Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu outlined the government’s developmental and service delivery plans for rural communities during the opening of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders on Wednesday, May 6. In his address, Ndlovu described traditional leaders as the first line of social cohesion, dispute resolution and moral authority.

According to him, traditional councils must become hubs of local economic co-ordination, facilitating co-operatives, supporting SMMEs, encouraging youth entrepreneurship and promoting women’s participation in economic activity.

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He said the government is implementing a targeted agricultural support programme aimed at preparing farmers within traditional authority areas for participation in the upcoming Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market. The development aims to present a strategic opportunity for rural producers to access formal markets, improve household incomes and contribute meaningfully to food security and economic growth.

“To ensure readiness, government will provide comprehensive support to farmers, including mechanisation services such as tractors and implements, as well as essential production inputs like seeds, seedlings, fertilisers and agrochemicals.”

Ndlovu added that farmers will receive technical support to improve productivity, ensure compliance with market standards and strengthen their competitiveness within structured value chains. He said the success of this initiative is dependent on strong collaboration between government and traditional leaders.

“In this partnership, traditional leaders play a critical role in facilitating access to communal land for agricultural production. By making land available, communities will be able to expand cultivation and increase output.”

According to the premier, the Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme provides an additional opportunity for strengthening livestock production in rural communities.

A key component of this programme is the Bull Scheme, which enables the provision of high-quality breeding bulls for use within communal grazing systems.

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“This intervention is expected to improve the genetic quality of livestock, enhance reproductive performance, and increase the market value of animals. Over time, it will contribute to the sustainability and commercialisation of communal livestock farming.”