Eastern Cape MEC Kontsiwe Addresses Parliamentary Committee on Ncerha Macadamia Project

Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, addressed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Agriculture on the second day of a stakeholder engagement session, highlighting the importance of unity, accountability, and collaboration in resolving challenges facing the multi-million rand Ncerha Macadamia Farming project. The session brought together key stakeholders to discuss the project’s operational and community-related issues following an oversight visit conducted in October 2025.

The engagement included representatives from the National Department of Agriculture, the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, Ncerha Macadamia leadership, the Imidushane Traditional Council, and local community members. Discussions focused on addressing the project’s challenges, potential closure risks, and community-driven actions to ensure sustainability and productivity. MEC Kontsiwe stressed that coordinated efforts among all parties are essential to safeguard the project’s future and maximize its economic benefits for the region.

MEC for Economic Development, Nonkqubela Pieters, also attended the session to provide insights on economic implications and support mechanisms for the project. The National Department of Agriculture, alongside the provincial department, presented their progress reports and proposed interventions before the committee. Their input aimed to provide clarity on operational issues and strategies to restore the project to full functionality.

In addition to project-specific discussions, MEC Kontsiwe used the platform to raise awareness about Foot-and-Mouth Disease, stressing the importance of proactive measures to protect livestock and secure local agricultural livelihoods. Her address reinforced the need for integrated approaches, community participation, and transparent governance to ensure that large-scale agricultural projects like Ncerha Macadamia contribute meaningfully to regional development.

The ongoing parliamentary sessions demonstrate the Eastern Cape government’s commitment to addressing agricultural challenges through dialogue, oversight, and stakeholder collaboration. By fostering accountability and engagement, the province aims to safeguard investments, support local farmers, and strengthen the agricultural sector’s role in driving economic growth.