Greater Tzaneen strengthens ties with major farming employers
Greater Tzaneen Municipality has met with major farming enterprises to explore solutions to infrastructure challenges affecting agriculture and employment.
LIMPOPO – Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has been visiting major farming enterprises in the area to address challenges affecting agricultural production, strengthen local economic development and protect jobs that support thousands of households.
The visits by Mayor Odas Ngobeni and councillors have been to understand their operations, recognise their economic contributions and explore ways to improve cooperation between the municipality and the agricultural sector.
Earlier this month, they met Komati Citrus Group CEO, Piet Smit. The company employs more than 1 000 people, rising to over 2 000 during peak seasonal periods.
“Komati Citrus is an important part of our local economy. Its contribution goes beyond citrus production; it creates jobs and supports the livelihoods of many families in our communities,” said Ngobeni.
The company also invests in education, having developed three schools in the Hoedspruit and Tzaneen areas and contributed approximately R3m in grants towards higher education.
Beerseun highlights infrastructure challenges
On Wednesday, Ngobeni and local economic development director Benjamin Mathebula met Beerseun Boerdery CEO Kobus de Beer and his wife, Erna, at their farms in Ofcolaco.
The farm produces tomatoes, chilies, green beans, green peppers and maize for major retailers, including Checkers, Woolworths, Pick n Pay and Shoprite. Beerseun employs between 1 000 and 1 200 people, about 48% of whom live within GTM’s jurisdiction. Its monthly wage bill of approximately R5m highlights its contribution to local livelihoods. The company prioritises local employment, community relations and employee development. Planting takes place weekly, while harvesting continues daily to meet market demand.
However, poor road infrastructure and heavy rainfall remain major challenges, with rain-related losses amounting to millions of rand.
Agriculture drives local economy
Speaking to the Herald, Ngobeni said closer cooperation with farmers was essential because agriculture contributes significantly to the local economy and supports many households.
“The sector contributes significantly to our GDP, and many of our people’s livelihoods depend on it.”
“For instance, Beerseun employs over 1 000 people. It is therefore important that we engage with farmers to understand their challenges and intervene where possible, not only as a municipality but also through the government’s cooperative governance structures,” he said.
