NCOP Conducts Oversight Visit to Boleo and Young Blood Farms in Emakhazeni

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) conducted an oversight visit to Boleo Farm and Young Blood Farm in eMakhazeni Local Municipality as part of NCOP Week Mpumalanga. The programme, running under the theme “Building Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services to Communities,” aims to strengthen municipal support and improve service delivery. The week-long programme concludes on Friday, focusing on assessing progress and providing guidance to local projects.

Young Blood Farm, a six-member operation acquired in 2019 through a renewable five-year lease agreement with the municipality, operates on a 3-hectare plot. The farm produces vegetables and livestock, including cattle and goats. The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) supported the project with 13 Boer goats, including 12 does and 1 buck, along with animal feed and medication. The farm has been integrated into the Government Nutrition Programme, and beneficiaries have completed SA-GAP training, enhancing production and food safety standards.

Boleo Farm, acquired in 2018 through a Pro-active Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) on a 30-year lease with the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, covers 940 hectares. The farm has created both permanent and seasonal employment and focuses on mixed farming. Current activities include planting 240 hectares of maize and soya, livestock production with 123 cattle, 72 Boer goats, 58 sheep, and beekeeping operations.

Under the Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme, Boleo Farm received 26 Boer goats, including 25 does and 1 buck, medication, production inputs such as soya seed, fertilizer, and diesel. Beneficiaries also received training in beef production, artificial insemination, feedlot management, and financial marketing.

The oversight visit allowed NCOP members to engage directly with farm managers and beneficiaries. They assessed production progress, training impact, and how these farms contribute to local food security and economic growth. The visit highlights the importance of government support in strengthening municipal agricultural projects, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods in rural communities.

Officials emphasised that continuous monitoring, technical assistance, and strategic support are key to ensuring that projects like Boleo and Young Blood Farms remain sustainable, productive, and beneficial to local communities.