Themba kaMadlopha-Mthethwa Urges Young Black Farmers to Transform KwaZulu-Natal’s Dairy Industry

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has challenged emerging black farmers to expand into the dairy industry, highlighting the need for greater black participation in one of South Africa’s most important agricultural sectors. Addressing thousands of aspiring farmers during the Youth Farmers’ Day Commemoration held in the eMobeni area of eMpangeni, the MEC encouraged young people to view agriculture as a powerful tool for economic growth, food security and job creation. Her message reinforced the provincial government’s commitment to supporting youth-led agricultural enterprises through funding, skills development and employment opportunities. The event formed part of the department’s broader strategy to empower young farmers while advancing agricultural transformation across KwaZulu-Natal.

Drawing inspiration from the legacy of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa connected the courage of past generations with the responsibility facing today’s young farmers. She said that just as the youth of 1976 stood up to shape South Africa’s future, the country’s current generation of young agricultural entrepreneurs has an equally important role in securing the nation’s food future. By making this comparison, the MEC encouraged young people to recognise agriculture as more than just a source of income. She described farming as an opportunity to build sustainable communities, strengthen local economies and ensure future generations have reliable access to nutritious food. Her remarks also reflected the importance of youth participation in addressing long term challenges facing the agricultural sector.

The Youth Farmers’ Day Commemoration celebrated young people who are already making meaningful contributions to agriculture while also showcasing the positive impact of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s early intervention programmes. The gathering highlighted several success stories involving young farmers who have received government support to establish or expand their farming operations. These achievements demonstrated how targeted investment can help young entrepreneurs overcome barriers that have historically limited access to commercial farming opportunities. The event also marked continued progress under the MEC’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Youth, an initiative designed to place young people at the centre of agricultural development throughout the province. The department used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to creating more opportunities for youth across the agricultural value chain.

A major focus of the MEC’s address was the issue of access to finance, which remains one of the biggest obstacles facing young farmers across South Africa. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa acknowledged that many commercial banks require collateral that most young entrepreneurs simply do not possess, making it difficult for them to obtain loans needed to grow their businesses. She stressed that her department takes a different approach by supporting farmers based on their commitment and farming activities rather than their age, personal connections or financial standing. According to the MEC, the department is committed to backing young people who are actively involved in agriculture and determined to succeed. This approach aims to remove unnecessary barriers and create a more inclusive environment where hardworking farmers can receive meaningful government assistance.

The department has already demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment through a range of employment initiatives introduced earlier this year. Hundreds of young people have been employed in various agricultural roles, creating valuable work experience while strengthening agricultural services throughout the province. These appointments include Assistant Agricultural Practitioners, unemployed agricultural youth graduates, graduate interns and Animal Health Technicians. The department has also announced plans to recruit additional data capturers and administration clerks in the near future, further expanding employment opportunities for young people interested in public service and agriculture. These initiatives not only provide immediate job opportunities but also help develop the skilled workforce needed to support the future growth of the agricultural sector.

Financial support for youth owned agricultural businesses has also been a key priority for the department. During the previous financial year, approximately R17 million was invested in various youth agricultural projects aimed at strengthening farming enterprises and promoting rural development. In addition, the department allocated R6 million through its Unemployed Graduates Programme, providing funding to 15 agricultural companies established by young graduates. Looking ahead, the MEC announced that another R6 million will be reserved during the department’s next funding call later this year to support 14 youth led agricultural companies. These investments demonstrate the department’s continued commitment to helping young entrepreneurs establish sustainable farming businesses while contributing to economic growth and employment creation.

The MEC also announced another important intervention focused on supporting livestock farming within vulnerable communities. The department has introduced a goat distribution programme valued at R9.1 million that will benefit 181 people across KwaZulu-Natal. Among the beneficiaries are 105 women, 45 young people and 15 people living with disabilities, reflecting the department’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development. By providing livestock to these groups, the programme seeks to improve household incomes, strengthen food security and create opportunities for small scale commercial farming. The initiative also supports broader government efforts to reduce poverty while promoting participation from historically disadvantaged communities.

One of the standout features of the Youth Farmers’ Day Commemoration was the series of expert led discussions covering a broad range of agricultural topics. Young farmers were given practical guidance on modern farming techniques, business development, livestock management and other essential areas needed for successful agricultural enterprises. These knowledge sharing sessions provided participants with valuable insights from experienced professionals while encouraging innovation and continuous learning. By combining financial support with technical training and mentorship, the department aims to equip young farmers with the tools required to build resilient and profitable farming operations. Such initiatives recognise that access to knowledge is just as important as access to funding when developing successful agricultural businesses.

The Youth Farmers’ Day Commemoration highlighted KwaZulu-Natal’s determination to place young people at the forefront of agricultural transformation. Through targeted funding, employment opportunities, livestock support and practical skills development, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is creating an environment where young farmers have greater opportunities to succeed. The MEC’s call for more emerging black farmers to enter the dairy industry reflects a broader vision of creating a more inclusive and representative agricultural sector that benefits communities across the province. As these investments continue to grow, they have the potential to strengthen food security, expand rural economies and inspire a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs committed to shaping South Africa’s future.