New agriculture chair vows strict public sector oversight

New agriculture portfolio committee chairperson Nomansonto Motaung has vowed to tighten oversight within the sector and ensure that those responsible for public funds deliver to their mandate.

Motaung, who is a former deputy minister in the presidency, takes over the position following the redeployment of former chairperson Dina Pule.

The committee in the interim was led by Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, who served as acting chairperson for 48 days.

A new era of oversight leadership

According to parliament, Motaung brings a mix of executive oversight, parliamentary experience, and local governance to her new role leading the agricultural committee. Before her election to parliament in 2019, she served as the speaker of the Mafube Local Council in the Free State.

Holding a postgraduate diploma in public management, Motaung steps into the role at a crucial juncture for South Africa’s farming sector and rural economy.

“I accept this responsibility with humility and a commitment to serve selflessly. I look forward to working together with all members of the committee in bringing about tangible contributions to the lives of our fellow South Africans who are in the space of our responsibility,” she said.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the sector, Motaung noted that agricultural success underpins broader socio-economic stability across the country.

“Agriculture is a critical vehicle to food security, economic growth, job creation, and central to the development of rural communities.

“I, therefore, commit myself to leading this committee fairly and diligently and to ensure that we remain focused on the information and production needs of our farmers, agricultural workers and communities,” she said.

Immediately following her election, the committee turned its focus to accountability by resuming quarterly performance assessments of departmental entities, the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB).