The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has identified land in Fouriesburg for commonage expansion while addressing critical infrastructure and management challenges facing farmers in the Mashaeng community.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Elzabe Rockman, alongside acting Head of Department Tshepo Mabilo and the Executive Mayor of Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Cllr Tseki Tseki, last week met directly with Mashaeng farmers to tackle longstanding agricultural obstacles that have hindered the region’s farming potential.
The engagement marks a significant breakthrough for the area, with Cllr Tseki Tseki announcing that new commonage bylaws are now in place following an extensive public participation process. “The municipality had faced longstanding challenges in implementing bylaws related to commonage management in Dihlabeng,” he explained, noting that these issues had previously blocked agricultural development despite the region’s strong potential in both crop and livestock farming.
Direct Community Engagement Approach
Mabilo emphasised that the visit forms part of the department’s strategy to meet farmers in their own communities. “This initiative allows us to better understand their challenges, track their progress and provide direct support where it’s needed most,” he said.
The approach proved effective in identifying specific farmer needs, with the community raising critical concerns including expanded commonage land requirements; overgrazing management challenges; access to production inputs and mechanisation support; infrastructure development for fencing, water provision and waste management; electricity connections for farm operations; sewage spillage affecting livestock health; training and skills development opportunities; and persistent stock theft issues.
Unity And Collaboration Focus
MEC Rockman acknowledged that internal conflicts within farming communities, particularly in cooperatives and commonage structures, often create barriers to effective service delivery. “Unity among farmers is essential for the successful implementation of agricultural programmes,” she stressed, highlighting collaboration as crucial when addressing challenges such as overgrazing on commonage land.
The MEC announced that applications for funding for the 2026/27 financial year will open in the coming days, providing farmers with new opportunities to access financial support for their operations.
Health And Safety
Rockman also urged farmers to take necessary precautions against foot-and-mouth disease, which continues to impact the agricultural sector. This health advisory comes as part of the department’s comprehensive approach to supporting farmer sustainability and livestock protection.
Farmer Response
Local young farmer Msimanga Motlatsi expressed appreciation for the direct engagement approach. “The MEC’s visit represents a significant step towards improving agricultural prospects in our area,” he said, reflecting the community’s positive response to the hands-on support strategy.
