MEC Elzabe Rockman Engages Farmers in Vrede to Address Agricultural Challenges and Strengthen Rural Development

The MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Ms Elzabe Rockman, continued her commitment to supporting farming communities by leading an important engagement with farmers in Vrede under the Phumelela Local Municipality. The meeting formed part of an ongoing outreach programme aimed at creating direct communication between government and agricultural stakeholders while addressing the challenges affecting rural communities. Farmers were given the opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions and receive updates on government initiatives designed to strengthen agricultural production and improve livelihoods. The engagement reflected the Department’s commitment to ensuring that farmers remain informed about available support while encouraging collaboration to solve pressing agricultural issues. By meeting directly with producers, government officials were able to better understand the realities facing the farming sector and identify practical solutions for sustainable development.

Several important issues were raised during the engagement, with unemployment, food security and stock theft emerging as the most pressing concerns among farmers in the area. These challenges continue to affect agricultural productivity, household incomes and the long-term sustainability of farming operations across the region. High unemployment places additional pressure on rural communities where agriculture serves as one of the primary sources of income and employment. Food security remains closely linked to the success of local farming activities, making agricultural support programmes essential for ensuring stable food production. Stock theft also continues to have significant financial consequences for livestock farmers, reducing profitability while creating uncertainty for producers who depend on their animals for their livelihoods.

In response to the concerns raised, MEC Elzabe Rockman outlined several government interventions that are already making a positive impact within the agricultural sector. Among the key programmes discussed were the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES), both of which have provided valuable assistance to a number of farmers in Vrede. These initiatives are designed to strengthen agricultural production by providing financial support, infrastructure development, training opportunities and employment creation within rural communities. Through these programmes, emerging and established farmers receive resources that help improve productivity and expand their farming operations. The Department also encouraged farmers who have not yet participated in these initiatives to explore available opportunities for future support.

The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme continues to play an important role in advancing South Africa’s agricultural sector by assisting farmers with production inputs, equipment, infrastructure and technical guidance. The programme aims to improve agricultural productivity while helping emerging farmers become commercially viable and financially sustainable. Access to improved infrastructure and modern farming equipment enables producers to increase efficiency and expand production capacity. Technical support also ensures that farmers receive expert guidance on best agricultural practices, disease management and resource utilisation. By strengthening farming enterprises through comprehensive support, the programme contributes to rural economic growth and improved food production.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus was also highlighted as a valuable intervention that creates employment opportunities while supporting agricultural activities. The programme assists farmers by providing labour support that enables them to maintain production while creating jobs for local communities. Increased employment not only benefits individual workers but also contributes to stronger local economies by generating household income and stimulating business activity. For many rural communities, agricultural employment provides an important source of financial stability and helps reduce poverty. The continued implementation of employment support programmes strengthens both the agricultural sector and broader community development.

During the engagement, farmers also received information about additional departmental programmes available to support agricultural development across the province. Officials encouraged producers to participate in various initiatives that provide technical assistance, training, funding opportunities and extension services. Access to reliable information allows farmers to make informed decisions about improving productivity, expanding operations and managing risks more effectively. Government outreach programmes such as these play a critical role in ensuring that support reaches farming communities that need it most. Open communication between officials and producers also helps identify new priorities that can shape future agricultural policies and development strategies.

As part of her outreach programme running from 4 to 10 July 2026, MEC Elzabe Rockman will continue visiting communities across the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. The programme is designed to engage not only with farmers but also with traditional leaders and members of religious organisations who play important roles within rural communities. These engagements create opportunities to discuss agricultural development, environmental management and broader rural challenges affecting local residents. By involving a wide range of community stakeholders, the Department aims to develop inclusive solutions that respond to the diverse needs of the district. Continuous engagement also strengthens partnerships that support long-term rural development and sustainable agricultural growth.

Animal health formed another important part of the discussions during the meeting. Mr Moseki from Veterinary Services presented an update on the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks that continue to place pressure on livestock production across the Free State. The disease remains a serious concern because it affects animal health, restricts livestock movement and can have significant economic consequences for farmers and the wider agricultural industry. Veterinary officials urged livestock owners to participate fully in state-driven vaccination protocols designed to limit the spread of the disease. Farmers were reminded that early cooperation with veterinary services is essential for protecting livestock, maintaining production and safeguarding market access for animal products.

The engagement was further strengthened by the participation of respected community leaders and government representatives. Kgosi-Kgolo Nkhatle Tsotetsi and Mofumahadi Vuyelwa Tsotetsi accompanied MEC Elzabe Rockman throughout the day’s programme, demonstrating the importance of cooperation between traditional leadership and government institutions. Their presence reinforced a shared commitment to supporting farming communities while promoting rural development across the district. Phumelela Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Dume Kobeni, also joined the delegation, highlighting the collaborative approach being taken by different spheres of government to address agricultural and community challenges. Such partnerships create stronger relationships between government and local communities while ensuring that development initiatives receive broad support.

The engagement in Vrede demonstrated the value of direct communication between government and the agricultural sector in addressing issues that affect rural livelihoods. Discussions around unemployment, food security, stock theft and livestock disease highlighted the need for continued collaboration and practical interventions that strengthen farming communities. Government programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus continue to provide valuable assistance that enables farmers to improve productivity and create employment opportunities. As MEC Elzabe Rockman’s outreach programme continues across the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, these engagements are expected to strengthen partnerships, improve access to government support and encourage sustainable agricultural development. Through ongoing dialogue, coordinated action and community participation, the Department remains focused on building a resilient agricultural sector that contributes to economic growth, food security and improved livelihoods across the Free State.