DARDEA MEC Elzabe Rockman Strengthens Food Security Through Farmer Engagement Session in Harrismith

Rural development and food security took centre stage in Harrismith when DARDEA MEC Elzabe Rockman and Head of Department Tshepo Mabilo led a farmer engagement session at the Intabazwe Multi Purpose Centre. The session brought together local farmers, community members, the Executive Mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung Cllr. Tumelo Thebe and local councillors to address agricultural support needs and strengthen collaboration between government and rural communities. The gathering focused on practical solutions to improve food production and reduce household hunger. It also served as a feedback platform following an earlier engagement held on 21 January 2026. The event highlighted government’s ongoing efforts to respond directly to community needs through tangible agricultural support.

HOD Tshepo Mabilo opened the session by acknowledging all attendees and explaining the purpose of the engagement in clear terms. He reminded participants that the meeting was designed to provide feedback on previous discussions where communities had requested production support inputs. He explained that the department had responded by prioritising tools and resources that can immediately improve household food production. Garden tools were handed over as part of this response, with a strong emphasis on practical implementation at household level. His message reinforced the idea that small scale food production can play a major role in reducing hunger and poverty in rural areas.

During his address, HOD Mabilo encouraged residents to view the support provided as a long term investment in their livelihoods. He urged households to continue planting vegetables in their backyard gardens as a sustainable way to improve food security. He emphasised that consistent household production can reduce dependence on external food sources and improve nutrition at family level. The HOD also highlighted the government’s commitment to being responsive and supportive to community needs. His remarks framed agricultural assistance as part of a broader strategy to build self reliant communities.

MEC Elzabe Rockman led the official handover of garden tools and seeds to 100 households and five community institutions. This intervention was designed to strengthen local food production capacity and encourage active participation in agriculture. The distribution of seeds and tools ensures that beneficiaries can immediately begin or expand their gardening activities. In addition to agricultural inputs, households also received food assistance through a partnership with ITAU and Meals on Wheels. This included 10kg maize meal, 10kg samp and food parcels aimed at addressing immediate food needs in vulnerable communities.

In her address, MEC Rockman emphasised the importance of food security as a central pillar of rural development. She encouraged local farmers to continue hosting Farmers Market Days as a way to strengthen local trade and improve income generation. These market days provide an important platform for farmers to sell fresh produce directly to consumers, reducing reliance on intermediaries. The MEC highlighted that such initiatives not only improve household nutrition but also stimulate local economic activity. She stressed that food security and economic development must progress together to achieve sustainable rural growth.

MEC Rockman also announced future plans for capacity building within the farming community. She confirmed that the department will begin hosting workshops focused on CASP Grant Funding applications. These workshops will guide community members on how to complete application forms and understand the required supporting documents. The aim is to improve access to government funding and ensure that more farmers can benefit from available agricultural support programmes. This approach is expected to reduce administrative barriers that often prevent small scale farmers from accessing financial assistance.

The MEC further addressed broader challenges affecting rural communities, including issues related to commonages and farm evictions. She assured residents that the department will engage with these concerns and work towards finding practical solutions. These issues remain sensitive in many rural areas and have a direct impact on livelihoods and land access. By committing to address them, the department signaled its intention to strengthen land governance and protect vulnerable communities. This forms part of a wider effort to ensure fairness and stability in rural development.

The farmer engagement session in Harrismith demonstrated a clear focus on action driven governance and community centred development. The combination of agricultural inputs, food assistance and future training opportunities reflects a multi layered approach to rural support. By engaging directly with communities, the department strengthens trust and ensures that interventions respond to real needs on the ground. The presence of local leadership further reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing food security challenges. The event highlighted how coordinated government action can deliver immediate relief while building long term agricultural capacity.

The initiative led by MEC Rockman and HOD Mabilo reflects a growing commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods in the Free State. Through targeted support, practical training and continued engagement, the department is working to build more resilient farming communities. The focus on backyard gardening, market access and funding support creates a comprehensive framework for agricultural development. As these programmes continue, they are expected to improve food security, create economic opportunities and empower local households. The Harrismith engagement stands as a strong example of how government and communities can work together to build sustainable rural development systems.