The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has strengthened its commitment to supporting emerging farmers through the handover of a tractor, trailer and agricultural implements valued at more than R1.5 million to Mgxabakazi Farming in Port St Johns. The handover, led by MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, was warmly received by the farming enterprise, with members expressing their appreciation for the government's continued investment in local agricultural development.
Co-owner of Mgxabakazi Farming, Mluleki Jico, from Mthombo Village, said the agricultural equipment would significantly improve their farming operations, particularly by addressing challenges associated with having to hire tractors, which often arrived late and disrupted production. He described the handover as a demonstration that government had recognised their challenges and responded to their needs. “Today we are being gifted with a tractor, we had challenges in our farming operations here but today we have seen the government or the government has seen us and it responded to the issues we had faced. We are happy and joyful about to see this today when witness this beauty of receiving this tractor in our area”, said Jico.
Operating on approximately 52 hectares of communal land, Mgxabakazi Farming is a collaborative initiative involving Jicholas Investments and Tita Ka Pelane Trading Enterprise. The project dedicates 34 hectares to the production of green mealies and vegetables under irrigation, with the Department of Agriculture having previously supported the establishment of its irrigation system. Beyond agricultural production, the initiative contributes to local economic development through the employment of 20 permanent workers and the creation of up to 40 seasonal employment opportunities, particularly for local youth and women.
MEC Kontsiwe commended the farmers for working together to ensure that available communal land is productively utilised, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing agricultural development. “I am happy to see people working the land and not leaving it lying fallow. As the community, they are making sure that the land is being used especially here in Port St John’s because it is a place where communal land rights conflicts are common. It's happy to see people coming together and working,” said Kontsiwe.
She further acknowledged the farmers' contribution to job creation, economic development and food security, noting the importance of preserving agricultural knowledge across generations. The tractor handover formed part of the MEC's broader programme in the OR Tambo District, which also included the official handover of a Fresh Produce Rural Market Centre in Swazini, Qhaka Village, Ward 9. The facility is aimed at improving farmers' access to markets and creating opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth.
The day's programme concluded with the OR Tambo Agricultural Show at the Port St Johns Sports Field, where local farmers showcased their produce and livestock. The MEC emphasised that the competitive nature of agricultural shows encourages farmers to improve their production standards while recognising excellence, particularly among young farmers.
Through these interventions, the provincial government continues to strengthen support for emerging farmers, promote agricultural enterprise development and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
