Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) MEC Basikopo Makamu has taken his leadership engagements beyond departmental offices, conducting oversight visits to agricultural projects located near the venues of his week-long Meet and Greet Sessions across the province.
Following each session, MEC Makamu visited selected agricultural projects to gain first-hand insight into the realities confronting farmers and assess progress made in advancing agricultural production and livelihoods.
Projects visited included: Zwoda project from Makushoaneng in Zebediela, SL & Sons poultry project in Modimolle-Mookgophong, and Nemabaka poultry project from Malamulele.
The visits provided an opportunity for the MEC to engage directly with farmers, project beneficiaries and officials on the ground, while identifying challenges that could affect productivity, sustainability and market participation.
MEC Makamu emphasised the importance of ensuring that government support reaches farmers where it matters most—on the ground. He reiterated his commitment to working closely with departmental officials and agricultural stakeholders to strengthen support services and ensure that farmers are better positioned to grow their operations.
The oversight visits also enabled the MEC to appreciate the achievements of farmers who continue to contribute to food security, job creation and rural economic development despite various challenges.
Through these engagements, MEC Makamu demonstrated that effective agricultural leadership requires more than meetings and plans—it demands visibility on the ground, direct engagement with farmers and decisive action to address challenges affecting production.
MEC Basikopo Makamu has reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting small-scale farmers like that of Percy Mmakola – who is behind SL & Sons, to grow into sustainable commercial enterprise.
The enterprise has dedicated 20 hectares (ha) out of 500 ha to poultry production, with three chicken houses, each capable of accommodating 40 000 chickens.
LDARD has invested in the project through construction of one poultry house and the refurbishment of another.
The enterprise has created employment for 10 permanent workers, a development that impressed MEC Makamu, who commended Mmakola for his commitment to the project and transferring agricultural skills to his children.
Nemabaka Poultry Project is one of the projects LDARD is proud of turning graduate skills into a growing entreprise.
MEC Makamu has led an oversight visit to the Nemabaka Poultry Project in Malamulele, owned by Animal Science graduate Ms Khumbudzo Nemabaka. A beneficiary of the first Unemployed Agricultural Graduates Programme launched in 2018.
Nemabaka secured 2.7 hectares of land in 2019. Through CASP, LDARD provided infrastructure and production support, including a 3,000-layer house, fencing, borehole, ablution facility, generator, 1,100-layer chickens and feed.
The department is implementing Phase 2, which includes a grading facility. The project currently produces about 1,050 eggs daily for local markets.
Zwoda Project, is owned by young farmer Tumisho Mphahlele, from Makushoaneng in Zebediela.
MEC Makamu was impressed by Mphahlele’s commitment to farming and the determination she has demonstrated in turning the soil into a productive enterprise.
Zwoda Farming started with four hectares and has steadily diversified its operations despite challenges brought by changing weather conditions. To mitigate climate-related risks, the farmer invested in shade nets while producing a variety of crops, including green peppers, watermelon, spinach and cabbage.
The enterprise has also expanded into value addition and livestock production, processing products such as Strawberry Gem. Farmer also keeps tilapia fish, Boer goats and Kalahari Red goats.
The Department has supported the project with a tractor, manure and chemicals, as well as opportunities for 20 EPWP workers. The project has also created employment for 10 permanent workers.
Mphahlele highlighted the need for a packhouse, water-storage dam and secure storeroom to strengthen the enterprise and prevent theft. She is further working towards strengthening compliance and positioning the project for sustainable market access and growth.
During his Meet and Greet Session held at Towoomba Research Station, MEC Makamu said, “Research must deliver solutions for agriculture’s future”.
“Agricultural research must move beyond academic publications and deliver practical solutions that improve farmers’ productivity, livelihoods and access to markets”.
He stressed that agriculture is a complex science requiring specialised knowledge, continuous research and effective advisory services to address emerging challenges.
Research Services comprises three sub-programmes: Research, Technology Transfer and Infrastructure Support, which are central to generating knowledge, developing innovations and ensuring that technologies reach farmers through extension and advisory services.
He called for research to be aligned with farmers’ needs, commodity priorities and climate-smart agriculture, particularly solutions that improve quality, reduce risks and costs, increase productivity and open sustainable markets.
