Mpumalanga MEC Visits Raks Milling Co-operative to Assess Impact on Food Security and Economic Growth

Mpumalanga’s DARDLEA MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi recently visited the Raks Milling Primary Co-operative in Seabe as part of the EXCO Outreach Programme and Premier’s Imbizo, currently underway in the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality. The visit aimed to evaluate the progress and impact of the DARDLEA-supported project, which has become a key contributor to food security, job creation, and economic growth in the region. MEC Moeketsi expressed satisfaction with the positive outcomes observed during the visit, highlighting the project as an example of how targeted government support can transform agricultural operations into sustainable enterprises. This engagement also aligns with broader provincial priorities to strengthen the agricultural sector while creating employment opportunities for local communities.

Raks Milling Primary Co-operative has emerged as one of Mpumalanga’s flagship agricultural initiatives, playing a vital role in shaping the province’s food production landscape. The co-operative received support from the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) in 2019/20, establishing a multi-year partnership. This support included technical assistance, access to equipment, and capacity-building initiatives that enabled the co-operative to scale operations efficiently. Over time, the project has demonstrated how structured government interventions can enhance production capacity, improve product quality, and strengthen supply chains within the agricultural sector.

The Raks Milling Primary Co-operative supplies six boarding schools and hospitals through the Government Nutrition Program (GNP), ensuring a consistent and reliable source of nutritious food for vulnerable populations. By participating in this program, the co-operative contributes directly to food security while supporting the provincial nutrition agenda. The initiative also helps stabilize demand for locally produced grains and milling products, creating a sustainable market for farmers within the co-operative. The integration of production with institutional supply chains highlights the practical benefits of linking agricultural projects with government programs to achieve social and economic objectives simultaneously.

The project has created 106 permanent and seasonal jobs, reflecting its significance as a local economic driver. These employment opportunities range from production and processing to administrative and logistical roles, providing diverse skill development pathways for community members. Job creation also strengthens household income and reduces economic vulnerability, contributing to broader socio-economic stability within the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality. By enabling local participation in productive agricultural activities, the co-operative fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

MEC Moeketsi’s visit underscores the importance of monitoring and supporting government-backed agricultural projects to ensure they deliver measurable outcomes. The Raks Milling Primary Co-operative serves as a model for how provincial support can drive food security, create jobs, and stimulate local economic growth. Continued investment, technical support, and strategic oversight are essential to maintain the co-operative’s momentum and expand its impact. By linking government programs with practical agricultural solutions, Mpumalanga strengthens its capacity to provide sustainable food supply, improve livelihoods, and develop a resilient agricultural economy. The success of this project signals the potential for similar initiatives to replicate these outcomes across other rural communities in the province.