The recently appointed MEC of agriculture in the Northern Cape, Lebogang Motlhaping, said he has a better understanding of the job as he himself is a farmer.
Motlhaping spoke to the media after taking the oath of office and assured Northern Cape farmers that concerns would be addressed to safeguard the food security of the province.
“We are not starting a new government; there are policies in place. What we need to focus on is to strengthen implementation. As a farmer myself, I might allude to some of the weaknesses in the department that we come across as farmers and [the] challenges.
“My predecessor did her level best. I was at the provincial legislature. I was part and parcel of the portfolio committee in agriculture, so I know the hardships that the department is going through, and I also know the commitments the MEC had made alongside her team, which they presented to us as the committee,” he said.
Related stories
- ‘We need feed’: NC farmers plead amid prolonged drought
- ‘We’re just surviving’: Water woes & land limits cripple NC farmers
- AgriSETA urges class of 2025 to choose TVET, agri colleges
- NW agriculture department slams false learnership claims
Meeting farmers’ expectations
Motlhaping said it was important that his department strengthen systems, which would go a long way in ensuring food security not only for the province but for the country as well. He promised to engage with senior officials in the department as well as farmers to get an understanding of what needs to be worked on.
“Given the fiscus of government, sometimes it gives an impression that government is not willing to implement some of this programme. Mine is to accelerate, but only after I assess the department.”
Motlhaping replaced Mase Manopole, who moved to the department of social development. Motlhaping is no stranger to the executive council and led some of the departments, like health and transport, and he was the chief of staff of Premier Zamani Saul.
The National African Farmers Union of South Africa in the Northern Cape has welcomed the changes and pledged to support the new MEC in growing the sector and the economy of the province.
Motlhaping will face farmers who are eager for change in the department and have called for a more proactive response from the government, and unlocking government projects which have been abandoned.
READ NEXT: Farmers demand municipal reform ahead of local elections
