South Africa’s agricultural sector is gearing up for one of its most pivotal gatherings this year: the 2025 Agricultural Transformation Lekgotla, set to take place on Wednesday, 13 August at Batter Boys in Pretoria. Hosted by Food For Mzansi in partnership with Land Bank and Kagiso Trust, this high-impact event promises a shake-up of the country’s transformation agenda.
With the theme “Redefining South Africa’s agricultural future,” the lekgotla arrives at a critical moment for the sector. Mooketsa Ramasodi, the director-general of the department of agriculture, will deliver the opening keynote, laying down a policy vision for a more inclusive and equitable agri-economy.
From Ramasodi’s keynote to hard-hitting conversations throughout the day, the event will cover everything from access to finance and commodity power dynamics to human capital investment and transformation data that demands urgent attention.
The numbers paint a bleak picture of agricultural transformation in South Africa. Research by Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo and Professor Johann Kirsten reveals that black farmers still contribute only a fraction to the country’s commercial output: just 4.7% of maize, 3.1% of soybeans, 1.3% of wheat, and 2.4% of cotton.
In horticulture, the figures are only slightly better: 12.8% of citrus, 10.2% of deciduous fruit, and 1.6% of viticulture. The statistics for livestock are no less concerning, with black farmers accounting for only 34% of cattle production and a dismal 4.2% of poultry.
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Moving beyond promises to real solutions
“Farmers are looking for more than just promises,” says Food For Mzansi co-founder Ivor Price. “This Agricultural Transformation Lekgotla is about moving beyond talk and working together on real, practical solutions. It’s time to build a new chapter for South African agriculture, one that includes everyone, and leaves no farmer behind.”
The programme is stacked with influential voices.
Expect fresh insight from Land Bank CEO Themba Rikhotso, who will face the tough question of whether the institution can finally back the “missing middle: of black producers. Dr Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust, will shift the spotlight to investing in people – not just land – as the engine of lasting change.
A major highlight is a sector-wide fireside chat exploring which commodity groups hold real power, featuring leaders from red meat, potatoes, fruit, pork and more. The energy continues into the afternoon with a series of short, sharp talks showcasing what’s actually working – including the work done by, amongst others, the Agricultural Development Agency (Agda), the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC), Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), and the Mohair Empowerment Trust.
While most of the country’s major commodities will be represented, tickets are limited and moving fast. Tickets can be purchased online following this link.
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