Market deals secured for struggling rural farmers

Agriculture MEC highlights need to create links between farmers and agricultural businesses to stimulate local economic growth

September 22, 2025

Muzi Zincume 1 minute read

Agriculture MEC Thembeni kaMaDlopha-Mthethwa addresses Jozini farmers

Jozini farmers have committed to producing a thousand tonnes of dry beans per month.

This after deals between the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and several agribusinesses were signed this month.

The agreements were concluded at Nondabuya Community Hall where Agriculture MEC Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa witnessed the loading of the first batch of dry beans into a truck bound for a KwaDukuza-based company.

Three other agribusinesses also secured agreements, with some 300 farmers expected to benefit from the deals.

The programme falls under the Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (RASET), which aims to address insufficient funding and limited access to markets.

“These challenges were hindering farmers’ full participation in the agricultural sector. Limited access to markets has stifled the growth and development of historically disadvantaged producers of key commodities such as grain, crops and meat,” said KaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

The MEC explained that it was vital to focus on creating links between farmers and agricultural businesses to stimulate local economic growth.

Local farmers raised concerns, however, including the use of traditional methods in sorting beans, and being short-changed by unscrupulous agents.

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said government would need to intervene and that farmers would need to establish formal trading initiatives to professionalise their businesses.

“Our department has to find a way to capacitate farmers. We want these companies to not only buy your products, but also enhance your livelihoods through training in financial management, financial literacy, and ensuring your beans are of great quality and processed for top grading.

“Our objective is for you to eventually supply the entire nation of South Africa, and even export to other countries. uMkhanyakude District has the potential to become the breadbasket of the province,” she said.

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