Gauteng MEC for agriculture and rural development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, visited Vanderbijlpark in Emfuleni to engage with black women in commercial farming, focusing on maize and Nguni cattle.
Ramokgopa’s visit is part of the month-long activities of engaging with women farmers across the province to better understand the challenges they face and honour those women in the agricultural sector.
According to the department, Ramokgopa’s visit provided an opportunity to observe the women’s daily operations, from crop harvesting to cattle breeding, and appreciate their hard work.
Enhancing support for women
“Discussions centred on critical issues such as stock theft, vandalism, and veld fires, which threaten their safety and disrupt their farms.
“As part of her first 100 days in office, MEC Ramokgopa is committed to engaging with farmers across Gauteng to develop strategies to address these challenges,” the department said in a statement.
As part of addressing rural safety concerns, Ramokgopa has vowed to engage the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the department of community safety in combating rural safety issues.
“Throughout August, the MEC will continue to celebrate the achievements of female farmers and seek ways to enhance the sector’s support. This proactive approach aims to ensure sustainable growth and reinforce the vital role women play in agriculture,” the department said.
In her recent budget vote presented to the Gauteng legislature, Ramokgopa said they were going to ensure that government-funded projects receive the necessary attention it deserves.
“We reaffirm our commitment to serve the people of Gauteng dutifully and with integrity. We commit that no single rand that is meant to enrich and enhance communities in our province go unspent.
“With that said, agro-processing therefore has been prioritised as a key enabler for re-industrialisation and sustainable job creation,” she said.
Ramokgopa added that she will strive to build strong partnerships and relationships with farmers and relevant stakeholders in the province to ensure that the sector grows and creates jobs.
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