MEC Elzabe Rockman Hosts Fourth District Women in Agriculture Imbizo in Fezile Dabi

The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs MEC, Ms Elzabe Rockman, hosted the fourth District Women in Agriculture Imbizo at the Master Nakedi Multi-Purpose Centre in Tumahole, Parys, under Ngwathe Local Municipality. The gathering was held in collaboration with the Fezile Dabi District Women in Agriculture and Rural Development structure and brought together more than 120 female farmers from across the district. Women involved in both crop and animal production attended the engagement from Ngwathe, Moqhaka, Metsimaholo and Mafube Local Municipalities. The event created an important space for women farmers to share knowledge, strengthen their skills and discuss challenges affecting their participation in agriculture. It also formed part of efforts to strengthen Women in Agriculture and Rural Development structures across the Free State Province.

The District Women in Agriculture Imbizo was designed as a platform where female farmers could raise issues affecting their agricultural enterprises and exchange ideas with government and other stakeholders. Discussions focused on practical challenges such as access to markets, funding and networking opportunities. These issues can have a direct bearing on the ability of farmers to develop productive and sustainable agricultural businesses. Bringing farmers together allows them to share experiences and identify common concerns affecting women in agriculture. The engagement also provides an opportunity for government officials and participating institutions to better understand the needs of women farmers in different parts of the district.

More than 120 female farmers from the four local municipalities participated in the Fezile Dabi gathering. Their involvement reflected the range of agricultural activities undertaken by women in the district, including crop production and animal production. The participation of farmers from Ngwathe, Moqhaka, Metsimaholo and Mafube created a district-wide platform for discussion. It also provided an opportunity for women from different agricultural communities to exchange knowledge and experiences. Strengthening these connections can support networking among farmers and create opportunities for continued engagement around agricultural development.

The Imbizo also brought together stakeholders from several institutions. Participants included representatives from the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, the Ngwathe Local Municipality LED Manager and officials from the Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs. Their participation provided farmers with access to different areas of government expertise and support. Collaboration between agricultural institutions and local government can help farmers understand available programmes, services and development opportunities. It also creates a more direct channel through which farmers can communicate challenges that require support from different institutions.

A central objective of the gathering was to revive Women in Agriculture and Rural Development structures across the Free State. These structures provide an avenue for women involved in agriculture to organise, communicate and participate in discussions about agricultural and rural development. Strong local structures can help farmers maintain regular communication with one another and with relevant stakeholders. They can also provide a platform for identifying issues that affect women across different farming communities. The Fezile Dabi engagement forms part of a wider provincial effort to strengthen these structures and increase women’s participation in agricultural development.

The event also addressed the serious issue of gender-based violence and femicide affecting women and girls in the province. Pastor Paul Mazibuko led a candle-lighting and prayer session in honour of women and girls who lost their lives to gender-based violence and femicide. MEC Rockman, the Fezile Dabi District WARD Chairperson, female farmers and other stakeholders participated in the candle-lighting action while holding candles and placards. The moment connected the agricultural gathering with the wider need to protect women and girls from violence. It also gave participants an opportunity to publicly call for stronger action against gender-based violence and femicide.

The Fezile Dabi District WARD Chairperson, Ms Sefora Ntombela, provided an overview of the WARD structure in the district and highlighted the role of women farmers in food production. She described women in agriculture as facing a difficult struggle and called on women to confront the challenges they experience while continuing to contribute to food production. Her remarks emphasised the importance of women farmers in feeding communities and supporting food security. She also highlighted the determination of women who continue farming despite economic and social challenges. The message positioned agricultural production as an important area through which women can contribute to the province and the country.

Ms Ntombela also referred to population and unemployment statistics relating to the Free State and highlighted concerns about unemployment among women and young people. She described these conditions as a serious challenge for women and youth in the province. Against this background, she pointed to the size and commitment of the Fezile Dabi WARD membership. According to her, the district has a strong membership base and its women farmers remain committed to sustainable food security in the province. She also praised MEC Rockman for continuing to support farmers during challenging economic conditions.

MEC Rockman explained that her ongoing engagements with farmers and producers across the Free State had highlighted the strong presence of men in many farming towns and agricultural spaces. These observations contributed to the establishment of a dedicated platform where women in agriculture could voice their concerns and share their experiences. The District Women in Agriculture Imbizo provides women farmers with an opportunity to discuss issues that may not always receive sufficient attention in broader agricultural engagements. It also creates space for farmers to raise challenges directly with government representatives and participating stakeholders. The approach recognises women as important participants in the agricultural economy and seeks to strengthen their involvement in farming and rural development.

The Fezile Dabi Imbizo is the fourth district engagement in the current programme of District Women in Agriculture Imbizos. The programme began with an engagement in Mangaung Metro and continued in the Lejweleputswa and Xhariep districts before reaching Fezile Dabi. The final district Imbizo is planned for Thabo Mofutsanyana District in the following week. These district engagements are expected to culminate in a Provincial Women Agricultural Imbizo in Bloemfontein on 13 and 14 October 2026. The provincial gathering is intended to bring together the issues, experiences and priorities raised during the district engagements.

Women’s unemployment and their participation in the labour force were also part of the broader concerns raised during the gathering. MEC Rockman noted that many women carry a disproportionate burden of unemployment and remain outside the labour force. Agriculture can provide opportunities for women to participate in economic activity through crop production, livestock farming and other agricultural enterprises. However, farmers need access to appropriate resources, markets, finance and networks to develop sustainable operations. The discussions at the Imbizo therefore focused not only on recognising women’s contribution to agriculture but also on the practical barriers that can affect their ability to expand that contribution.

MEC Rockman also delivered a strong message about the need for communities to confront gender-based violence rather than remain silent about abuse. She called on women to support one another and urged families not to protect perpetrators of abuse simply because they are relatives. She also called on men to challenge other men when they witness or become aware of abusive behaviour. Her remarks stressed that silence can allow abuse to continue and that communities have a role to play in confronting violence against women and girls. The message added a social dimension to the agricultural discussions by linking women’s economic participation with the need for safe and supportive communities.

The District Women in Agriculture Imbizo in Fezile Dabi brought together agricultural development, women’s empowerment, food security and community action in one engagement. More than 120 female farmers participated from the district’s four local municipalities, creating a broad platform for knowledge sharing and discussion. The involvement of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, Ngwathe Local Municipality and DARDEA officials further strengthened the stakeholder engagement. The programme also gave serious attention to gender-based violence and femicide through a candle-lighting and prayer session in remembrance of women and girls who lost their lives. With further district engagements planned and a Provincial Women Agricultural Imbizo anticipated in Bloemfontein on 13 and 14 October 2026, the programme continues to create opportunities for women farmers to raise their concerns, strengthen their networks and contribute to the future of agriculture in the Free State.