By Pelane Phakgadi
Farming Community of Moutse urged to work together particularly in navigating the complexities of government support.
MEC Nakedi Kekana has met with farmers in Moutse, Sekhukhune, under the Bantwane Tribal Council on 19 March 2025, to discuss a range of pressing concerns affecting the agricultural community in the area.
The meeting was per the request of the farmers in the area. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by the farmers, particularly the lack of support, skills, and training from the relevant governmental departments. These issues have hindered the development of agriculture in the region, despite the potential of the area, which includes 28 villages and approximately 600 livestock farmers.
MEC Kekana emphasised the government's commitment to addressing these challenges but stressed the importance of community cooperation in overcoming them.
During the meeting, the MEC acknowledged the impact of inter-community conflicts, especially those within cooperative structures, which often create barriers to effective service delivery. She noted that a united community is essential for the successful implementation of programs that aim to improve the agricultural sector.
MEC Kekana highlighted the necessity for the farming community to work together, particularly in navigating the complexities of government support, and emphasised that political leadership is pivotal in bridging these gaps while staying within the framework of the South African Constitution.
In addition to the issues of training and support, farmers raised concerns about stock theft, a persistent problem in the area.
MEC Kekana recognised the efforts made by the Department of Transport and Community Safety to address this crime and praised their engagement with local farmers to this end. She also shared the department's plan to introduce brand marking as a deterrent to stock theft, reinforcing the government's role in ensuring the protection of farmers' assets. This initiative is seen as crucial to maintaining trust in the agricultural sector, with the ultimate goal of boosting agri-economics in the area and securing the livelihoods of local farmers.
The farmers expressed their appreciation for the MEC's visit, recognising it as an important step toward improving the agricultural prospects of the area. They also acknowledged the valuable work done by Extension officers, who have played a key role in providing guidance and support. The MEC, in turn, encouraged both the department officials and farmers to ensure that future training programs and workshops are tailored to the specific needs of the Moutse community. This personalised approach would not only improve the skills of the farmers but also ensure that the interventions are relevant and effective in fostering long-term growth.
In closing, MEC Kekana reinforced that while the government is committed to supporting the agricultural sector in Sekhukhune, it is equally vital for the farming community to unite and actively engage in the development of the sector. Her call for cooperation underscores the constitutional principles of collaborative governance and local empowerment, aiming to create a sustainable and thriving agricultural economy in the region. By fostering unity, support, and targeted interventions, MEC Kekana hopes to bring about meaningful change for the farmers of Moutse and enhance the agricultural landscape of the area.
