The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment and Land Affairs (DARDLEA) has called for stronger collaboration among government, farmers, businesses and other stakeholders to accelerate transformation in the province’s agricultural sector.
The call was made by MEC for DARDLEA Khethiwe Moeketsi during the official inauguration of the Mpumalanga AgriBEE Provincial Structure in Mbombela August 14.
The launch brought together representatives of the AgriBEE Charter Council, government officials, municipal leaders and key stakeholders from the agricultural sector.
Members of the newly established provincial structure were formally appointed and received their terms of reference, which will guide their work over a three-year term.
Moeketsi said the establishment of the structure represents an important step towards advancing transformation, empowerment and inclusive growth in Mpumalanga’s agricultural sector.
She called on stakeholders to work together to ensure that transformation translates into meaningful opportunities for previously disadvantaged farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, workers and communities.
What is AgriBEE?
AgriBEE, or the Agriculture, Agro-processing and Forestry Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Charter, is a transformation framework aimed at increasing the participation and economic ownership of black South Africans across the agricultural value chain.
The framework seeks to address inequalities by promoting opportunities in areas such as land ownership and management, access to finance, skills development, employment equity, enterprise and supplier development, market access and ownership.
AgriBEE is particularly important because agriculture extends beyond farming. It includes the production, processing, transportation, marketing and distribution of agricultural products.
Transformation across these areas can create opportunities for emerging farmers, cooperatives, black-owned businesses and rural communities.
The provincial structure is expected to help strengthen coordination between government and the agricultural sector while supporting the implementation of AgriBEE objectives in Mpumalanga.
Moeketsi said collaboration would be essential to ensuring that the structure delivers meaningful results.
She emphasised that partnerships between government, municipalities, organised agriculture, businesses and communities can help create sustainable opportunities and strengthen participation in the agricultural economy.
The structure will also provide a platform for stakeholders to engage on challenges affecting transformation and identify practical interventions that can benefit the province’s agricultural sector.
The MEC said the ultimate goal is to build a more inclusive agricultural economy in which more people can participate, create livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.
The launch therefore marks the beginning of a three-year period in which the provincial AgriBEE structure is expected to play an important role in advancing agricultural transformation and creating opportunities across Mpumalanga.
