The appointment of new members of the executive council (MECs) in different provinces have received praise. While some are being retained, others are new and agri leaders have vowed to work with them to ensure a smooth transition.
In the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer retained his position with the portfolio merged as the department of agriculture, economic development and tourism.
Communication manager at Groote Post wines Peter Pentz said the synergy between agriculture and tourism holds immense potential, and he believes agri-tourism can significantly boost the local economy.
“I am delighted with the reappointment of minister Ivan Meyer as MEC for agriculture and the inclusion of tourism in his portfolio for the Western Cape. Minister Meyer has consistently championed the agricultural sector, achieving remarkable progress during his previous term.
“His continued leadership promises further advancements, especially now with the added focus on tourism. Minister Meyer’s vision and dedication make me optimistic about the future of both industries,” Pentz said.
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New sheriff in town
Meanwhile, a new MEC was appointed in Mpumalanga. Nompumelelo Hlophe replaced Busi Shiba as the new political head of agriculture in the province.
Jabu Mahlangu, provincial president of the National African Farmers Union (Nafu), said they welcome black and young women leadership excellence.
“Ms Mpumi Hlophe is lauded as amongst the best young women leaders the province of Mpumalanga has produced, with vision, requisite skill set, and experience spanning over a decade.
“I have worked with her on many fronts and I know her strengths, foresight, collective leadership, and decisive leadership,” he said.
Mahlangu said Hlophe assumes the role as MEC of agriculture when the sector is facing several difficulties, amongst them the high cost of doing business.
“Some of the issues the new MEC will be faced with are unpredictable climate changes, growing population, land-lessness amongst the African, urbanisation and fast-changing technologies in farming.”
He added that there is also a quest amongst the youth and women to cut their teeth in the agri sector, challenges in land reform, and a need for leaders to unite small-scale and commercial farmers.
In Limpopo, Kekana Nakedi Grace was appointed as the new MEC, replacing Thabo Makone.
Ready for change
Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa replaced Super Zuma.
Zibusiso Dlamini, the head of the agriculture and rural development department in KwaZulu-Natal, has welcomed the new MEC stating that the department is ready to continue bringing change in the lives of KZN farmers.
“On behalf of the department, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Ms Madlopha-Mthethwa. We hope to have a long and successful journey. Ours is to create an inclusive, sustainable and radically transformed agricultural sector that builds thriving communities.
“Therefore, we will continue to work tirelessly together with our MEC to realise our vision and ultimately alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment and do away with inequality,” he said.
In North West, Madoda Sambatha was appointed as MEC of agriculture, replacing Desbo Mohono who was appointed as the speaker of the provincial legislature.
Elsabé Rockman was appointed as the new MEC of agriculture in the Free State, replacing Saki Mokoena.
Meanwhile in the Eastern Cape Nonceba Kotsiwe replaced Nonkqubela Pieters as the MEC of agriculture.
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