By Mošupologo Mothotse and Maphuti Machabaphala
Seated from left: MEC Nakedi Kekana and the Deputy Minister Rosemary Nokuzola Capa. Back: MEC for Community Safety and Transport Mme Violet Mathye and Cllr Calvin Masoga.
Limpopo Province was proud to host the 14th meeting of the G20 Agricultural Scientists Meeting (G20-MACS) at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane under the Capricorn District on a three-day (26-28 May 2025) prestigious event, which marked the first time the monumental event is held on African Soil.
MEC for Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Me Nakedi Kekana welcomed the esteemed delegates to the province of peace, emphasising that the event is significant not only for the province or South Africa, but for the entire African Continent.
With over 700 million people facing food insecurity globally, MEC Kekana highlighted the crucial role played by science, innovation, and partnerships in reshaping global food systems. She stressed the importance of leveraging local knowledge and technology to building a conducive, inclusive, and resilient agricultural economies, while emphasising that the transformation of agrifood systems is no longer optional but rather an urgent necessity in addressing some of the challenges pertaining to inequality and climate change alongside food insecurity.
MEC stated that under the leadership of the Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the province has various initiatives launched that are linking agricultural development with socio-economic empowerment. With one flagship Agro-processing initiative being Kgarose-Kgarose, a sweet potato-based yoghurt enterprise founded by Edward Kgarose, which has grown with government support to enhancing food security, job creation and empowering local communities. “Our success in addressing food insecurity, promoting biodiversity conservation, and empowering women and youth in agriculture will set a powerful example for the rest of the world,” MEC Kekana said.
Delegates were encouraged to draw inspiration from Limpopo’s leadership in climate smart agricultural practices, digital farming solutions and Agro-processing achievements, while giving credit to the Universities of Limpopo and Venda, Mara and Towoomba Research Stations for their groundbreaking research contributions that have consigned the province at the forefront of agricultural science in South Africa.
MEC Nakedi Kekana alluded confidence in the capabilities of the delegates that the outcomes of the meeting will help explore ways to improve soil health, adopt modern digital agricultural solutions and integrating 4IR technologies into “our food systems to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global agricultural future”. Her remarks underscored South Africa’s growing role in addressing hunger, promoting climate resilience, and economic empowerment through science and technology.
This G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists is a build up to the Meetings of Agricultural Minister and the Presidents which will take place in October and November 2025 respectively, where the President of the Republic of South Africa will hand over to the President of the United States of America.
Why does MACS matter?
Because this is where real agricultural solutions are shaped. From climate-smart farming to soil health, biodiversity to bio-economies - #MACS2025 is where global challenges meet scientific solutions.
Dieter Swart: “Qualito is a celebration of Limpopo craftsmanship, creating premium spirits that reflect the rich heritage and natural beauty of our region. Located near the iconic Kruger National Park, each bottle is crafted with passion, authenticity, and a touch of adventure.”
An award-winning Emmanuel Mathuba Mudau was born and raised in Tshiozwi Village, Limpopo Province, Republic of South Africa. Emmanuel is the founder and director of Mathuba Genetics and Experimental Farm, a farm that has Nguni Cattle, Indigenous Veld Goats, Bosvelder Sheep, Savanna Goats, and Boer Goats.
