MIDDELBURG – The Mpumalanga provincial legislature and the portfolio committee on agriculture, rural development, land, and environmental affairs conducted three-day public consultations across the province’s three districts to provide a platform for various stakeholders to contribute to the preservation and development of agricultural land in the province.
The committee, led by MEC Busisiwe Shiba, visited the Nkangala District Municipality in Middelburg on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to listen to concerns and challenges related to the use and management of agricultural land in the area.
Farmers, farm dwellers, businesspeople involved in the production, processing, and transportation of agricultural products, NGOs, and ordinary community members with similar interests participated in the hearings.
There was acknowledgment that high-value agricultural land is becoming a scarce resource due to underutilization for intended purposes, hindering effective and sustainable food production in the province and the country. Participants cited developments such as mining, mall construction, and settlements as factors contributing to the reduction of agricultural land.
“Illegal occupation of land also contributes to this reduction,” said Sipho Mtsweni, a participant.
Participants emphasized that while these developments are not inherently negative, the government or state should ensure the preservation and identification of agricultural land for food security purposes. “Government should also monitor compliance to ensure that mining companies rehabilitate the land after mining,” added Vusimuzi Malinga.
A plea was made to traditional leaders in rural areas to ensure the availability of land for farming purposes.
Paul Mbenyane, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga provincial legislature, stated that the bill process aims to ensure the effective and sustainable use of agricultural land by developing guidelines and principles to reduce fragmentation and loss of agricultural land, promote viable farming, encourage optimal use of agricultural land, and promote food security.
The hearings continued to the Gert Sibande District in Ermelo on Thursday, April 18, and concluded in the Ehlanzeni District in Bushbuckridge on Friday.
MEC Shiba expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement and input from participants. “The discussions were meaningful, and participants were on point. I am confident that the bill will be passed into law, transforming how land is used and managed for the benefit of everyone,” she remarked.
