By Lebogang Mashala
This week, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, presented his department’s budget speech, making several important commitments that, if implemented, could significantly strengthen our beloved industry and enhance its contribution to the economy and the well-being of our people.
First, I agree with the minister that we cannot speak of effective delivery until we have built a capable and ethical state. Therefore, the finalisation of a new macrostructure and the streamlining of key systems should be expedited. This includes increasing our digital integration from 18% to 30% by 2030, revamping procurement oversight, reducing audit findings, and ensuring every manager is held accountable for performance outcomes.
As the minister stated, “A department that promotes food security must itself be secure against waste, inefficiency and mismanagement.”
From my perspective, the Minister delivered a commendable budget speech and I welcome many of the points he raised. However, as the saying goes, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
Embracing Industry Leadership Through Partnerships
I was particularly impressed with the Minister’s perspective on public-private partnerships. He acknowledged that the government doesn’t have to handle everything on its own.
As he noted, South Africa is fortunate to have some of the best-organised commodity bodies in the world – from Grain SA to the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, among others.
“Sometimes, the most effective thing the government can do is to step aside, create a conducive policy environment, ensure market integrity and allow the industry to lead.”
I believe the power of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is often taken for granted, especially when it comes from a politician’s speech. However, I have witnessed their effectiveness firsthand and believe these partnerships represent our most accessible opportunity for progress.
Eastern Cape Success: A Multi-Stakeholder Grain Programme
For example, I spent most of this week in the Eastern Cape’s rural areas, observing the success of such partnerships. In Mthatha, Ugie and Elliot, there is a grain production programme underway that involves various stakeholders, including Ukhanyo Farmer Development, John Deere, PepsiCo and government institutions like the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency.
These organisations are doing remarkable work by utilising communal land to uplift and develop local farmers. Many of these farmers have inspiring stories of starting from nothing and now building businesses that engage with commercial banks, with loan facilities exceeding R10 million on communal land.
From Poverty to Prosperity: Nokuthula’s Transformation
One story that particularly struck me was that of Nokuthula Miyeko Mafikwana. A few years ago, she was unemployed and struggling with her family’s poverty. She began by tilling 1 hectare of yellow maize and later connected with the Ukhanyo team, who helped her expand her operations to nearly 50 hectares of soybeans and maize. This transformation has significantly changed her life – she now employs others and can comfortably educate her children. This coming season, she plans to plant 100 hectares of white maize for PepsiCo, along with around 50 hectares of her usual yellow maize and soybeans.
Revolutionising Communal Wool Production
In addition, I visited a project involving communal wool growers in Tsomo, Gqogqorha and Komkhulu, located in the Chris Hani District Municipality. I first met these farmers about four years ago when they began working to improve their sheep genetics for better wool and meat production. They have since formed the Eastern Cape Communal Wool Growers Association and involved partners such as the Winston Group and Konsortium-Merino, as well as the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, among others.
Last year, they initiated a communal wool flock competition. This was essentially a tool to measure their progress. From what I saw four years ago to the quality of the sheep today, the improvement is remarkable.
Restoring Dignity Through Market Participation
Most importantly, as the minister noted in his speech about food security and household resilience, this effort is not just about production; it’s also about restoring dignity to the people. In the past, when communal smallholder farmers organised events, they were often overlooked. Typically, these events were sponsored by the government or municipality. However, during my visit, I witnessed major brands from the animal nutrition and health sectors participating and showcasing their products. Farmers were actively purchasing these products.
This, to me, is a sign of real progress and evidence that when there is a collective will, a way forward will always be found!
