Vhembe Agricultural Advisors Re-focus Workshop Strengthens Accountability and Service Delivery

A total of 114 Agricultural Advisors from across the Vhembe District gathered at Vhembe TVET College for a focused two day Re-focus Planning Workshop designed to improve service delivery and strengthen accountability in the agricultural sector. The workshop brought together advisors who play a direct role in supporting farmers and ensuring that government programmes reach communities effectively. This initiative reflects a growing push within the sector to tighten systems, improve outcomes, and align operations with national development goals. The atmosphere of the workshop showed urgency and purpose as participants engaged with key issues affecting their daily work. It also highlighted the importance of equipping frontline agricultural professionals with practical tools and clear direction.

The workshop followed key resolutions aimed at empowering Agricultural Advisors under Programme 3 with a stronger understanding of the Annual Performance Plan. This plan acts as a roadmap that guides how services are delivered and how success is measured across the sector. Advisors were encouraged to focus on measurable results and align their activities with departmental priorities. These priorities include improving audit outcomes, achieving set targets, and ensuring that farmer registration systems remain accurate and credible. The sessions reinforced the idea that better planning leads to better service delivery on the ground, especially for small scale and emerging farmers.

Acting Chief Director for Extension Services, Masaka Mabilo, set a strong tone with a clear message about the role of advisors in supporting food security. He stressed that farmer registration is more than paperwork and must be treated as a critical tool to prevent wasteful spending and promote fairness. His message pushed advisors to return to core principles and focus on delivering services as intended. He also reminded them that their work is grounded in constitutional responsibilities that aim to ensure access to food for all citizens. This perspective placed accountability at the centre of their daily tasks and encouraged a more disciplined approach to service delivery.

Further emphasis on accountability came from Masindi Mariba, who presented detailed insights into audit related challenges facing the district. His presentation addressed issues such as the misappropriation of agricultural inputs and ongoing challenges within the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme. He also covered findings linked to disaster response funding and transport management. Advisors were urged to follow compliance rules closely and perform their duties with care to avoid negative audit outcomes. The session made it clear that stronger controls and ethical practices are essential for maintaining trust and improving performance across the sector.

Day one of the workshop included a series of targeted presentations that gave advisors practical knowledge they can apply immediately. These sessions covered the 2026 to 2027 Annual Performance Plan targets, which define clear goals for the coming year. A Geographical Information Systems session introduced tools like Survey123, which helps collect accurate data from the field and supports better decision making. Advisors also received updates from the MinMEC meeting, which shapes policy direction at a higher level. Additional sessions focused on SHEP, food security planning, reporting templates from Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Producer Support Policy. Each topic was designed to close knowledge gaps and improve how advisors support farmers in real conditions.

The workshop did more than share information. It helped rebuild a shared commitment to excellence, transparency, and service. Advisors left with a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and the tools they need to meet expectations. The focus on accountability and practical skills is expected to improve how services reach farmers and how resources are managed. Stronger alignment with policy and planning frameworks will likely lead to better outcomes in food production and rural development. This workshop sets a firm foundation for more effective agricultural support in the Vhembe District and reinforces the role of advisors as key drivers of food security and sustainable growth.