By Baakedi Rachidi
MEC Kekana (right) gave a firm ultimatum that all work must be completed by the end of February 2026.
The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), Ms Nakedi Grace Kekana, has embarked on a series of oversight visits to agricultural projects in the Waterberg District as part of the department’s efforts to enhance accountability, improve service delivery, and fast-track rural economic development.
The oversight visit was part of a three-day provincial visit scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 February 2026, during which the department will evaluate project progress, determine challenges, and implement corrective measures where necessary. MEC Kekana kicked off the visit in Bela-Bela, where she evaluated the Moreleba Enterprise, a poultry project in the process of transitioning to egg production. The project has been allocated departmental funding to upgrade its capacity to accommodate 10 000 birds. However, the project is currently running a month behind schedule.
The second stop was at the Lafata Agricultural Cooperative in Mokopane, which is an LDARD-funded project that has 15 beneficiaries. During the engagement, the MEC expressed serious concern regarding delays in implementation, emphasizing that the slow rate of development is simply unacceptable, particularly when one considers the funds that have been put into such a project and its socio-economic impact that can be felt in society.
The oversight visit concluded in Modimolle-Mookgopong District, where a visit was made to the Immerpan Red Meat Area, where 24 farmers experience water shortages and slow development. The MEC emphasized that it is critical to ensure that there is improved coordination and implementation, particularly when it comes to ensuring the sustainability of animal farming in that area.
The MEC, Ms. Kekana, expressed her disappointment regarding delays experienced in all the projects visited. She gave a firm ultimatum that all work must be completed by the end of February 2026. She also emphasized that consequence management will be put in place if deadlines are not adhered to. “The department will step up monitoring and oversight to make sure that these projects deliver on their intended goals,’ said MEC Kekana.”
These oversight visits underscore LDARD’s commitment to revitalizing agricultural projects, fostering rural economic growth, and providing employment opportunities.
LDARD-funded broiler house, Lafata Agricultural Cooperative in Mokopane, which is having enough capacity to address socio-economic conditions of the area.
