By Pelane Phakgadi
Ghanian High Delegation’s visit marks a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Ghana, particularly in advancing agricultural development and food security across the continent.
The MEC for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nakedi Kekana, officially welcomed a high-level Ghanaian delegation on a study tour in the province.
The delegation, made up of six Regional Ministers, the equivalent of South Africa’s Premiers, is in Limpopo to learn and exchange experiences on agriculture and rural development. Their visit marks a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Ghana, particularly in advancing agricultural development and food security across the continent.
In her remarks, MEC Kekana positioned Limpopo as South Africa’s food basket, with ambitions to become a continental hub for agricultural production and trade. She highlighted the province’s Agricultural Development Zones, which focus on citrus and subtropical fruit, grain production, red meat, potatoes, poultry, aquaculture, and baby vegetable production. She further emphasised Limpopo’s leadership in producing 42% of South Africa’s citrus, 61% of avocados, and 86% of mangoes, making the province a major player in national and global markets.
The MEC underscored the importance of partnerships and knowledge exchange, noting that agriculture remains central to food security, job creation, and economic growth. She added that the province’s programmes—ranging from farmer support, mentorship, training, and infrastructure development to the promotion of conservation agriculture—are designed to transform emerging farmers into sustainable agripreneurs and ensure the efficient use of natural resources.
MEC Kekana welcomed the Ghanaian delegation to Groblersdal, one of the country’s most productive irrigation hubs, and reaffirmed Limpopo’s commitment to building strong partnerships that strengthen Africa’s agricultural systems. She said the province looks forward to sharing experiences with Ghana and learning from their successes as both countries work towards making Africa self-sufficient in food production.
The delegation visited commercial and small-scale farms in Sekhukhune and Mopani.
MEC Kekana highlights the province’s Agricultural Development Zones, which focus on citrus and subtropical fruit, grain production, red meat, potatoes, poultry, aquaculture, and baby vegetable production.
HOD Mpho Mashamba addresses the delegates.
