Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture

South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to play a vital role in strengthening food security, creating employment and driving rural economic development. Government leaders are increasingly engaging directly with farmers to better understand the challenges they face and identify practical solutions that can improve agricultural productivity. During a recent farm visit in Mara, outside Mbombela, Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa used the opportunity to reaffirm government’s commitment to building an inclusive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. Her engagement highlighted the importance of supporting farmers while ensuring that young people and persons with disabilities have greater access to opportunities within agriculture. The visit reflected government’s broader objective of creating a sector that benefits communities, promotes innovation and contributes to long-term economic growth. It also demonstrated the value of direct interaction between policymakers and agricultural producers in shaping policies that respond to real conditions on the ground. As South Africa works to strengthen its agricultural value chain, such engagements remain an important part of building partnerships that support farmers across the country.

On the sidelines of the farm visit, Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa engaged with members of the media to outline government’s vision for the future of agriculture in South Africa. She stressed that the country’s agricultural success depends on ensuring that all South Africans have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the sector regardless of age, gender or physical ability. According to the Deputy Minister, inclusive growth is essential for creating a stronger agricultural economy capable of meeting both domestic and international demand for food products. She noted that agriculture is more than food production because it also creates jobs, supports rural families and contributes significantly to national economic development. By encouraging greater participation from previously underrepresented groups, government aims to unlock new ideas, strengthen local food systems and improve livelihoods in rural communities. Her remarks reinforced the importance of building an agricultural sector that reflects the diversity of South Africa while remaining competitive and sustainable.

A key message delivered during the visit focused on empowering farmers through improved support systems and practical interventions. Many emerging and small-scale farmers continue to face obstacles such as limited access to finance, modern equipment, quality inputs, technical expertise and reliable markets. Addressing these barriers requires coordinated efforts between government departments, financial institutions, agricultural organisations and the private sector. Deputy Minister Capa highlighted the importance of ensuring that farmers receive the necessary assistance to improve productivity, expand their operations and increase profitability. Effective extension services, skills development programmes and access to modern farming technologies can significantly improve farm performance while strengthening food security. Continued investment in these areas will enable more farmers to become commercially successful and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth.

Youth empowerment formed another important part of the Deputy Minister’s message during the visit. South Africa has a growing youth population with significant potential to transform the agricultural sector through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology adoption. Encouraging young people to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career can help address unemployment while ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability. Government initiatives that provide agricultural education, mentorship, startup funding and access to land can help aspiring young farmers establish successful businesses. Digital farming tools, precision agriculture, climate-smart technologies and agribusiness management are creating new opportunities that appeal to younger generations. By investing in youth participation today, South Africa can develop a new generation of skilled agricultural leaders capable of driving future economic growth.

Deputy Minister Capa also emphasised the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities within the agricultural sector. Inclusive agriculture requires removing barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from participating in farming, agribusiness and agricultural research. This includes improving access to training, adapting equipment where necessary and promoting inclusive workplace practices that recognise diverse abilities. Modern agricultural technology has made many farming activities more accessible through mechanisation, automation and digital management systems. Encouraging inclusive employment practices also benefits businesses by expanding the available talent pool while promoting equal opportunities. Building a sector where everyone can contribute strengthens communities and demonstrates that agriculture can be both productive and socially inclusive.

The visit to Mr Sibusiso Mogale’s farm also highlighted the value of successful farmers serving as examples for others within their communities. Farm visits provide government officials with an opportunity to observe practical farming operations, understand local production challenges and identify areas where additional support may be required. Farmers benefit from sharing their experiences, discussing successful production methods and raising concerns directly with decision makers. These engagements create valuable dialogue that helps shape policies and programmes based on real farming conditions rather than assumptions. Collaboration between government and producers encourages knowledge exchange while strengthening trust between stakeholders. Such partnerships are essential for building a more responsive agricultural support system that addresses the evolving needs of South African farmers.

Building resilience remains a major priority as climate change, unpredictable weather patterns and rising production costs continue to affect agricultural operations across South Africa. Farmers increasingly face challenges including droughts, floods, pest outbreaks and fluctuating input prices that threaten productivity and profitability. Government’s commitment to supporting resilient farming practices includes promoting climate-smart agriculture, efficient water management and improved risk management strategies. Encouraging the adoption of sustainable farming methods can help producers protect natural resources while maintaining long-term productivity. Investments in agricultural research and innovation will also play an important role in developing crops and farming systems capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions. A resilient agricultural sector is better positioned to ensure stable food supplies and support rural economies despite future challenges.

Sustainability extends beyond environmental protection and includes economic and social development within farming communities. Successful agricultural policies should balance increased production with responsible resource management and equitable access to opportunities. Supporting local farmers strengthens rural economies by creating employment, encouraging entrepreneurship and stimulating demand for related industries such as transport, processing and retail. Sustainable agriculture also promotes responsible land management, soil conservation and biodiversity protection while ensuring future generations can continue farming productively. Partnerships between government, educational institutions, agribusinesses and farming organisations will remain essential for achieving these objectives. A collaborative approach allows stakeholders to share expertise, develop innovative solutions and maximise the impact of agricultural development programmes.

Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa’s visit to Mr Sibusiso Mogale’s farm in Mara reinforced government’s determination to build an agricultural sector that is inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Her engagement with farmers and members of the media highlighted the importance of empowering producers, supporting youth participation and ensuring persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to contribute to the industry’s success. These priorities reflect a broader vision of agriculture as a driver of economic growth, food security and rural development. Continued collaboration between government and the farming community will be essential in overcoming existing challenges while creating new opportunities across the agricultural value chain. Investments in skills development, innovation, sustainability and inclusive participation have the potential to transform South Africa’s agricultural landscape for the better. By maintaining a strong focus on empowerment and partnership, the country can build a farming sector that benefits individuals, communities and the national economy for many years to come.