The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) rejected Mpumalanga’s agriculture budget due to the department’s ongoing underperformance and growing frustration among the province’s rural communities.
Although R1,644 billion has been allocated to the department for the current financial year, farmers and residents continue to face a landscape marred by project delays, the squandering of funds and empty promises.
Delayed or stagnant projects include:
• Mbombela Fresh Produce Market: After years of delays, the Market is now nearly operational with an allocation of R159,5 million. It has great potential for stimulating economic growth, and the delay is unacceptable.
• Inkanyezi Poultry Farming and Agri-Hubs: These projects, part of the provincial strategy to empower youth and emerging farmers, have ground to a halt. The Inkanyezi project was intended to include a comprehensive poultry production model, complete with abattoirs and packaging facilities, but progress is minimal.
• Marapyane College: a key institution for agricultural training which remains underutilised. The College offers courses in animal science, crop production and farm management, but the Department has no strategy to integrate it with job creation.
Programmes that have declined or been terminated include:
- Masibuyele Esibayeni: This programme aimed to improve the genetic quality of livestock and reintroduce the Nguni breed in communities. It was discontinued without explanation, despite its success in ensuring food security and generating income.
- Aquaculture Programme: There is only one of the 20 fish farms left, indicating a severe decline in alternative agricultural development.
- Fortune 40 Youth Project: An ambitious initiative to empower young farmers through market access and mentorship, this project has been slowed down by bureaucratic red tape and is losing momentum.
According to a recent media report, the department plans to pass legislation that will compel the state to procure goods exclusively from black farmers. This policy, pursuing so-called “transformation targets”, is vague and unspecific, creating uncertainty about who stands to benefit and on what basis.
The Freedom Front Plus advocates against using race as a criterion for empowerment. Meaningful development hinges on need, skill and sustainability – not political agendas.
The party will keep the pressure on until the department shows tangible progress and rural communities receive the support they deserve.
Freedom Front Plus Coalition Politics: The party has participated in coalition governments at local and provincial levels.
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