By Sinenhlanhla Mncwango |13 July 2024 | 6:00 am

In a sweeping reshuffle, new MECs of agriculture were appointed across several provinces in South Africa, bringing fresh leadership and perspectives to the agriculture sector.

Photo: FW Archive

These appointments aim to address region-specific challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Vuyiswa Ramokgopa succeeds Mbali Hlophe as the MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development in Gauteng. Ramokgopa expressed her commitment to reducing hunger and food waste while ensuring localised food production.

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“It’s a tremendous honour to take on this role. We are committed to addressing these priorities and ensuring the growth and sustainability of our agriculture sector,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of evaluating previous efforts to ensure continuity and identify growth opportunities, particularly in job creation and youth participation in agriculture.

She explained that her primary focus will be to address hunger by improving food access and implementing stricter controls on food waste.

“Job creation within the agriculture sector is also a key goal, and we aim to support both large and small-scale farmers to help them grow their businesses and employment opportunities,” she said.

Engaging with farmers

Ramokgopa added: “We also plan to organise engagement sessions with both small- and large-scale farmers to understand their specific needs and identify areas where we can provide support. For large-scale farmers, ensuring their continuity is crucial for maintaining and creating jobs in the sector. For small-scale farmers, our goal is to help them build effective and sustainable businesses that can contribute to the economy of Gauteng.”

Madoda Sambatha

Madoda Sambatha replaces Desbo Mohono as the MEC of Agriculture in North West. Sambatha expressed his excitement and dedication to the role, focusing on stakeholder engagement and sustainable agricultural practices.

“I am humbled and honoured to be appointed MEC for Agriculture. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to serve the people and farmers of our province,” Sambatha said.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology and data-driven approaches to enhance agricultural programmes and services.

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“I aim to build upon the foundation laid by my predecessor while introducing some fresh perspectives and approaches. First, I intend to enhance stakeholder engagement, fostering closer relationships with farmers, industry leaders, and local communities to better understand their needs and concerns,” he said.

Nonceba Kontsiwe replaces Nonkqubela Pieters as the MEC of Agriculture in the Eastern Cape.

Nonceba Kontsiwe

“It’s an honour to be appointed to a position where I can positively impact the livelihoods of people in a place I deeply care about,” Kontsiwe said.

She aims to foster collaboration between different government departments and curb poverty while driving economic transformation and job creation.

“Our aim is to provide a comprehensive agricultural infrastructure project in each financial year. To strengthen relations between small-scale and large-scale farmers, it’s crucial to foster collaboration in the agricultural value chain, enabling them to supply and support each other’s development,” Kontsiwe said.

Dr Ivan Meyer retains his position as the MEC of Agriculture in the Western Cape, with the portfolio now enlarged to include economic development and tourism.

Nompumelelo Hlophe replaces Busi Shiba as the MEC of Agriculture in Mpumalanga. In Limpopo, Kekana Nakedi Grace takes over from Thabo Makone. Elsabé Rockman succeeds Saki Mokoena as the MEC of Agriculture in the Free State, and Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa replaces Super Zuma in KwaZulu-Natal.