Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) MEC Nakedi Kekana has issued a firm ultimatum to three underperforming agricultural projects in the Waterberg District, demanding completion by the end of February 2026.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
During oversight visits on 3 February, MEC Kekana expressed disappointment with the progress of multiple LDARD-funded initiatives and warned that consequences will follow if deadlines are not met.
Projects Under Scrutiny
Moreleba Enterprise in Bela-Bela is transitioning to egg production with funding secured for expansion to accommodate 10 000 birds. However, the project is currently running a month behind schedule.
The Lafata Agricultural Project in Mokopane, which supports 15 beneficiaries through LDARD funding, is also behind schedule – a situation MEC Kekana deemed “unacceptable”.
At the Immerpan Red Meat Area in Modimolle-Mookgophong, 24 farmers are grappling with water scarcity issues while infrastructure development continues at a slower than expected pace.
Also read: ‘Not business as usual’: Limpopo farmers must double production, says Premier Phophi Ramathuba
Department Response
“The department will intensify monitoring,” said MEC Kekana, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring taxpayer-funded agricultural projects deliver results.
The oversight visits highlight ongoing challenges in the implementation of rural development initiatives, particularly around project management and infrastructure delivery in the district.
The MEC is expected to carry out oversight visits at other government-funded projects in the Sekhukhune District on 4 February.
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