KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for the aggressive mobilisation of people to adopt farming as a means of addressing food insecurity and alleviating poverty. Ntuli, alongside the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, recently led government dignitaries at the provincial multi-planting season launch held at eNhlanhleni in Underberg under the Harry Gwala District Municipality.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
The department says the programme responds to concerning findings from the General Household Survey (GHS), which revealed that KwaZulu-Natal has the highest number of households with inadequate access to food. The National Development Plan (NDP) identifies agriculture as a key economic activity capable of reducing poverty.
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Alarming Food Security Statistics
The GHS data paints a troubling picture of food security in the province. “In 2021, a total of 14.2% of households had inadequate food access, while 6.7% had severely inadequate food access. The 2024 GHS report shows a worsening situation, with 15.5% of households having inadequate access to food and 8.4% experiencing severely inadequate food access. This represents a clear regression in household food security across the province,” said the department.
During the launch, the Premier unveiled 24 new state-owned tractors designed to support farmers throughout KwaZulu-Natal and announced a new seed multiplication programme to be distributed across the province. The department said it produces 10 million seedlings annually through its research stations located throughout the province, and more than 150 vehicles have been provided to extension officers to ensure they can reach every corner of the province.
Premier’s Vision for Agricultural Transformation
“Let’s utilise our frontline services in the form of extension officers to encourage people to farm from their ward level and launch the multi-planting season and reignite the love of agriculture. Unannounced visits will be conducted to check if directives are being followed. We are mobilising every sector for farming, as this seriously addresses food insecurity. Let’s ensure every corner of the province is surrounded by lush crops and vegetables,” said the Premier.
The Premier also encouraged government officials to collaborate with local communities to remove obstacles that leave arable land lying fallow and underutilised.
MEC KaMadlopha-Mthethwa highlighted the department’s success in exceeding cultivation targets. “We have overachieved our target by supporting 15 011ha through our mechanisation programme. This includes the Provincial Employment Stimulus and the department’s funded programmes,” she said, noting that the department had initially set a target of cultivating 14 996ha in the previous financial year.
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Direct Support for Local Farmers
Local farmers and residents of eNhlanhleni received substantial production inputs, including 120 bags of fertiliser, 60 litres of chemicals, 40 bags of maize seed and five bags of grass and pasture seed. The event showcased eight brand-new tractors with implements, and newly hired tractor drivers were present on site. Additionally, 60ha of land had been prepared and made ready for planting.
The Premier concluded by calling for an end to stock theft, emphasising that such criminal activities undermine efforts to ensure agricultural success and community wellbeing.
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