MEC Lebogang Motlhaping Leads Farmer Engagement in Khâi-Ma to Strengthen Agricultural Support in the Northern Cape

The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Lebogang Motlhaping, together with Head of Department Mr Monakali and the Executive Mayor of Khâi-Ma Local Municipality, Councillor Estella Cloete, took part in a direct engagement with farmers in Pofadder within the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality. The session formed part of a broader government effort to bring services closer to farming communities and improve communication between farmers and decision makers. It created a space where farmers could raise real challenges affecting their daily operations and receive direct responses from senior officials. The engagement focused on practical issues that influence agricultural productivity and rural development in the region. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration between government and farmers in building a stronger agricultural sector.

Farmers used the platform to raise concerns across several key areas that directly affect agricultural performance. These included access to land and how it is used productively, access to funding opportunities and the implementation of the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme. Water infrastructure and drought response were also central topics due to the region’s climate pressures. Veterinary services, farmer readiness and compliance requirements were discussed in detail, along with the need for stronger accountability systems within agricultural support programmes. Farmers also highlighted the importance of building stronger partnerships across the sector to improve long term sustainability and resilience.

The Department used the engagement to reaffirm its commitment to supporting farmers through practical and targeted interventions. Officials outlined progress already made in the Khâi-Ma area, including investments in stock water infrastructure that help improve livestock farming conditions. Drought relief assistance was also highlighted as a key intervention aimed at reducing the impact of water scarcity on farming operations. Veterinary support programmes were discussed as part of efforts to improve animal health and prevent disease outbreaks that can affect productivity. Farmer training initiatives were also presented as a tool to improve skills, compliance and overall farm management practices.

MEC Motlhaping encouraged farmers to continue engaging with the Department to access available support programmes and strengthen their farming enterprises. He stressed the importance of compliance with agricultural standards and regulations to ensure sustainable growth and market readiness. The engagement emphasized that farmers play a critical role in food security, economic development and job creation in the Northern Cape. By working closely with government structures, farmers can improve productivity and build more resilient farming operations. The message also focused on long term sustainability, encouraging farmers to adopt practices that protect natural resources while increasing output.

The successful engagement in Khâi-Ma reflected the Department’s ongoing commitment to listening to farmers and addressing challenges through direct collaboration. It demonstrated a practical approach to governance where issues are discussed at community level and solutions are developed through shared responsibility. The session strengthened trust between government and farmers while reinforcing the value of continuous engagement. It also highlighted the Department’s focus on building a resilient and productive agricultural sector that can withstand environmental and economic pressures. This initiative forms part of a wider effort to ensure sustainable agricultural development across the Northern Cape through consistent support and active community participation.