By Maile Matsimela
In a passionate address delivered at the Isithangami Sabalimi Nabafuyi 2025 gathering in the Ngwelezane Public Hall, the Honourable MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for agricultural transformation in the region.
“Our primary objective is to strengthen commercial farming and empower subsistence farmers in the uMhlathuze region to improve food security and livelihoods,” stated the MEC at the outset of her address. She emphasised that the department’s initiatives aim to establish uMhlathuze as a nationally recognised hub for agricultural development.
The MEC highlighted the Project Funding Application Programme that has been implemented to provide crucial financial support to farmers. “We have established this programme to help farmers with various needs, from fencing their farms to supporting livestock farming, including cattle, goats and pigs, as well as crop cultivation, such as maize, sugarcane, legumes and green peppers,” she explained.
Regarding accessibility of these resources, the MEC was clear: “We are committed to making the application and disbursement process accessible, transparent and efficient for all farmers in our region.”
A cornerstone of the department’s strategy is the Multi-Planting Season Initiative. “We have launched this programme with funding of R143.822 million to support large-scale farming across over 15 000 hectares of land,” the MEC announced. “Through this initiative, we are providing farmers with essential inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation support to maximise their productivity.”
The MEC also strongly advocated for grassroots food production. “I am encouraging all residents, schools, churches and institutions to embrace our One Home, One Garden Initiative. By utilising available spaces for food production, we can significantly enhance household nutrition and food security across our communities,” she urged. The MEC called upon local leaders, “I specifically ask our Amakhosi to help provide land for agricultural activities, as their support is essential for our success.”
Looking to market access solutions, the MEC revealed plans for infrastructure development. “We are in the process of establishing a Fresh Produce Agri-Hub in Richards Bay that will create a centralised market for our local farmers. This hub will enable them to sell their produce both locally and internationally while reducing wastage and providing solutions for surplus distribution,” she said.
The department’s vision extends beyond production to capacity building. “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ABSA to provide our farmers with essential training in financial management and business skills,” the MEC noted. “We are particularly focused on supporting previously disadvantaged groups, including women, youth and people living with disabilities, ensuring our agricultural revolution leaves no one behind.”
Special attention was given to young agricultural professionals. “For our unemployed agricultural graduates, we have allocated R1.5 million to fund initiatives that will assist them in establishing agribusinesses and participating in agricultural projects,” the MEC stated, highlighting the department’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of farming experts.
Animal health emerged as another priority area. “We are directing significant efforts toward controlling livestock diseases, particularly theileriosis, which our communities know as ‘amathele’,” the MEC explained. “Our dedicated vaccination campaigns and monitoring systems are supported by an annual budget of R300 million for disease control and prevention, demonstrating how seriously we take this issue.”
The MEC concluded her address with a rallying call for cooperation: “I urge collaboration among all stakeholders – traditional leaders, local municipalities, financial institutions and communities. When we integrate agriculture as a sustainable and community-centric development tool, the potential for progress is immense. Together, under our motto #AsenzeEzolimoZibeSemgangathweniKwaZuluNatal, let’s make agriculture of high quality in KwaZulu-Natal and transform the economic landscape of our beautiful province.”
With these ambitious plans, KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural sector appears poised for significant growth and development in the coming years, with particular focus on inclusive participation, enhanced productivity, and improved market access for farmers across the province.
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