The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) spokesperson, Zanele Shabangu, said “it has learned with dismay that there are politically motivated individual politicians trying to put the Department in disrepute.”
Shabangu said an advert is being aired on radio stations calling on Black farmers to attend an Indaba planned for 24 to 25 October at the Mbombela Stadium.
“The Department would like to put it on record that it distances itself and that we are not in any way part of the so called Black Farmers Indaba. During October, the Department is focused on the planting season to support Black farmers.
The Department would therefore like to encourage all farmers to go back to their fields and focus on our Phezukomkhono Mlimi/ Mhlali to produce food.”
She said DARDLEA have various programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting farmers across all demographics. “Our priorities this season are cantered around enhancing agricultural productivity, facilitating access to resources and improving sustainable farming practices,” she explained.
Shabangu stressed that the Department wishes to clarify that it has not sanctioned or is in any way endorsing the upcoming Black Farmers Indaba and encourages farmers to seek official channels for support and guidance.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive agricultural environment and urge all stakeholders to engage in dialogue that benefits the entire farming community rather than engaging in politically motivated actions that could undermine our objectives,” she concluded.
