The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s (MPL) Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs conducted an oversight visit to the Mkhuhlu Agrihub in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality on Wednesday, September 17.

The process is part of the ongoing Taking the Legislature to the People programme, aimed at fostering community engagement and transparency in governmental operations.

The visit was led by the acting committee chairperson, Life Monini, alongside fellow Legislature members, officials from the Office of the Premier and government departments, as well as Legislature support staff.

In his opening remarks, Monini emphasised the significance of public participation, urging local farmers to share their inputs and challenges, with the aim to enhance growth at the Agrihub.

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Sonto Maleni, a representative of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea) provided an overview of the Mkhuhlu Agrihub, which began its operations in April 2020.

“The hub was established to bridge market gaps and serve as a central point for aggregating fresh produce for the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) and other formal markets. To date, the Agrihub has created 40 job opportunities for the local community, including positions for persons with disabilities.”

The hub’s success is evident in its ability to supply produce from smallholder farmers and agro-processors to seven government boarding schools and 28 hospitals.

Maleni highlighted the Agrihub’s objectives, which include establishing a wholesale trading centre, packaging facility, and collection point for the produce destined for the MIFPM. She also noted challenges such as poor-quality produce, unavailability of certain items, and market saturation due to seasonal produce.

Gladys Milazi of the Provincial Treasury sought clarification on several issues, including the costs associated with transporting products to other districts and the integration of the Agrihub objectives with the MIFPM.

Mandla Lukhele, the Agrihub’s manager, responded to the issues raised, explaining their collaborative efforts with Dardlea to supply and source produce based on seasonal and weather conditions.

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According to the MPL, the Portfolio Committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of local farmers at the meeting, emphasising the need for their voices to be heard, especially on the challenges they face.

They also raised issues related to the unpaid Eskom and municipal bills, maintenance and security of the facility, accessibility for farmers, and compliance with safety regulations to prevent food contamination.

Dr Maanda Dakada, the acting HOD of Dardlea, gave reassurances in response to the inquiries. They confirmed that farmers receive payments within seven days and can store their produce while awaiting market opportunities.

“Measures are being implemented for the maintenance and security of the Agrihub with ongoing reviews of arrangements with Eskom and the municipality.”