By: Xolani Khumalo
KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa says rural communities will greatly benefit from the additional tractors handed over to the department as part of efforts to support farmer development and enhance food security in the province.
Speaking at a handover ceremony at Cedara College of Agriculture in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the MEC said the new equipment will play a key role in improving agricultural productivity, particularly in under-resourced rural areas.
The department handed over 24 tractors to assist small-scale and emerging farmers in increasing their commodity yields and sustaining livelihoods through improved access to mechanisation.
“This initiative speaks directly to our commitment to uplifting rural farming communities. These tractors are not just machines, they are a catalyst for growth, self-reliance, and food security,” said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
In addition to the tractors, the department has also procured a fleet of 100 vehicles to support its operational capacity. The move comes after a noticeable decline in the department’s vehicle availability, largely due to theft, hijacking, and road accidents in recent years.
The MEC emphasised that enhancing mobility and logistics for departmental staff is critical to delivering services efficiently, monitoring agricultural projects, and supporting extension officers in the field.
She added that these interventions form part of the province’s broader strategy to transform the agricultural sector, reduce poverty, and improve resilience among smallholder farmers.
The department says it will continue to prioritise investment in agricultural infrastructure and resources, particularly in historically marginalised communities.
