Gauteng MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa Outlines Strategies to Support Small-Scale Farmers

Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, has highlighted the challenges small-scale farmers face and how government support can help make their operations sustainable and profitable. Speaking to Daily Maverick, Ramokgopa emphasised the need for financing models and support structures tailored to the unique demands of small-scale farming. She noted that government procurement and budgeting cycles often apply a “one size fits all” approach, which does not meet the seasonal and specific needs of agricultural businesses.

Ramokgopa, an experienced entrepreneur and business leader with over 15 years in various industries, took office as MEC in July 2024. She explained that the majority of farmers in South Africa are small-scale, yet they face significant barriers to market access, exporting, and acquiring essential infrastructure and inputs. Nationally, only about 40,000 farmers are VAT-registered, while over 200,000 are not, meaning they are often excluded from statistics and policy planning. Gauteng mirrors this pattern, with around 2,400 commercial farmers and roughly 70,000 small-scale operators.

The MEC identified three main challenges for small-scale farmers. First, proper and sustainable financing is essential. Farmers require low-interest loans and credit to manage seasonal agricultural cycles. Second, in-kind support, including equipment, training, technology, and research, is necessary to improve productivity and fill gaps in infrastructure. Third, access to markets remains a major hurdle, particularly for fresh produce farmers who primarily trade through markets like the Joburg Market but struggle to meet volume and compliance requirements for retail and export.

Most government support currently focuses on in-kind assistance. Farmers can apply for infrastructure projects such as boreholes, fencing, poultry houses, or abattoirs. The department also provides technical support for meeting retail compliance and health certifications and assists with export certifications for products like meat. These interventions aim to increase productivity, improve market readiness, and promote sustainable practices.

Dr Langa Simela, Business Development Manager at Absa AgriBusiness, emphasised the importance of building profitability through structured financial support. Once a farmer produces surplus and shows operational consistency, concessional finance, soft loans, and credit-backed instruments can help build financial discipline, cash flow management, and a documented credit history. This gradual approach allows agripreneurs to formalise their operations, strengthen market relationships, and transition into commercially viable enterprises.

Ramokgopa noted the limitations government faces due to fiscal constraints and annual budget cycles. Support often comes in one-off interventions, which cannot meet the ongoing needs of farmers. She explained that repeated applications are required, creating gaps in continuity. Seasonal delays and budget approvals can affect timely delivery of critical inputs like seeds, affecting production cycles and overall farm sustainability.

The MEC also stressed the need for more agile support mechanisms. She highlighted that institutions like the Land Bank are underutilised and cannot fully provide low-interest or zero-cost loans due to their capital structures. Recognising these limitations, Ramokgopa acknowledged that government must improve responsiveness and build funding models tailored to the needs of small-scale farmers.

By addressing financing, infrastructure, and market access, Gauteng’s Department of Agriculture aims to empower small-scale farmers to become self-sufficient and profitable. Ramokgopa’s approach underscores the need for continuous, targeted support to strengthen the agricultural sector, improve rural livelihoods, and ensure sustainable growth in the province.