Mpumalanga’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs’ latest quarterly report for 2025/26 paints a deeply concerning picture of administrative decline and a complete failure to serve the people of the province.
With irregular expenditure already amounting to approximately R42 million, it is clear that legal prescripts and procurement processes are routinely violated.
The massive underspending of R120 million exacerbates the lack of fiscal responsibility. Funds intended for community development are lying in the state coffers while projects grind to a halt.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is particularly concerned about the tangible impact this maladministration is having on the agricultural sector and job creation.
Thousands of farmers who relied on support with inputs and mechanisation have been let down after the Department fell far short of its own targets.
The late delivery of supplies and failure to meet land reform targets are hampering food security and economic growth in the province.
At a time when unemployment is rampant, it is unacceptable that the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has delivered only a fraction of the projected job opportunities.
The Department’s inability to complete its own rural development projects – including essential initiatives such as the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market and the Agro-Fund – proves that the current administration lacks the political will and expertise needed to achieve sustainable growth.
The report further reveals shocking examples of malpractice, including payments for work never performed and infrastructure projects that remain incomplete despite massive outlay.
Non-compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) appears to be the rule rather than the exception.
As a party fighting for taxpayers’ rights and the advancement of the agricultural sector, the Freedom Front Plus will not turn a blind eye to the decline.
The Freedom Front Plus scheduled a meeting with the Premier, Mr Mandla Nhlovu, to demand immediate accountability and a thorough review of the Department’s budgeting practices.
Mpumalanga residents deserve a government that spends every rand wisely for the benefit of all its people.
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