Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed that the government is actively supporting small-scale and historically disadvantaged farmers, emphasising a coordinated multi-ministerial approach to agricultural development, land reform, and market access.

Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Mashatile said the government is prioritising interventions to address barriers to participation in South Africa’s agricultural value chain.

The discussion was prompted by a question from ANC MP Dorris Mpapane regarding the Competition Commission’s January 2025 market inquiry into the fresh produce sector.

The report highlighted that while the French produce market exceeds R53 billion, participation by historically disadvantaged farmers remains minimal.

Mashatile noted that the government is taking steps to address these challenges, including improving access to land, infrastructure, finance, and markets.

“Addressing equity and inclusion of small-scale and previously disadvantaged farmers is crucial for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and competitive fresh produce value chains in South Africa,” Mashatile said.

He emphasised that the inclusion of emerging black farmers in commercial agriculture is vital for transforming the sector and supporting land reform initiatives, citing government visits to farms in Theewaterskloof and agricultural events such as Nampo Harvest Day and the Cape Agricultural Show as part of efforts to engage directly with farmers.

He said these events provide opportunities to support farmers through mechanisation, smart technology, agricultural services, and access to finance. 

Mashatile highlighted that the government is working to implement the Competition Commission’s recommendations, including reviewing the legal framework governing National Fresh Produce Markets through the development of the Agricultural Produce Agents (APA) Amendment Bill and the National Fresh Produce Market Council Bill.

“Through multi-sectoral collaboration with partners like the Land and Agricultural Development Bank and other commercial financiers, the government will continue to support all farmers, commercial, small-scale, and historically disadvantaged, and ensure that the agricultural sector is representative, inclusive, and contributes to the growth of the economy, and ensure food security in the country,” he said.

EFF MP Sihle Lonzi asked Mashatile why the government does not set explicit targets for purchasing from historically disadvantaged farmers to supply public institutions.

Mashatile said that supporting small-scale farmers is a collective government responsibility, not reliant on the preferences of any single minister.

“What we are doing as Cabinet is not really a responsibility of one minister. We try to intervene as the cabinet, as the government. Ministers must report regularly to Cabinet. We are monitoring that area because the issue of land reform and agriculture are very related,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by IFP MP Busaphi Machi about structural barriers, such as access to storage, logistics, and consistent pricing, Mashatile noted that initiatives such as partnerships with municipalities and government procurement programs are being used to support emerging farmers.

“Many of the products that come from that level do find their way into various government institutions as a way of us supporting them,” he said, adding that government interventions go beyond policy announcements and focus on practical support, including land, finance, skills development, and market access.

ACDP MP Wayne Thring asked whether a monitoring framework exists to track annual sales by small-scale farmers and guide interventions.

Mashatile confirmed that a system is being developed with the Minister responsible for Monitoring and Evaluation. “As we go around the country, they are developing systems that will help us to be able to monitor properly the support that we are giving, whether it be finance, or where people need support with respect to skills.

”The department reports to Cabinet on its weaknesses and successes. We are able then to look at where the loopholes are,” he said, adding that the process will inform future government interventions.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics 

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