MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi.
The Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), Khethiwe Moeketsi, recently hosted a Municipal and Traditional Leaders Forum (MUNMEC) meeting in Mbombela, bringing together municipalities and traditional leaders to strengthen collaboration and improve the implementation of government programmes across the province.
The meeting served as a strategic platform for the Department to present its key programmes and engage stakeholders on initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, agricultural growth and rural development.
Addressing delegates, MEC Moeketsi urged municipalities to strengthen compliance with their Integrated Waste Management Plans, emphasising that proper waste management is critical to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life in communities. She also encouraged municipalities to participate actively in the Zonda Insila Programme, highlighting the environmental and socio-economic benefits associated with the initiative.
The MEC further outlined several flagship programmes currently being implemented by the Department. These include the Food Market Squares initiative, which seeks to improve market access for local agricultural producers, the rehabilitation of the Senteeko Dam irrigation system to enhance agricultural productivity, and the planned launch of the Eggsellent by Lebo project during the current financial year. These initiatives form part of the Department’s broader strategy to strengthen food security, support emerging farmers and stimulate local economic development.
Animal health also featured prominently during the meeting, with the Department reporting significant progress in the fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). More than 81% of cattle in Mpumalanga have already been vaccinated as part of the province’s ongoing disease control programme.
MEC Moeketsi called on traditional leaders to play a more active role in supporting the Department’s vaccination campaign by assisting with logistics, mobilising communities and making venues available for vaccination teams. She stressed that cooperation between government, municipalities and traditional leadership is essential to achieving full vaccination coverage and protecting the province’s livestock industry.
The MUNMEC meeting reaffirmed the importance of coordinated governance and strengthened partnerships in addressing environmental, agricultural and rural development challenges. By working together, government, municipalities and traditional leaders aim to accelerate service delivery, promote sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of communities throughout Mpumalanga.
