SASOLBURG – Local farmers, producers, and government leaders met in Zamdela on February 5 to address the urgent challenges facing the agricultural community.
The meeting, led by Elzabe Rockman, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, focused on finding practical solutions to longstanding problems.
The Metsimaholo Farmers Association, elected on June 26, 2025, led by Lefu Tamane, highlighted that farmers have been using communal land for nine years without formal lease agreements.
This lack of tenure has stalled critical development, most notably the inability to drill boreholes, even when private partners such as Seriti Mining were willing to assist in areas like Mooidraai.
Farmers described the exhausting daily struggle of hauling water to their animals using small tanks and buckets.
The meeting also addressed serious health and safety issues. Experts warned about the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and urged farmers not to move livestock between districts.
Farmers reported that police are rarely seen on communal lands, making it easier for thieves to operate.
The meeting also heard that delays in getting animal health certificates are preventing farmers from selling their livestock at auctions, cutting off their income.
Addressing animal health risks, MEC Rockman cautioned against moving livestock between districts, warning that such practices heighten the spread of FMD.
She further called on municipalities to assist in establishing temporary holding facilities to function as pounds, enabling effective management of infected or at-risk animals.
Beyond training, mechanisation, and disease control, farmers reiterated concerns about stock theft, a persistent challenge across many parts of the province.
The Acting Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo Local Municipality, Mahadi Nkheloane, underscored the municipality’s commitment to collaborative governance and sustainable agricultural development.
Adding to the proceedings, April Motaung, Acting Speaker of Fezile Dabi District Municipality, delivered comments on behalf of the council, reaffirming support for farmers. Lebohang Makhefu, Acting Executive Mayor of Fezile Dabi District Municipality, outlined processes for funding applications, providing clarity on access to financial support.
