affected communities after which a decision will be communicated for the benefit of the public.

“Individuals importing mealie-meal for household use must apply for import permits at NAMBoard (Manzini) and other strategic areas throughout the country, as a measure to avoid the noted trend of mealie-meal smuggling for trading and/or resale,” reads part of the statement.

The public is advised to ensure that packaging on imported mealie-meal should be intact, as it has originally been packaged, meaning if the individual bought a 25kg, they may not split it.
The statement further reads that the National Maize Corporation (NMC) shall avail maize in depots spread out in these drought-stricken areas at the same cost as when bought from Matsapha.

In order to facilitate a smooth transition, the board of directors at NMB agreed that the process of introducing permits be made to come into effect from October 1 after the release of the special permits.
Local millers for the past months have not increased the price of maize to all drought stricken areas.

“The NAMboard remains sensitive to the drought situation and the effects it has on local communities hence it re-emphasises its commitment to working with all stakeholders towards alleviating the plight of affected communities,” the statement reads in part.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: