181 emerging farmers will benefit from a R9.1 million goat distribution programme announced by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The department also urged young black producers to seize opportunities in the dairy industry, where black participation remains limited.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Speaking at the Youth Farmers’ Day Commemoration in eMobeni, near eMpangeni, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said young people have an important role to play in transforming agriculture and ensuring South Africa’s future food security.
Addressing thousands of aspiring farmers, the MEC linked the event to the legacy of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising, saying today’s generation has its own responsibility to shape the country’s future through agriculture. “Just as the youth of 1976 stood up to shape South Africa’s future, today’s young farmers are standing up to secure our food future,” she said.
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa challenged young emerging black farmers to explore the dairy sector, noting that black producers remain underrepresented in one of the country’s most valuable agricultural industries.
The event celebrated young farmers already making an impact in agriculture while showcasing government programmes designed to help more youth enter the sector. It also formed part of activities marking the department’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Youth.
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R9.1 million goat programme announced
One of the major announcements made during the event was a R9.1 million goat distribution programme that will benefit 181 people, including 105 women, 45 young people and 15 persons with disabilities. The initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to expand livestock production, improve household incomes and create sustainable farming enterprises among previously disadvantaged communities.
Department commits funding to young farmers
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said the provincial government continues to invest in young farmers by addressing one of the sector’s biggest challenges – access to finance.
“We are putting our money where our mouth is,” she said. “One of the biggest challenges for young farmers is access to funding and credit. Banks want collateral that youth don’t have. In this department, we don’t ask how old you are or who you know. If you’re farming, we back you.”
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She said the department had already employed hundreds of young people this year as part of its youth empowerment programme. The appointments include assistant agricultural practitioners, unemployed agricultural graduates, graduate interns and animal health technicians. Recruitment of data capturers and administration clerks is also expected to begin soon. During the previous financial year, the department invested approximately R17 million in youth agricultural projects.
A further R6 million was allocated through the Unemployed Graduates Programme, supporting 15 youth-owned agricultural businesses. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa announced that another R6 million has been earmarked to support 14 youth-led agricultural companies when the department opens its next funding call later this year.
Knowledge sharing for the next generation
Beyond funding announcements, the Youth Farmers’ Day featured expert-led discussions covering a wide range of agricultural topics. Young farmers received practical advice on improving production, managing agricultural enterprises and taking advantage of government support programmes aimed at building the next generation of successful commercial farmers.
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