As the new ministers and their deputies begin their roles after recently being appointed and sworn in, Food For Mzansi reviews crucial ministries that influence agriculture and introduces their new political leaders.
President Cyril Ramaphosa implemented significant changes to key portfolios following the 2024 national and provincial government elections, introducing both new and familiar faces.
Agricultural leaders are urging unity and cooperation, emphasising a focus on the nation’s farmers over political infighting.
New police minister Senzo Mchunu
Senzo Mchunu was appointed as the new minister of police, replacing the infamous General Bheki Cele. Mchunu is familiar with agricultural roles, having previously served as minister of water and sanitation.
Part of Mchunu’s work will be to address rural safety and the increasing stock theft in provinces such as Eastern Cape, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Wessels Wessels, a livestock farmer from Vrede in the Free State, expressed his current concern about whether the new cabinet would genuinely serve the people of the country, rather than focusing on who is currently in leadership.
He said the country needed leaders who will hit the ground running and address service delivery issues, ailing infrastructure, stock theft, security in borders, which are critical.
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New agriculture minister John Steenhuisen
John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance, who has replaced Thoko DIdiza, now the speaker of the National Assembly, has a mammoth task ahead to ensure that the sector continues to grow amid the challenges faced by the industry.
African Farmers Association of South Africa (Afasa) president AJ Mthembu said the new minister comes at a time when stakeholders and the government are implementing the Agricultural and Agro Processing Master Plan (AAMP).
“It is Afasa’s strong view that the attainment of the objectives articulated in the AAMP and mitigating risks that threaten the growth of the sector, climate change being the main one, require unity and concerted effort.
“We also call upon all role players in the sector, irrespective of race and creed, to work together to ensure that the vision of the AAMP becomes a reality. With deputy minister Capa on board, we anticipate that the implementation of this plan will gather the required momentum,” Mthembu said.
New land reform and rural development minister Mzwanele Nyhontso
Similarly, Mthembu said they were eagerly waiting to engage with the new minister of land reform and rural development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, and deputy minister Stanley Mathabatha.
The SA Olive Association chief executive Wendy Petersen said they were confident that under the guidance of all ministers and deputy ministers, the nation would prosper and thrive.
“We look forward to collaborating with you to advance our shared goals and contribute to the growth and development of our beloved country, South Africa. Wishing you every success in your new roles,” she said.
Black Agricultural Commodities Federation (BACF) chief executive Moshe Swartz said they welcomed the unbundling of the department into two departments.
The federation said while they accepted the cabinet announcement, they were rather sceptical about the appointment of Steenhuisen in the agricultural portfolio.
“It must be made abundantly clear that the BACF is not concerned about race and personalities, but mindset and character.
“One thing is very clear in BACF’s mind: the new minister can count on the cooperation of black farmers as long as we agree on just and equitable policies for the sector,” he said.
New water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina
Another critical portfolio for farmers is the department of water and sanitation. With challenges in access to water and water licenses, the new leadership in the department will be looked upon with hope to address the longstanding challenges farmers have faced.
Majodina replaced Mchunu in this role, who moved to police. She used to be the ANC chief whip in Parliament in the sixth administration.
President of Free State Agriculture (FSA) Francois Wilken said they appeal to the minister to prioritise the restoration of infrastructure and access to water.
“The FSA believes that the sustainability and profitability of agriculture demand focused attention. Developing strategies in collaboration with specialists will help foster an environment conducive to economic growth,” he said.
Executive manager of WaterCAN, Dr Ferrial Adam, praised the former minister and urged the new minister to leverage civil society collaboration to end water challenges.
“Minister Majodina must continue the work that Mchunu started, actively engaging with civil society and leveraging the expertise and experience within her team to build on these successes.
“Minister Senzo Mchunu’s performance has been exceptional, marked by significant achievements in water management and governance. Mchunu held water entities accountable, resulting in criminal charges against more than 14 municipalities,” she said.
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