MIDDELBURG – The Mpumalanga provincial legislature, together with the portfolio committee on agriculture, rural development, land, and environmental affairs, conducted three-day public consultations across the province’s three districts. These consultations aimed to provide a platform for various stakeholders to contribute to the preservation and development of agricultural land bill in the province.
MEC Busisiwe Shiba led the committee’s visit to Nkangala District Municipality in Middelburg on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to hear concerns and challenges related to the use and management of agricultural land in the region. Farmers, farm dwellers, business people engaged in the production, processing, and transportation of agricultural products, NGOs, and community members with similar interests participated in the hearings.
There’s widespread acknowledgement that high-value agricultural land is becoming increasingly scarce due to its misuse. This land is not being effectively or sustainably utilised to produce enough food for the province and the country. Participants pointed to developments like mining, the construction of malls, and settlements as factors leading to the reduction of agricultural land.
“Illegal occupation of land contributes to this reduction,” said participant Sipho Mtsweni. While participants acknowledged that these developments are not inherently bad, they emphasised that the government should ensure the preservation and identification of agricultural land for food security purposes.
“Government should also monitor compliance to ensure mining companies rehabilitate the land after mining,” added Vusimuzi Malinga. A plea was also made to traditional leaders in rural areas to make land available for farming.
Paul Mbenyane, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga provincial legislature, explained that the bill aims to ensure the effective and sustainable use of agricultural land. It seeks to develop guidelines and principles to reduce fragmentation and loss of agricultural land, promote viable farming, encourage optimal use of agricultural land, and enhance food security.
The hearings moved 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 insightful. I am confident that the bill will be passed into law, transforming how land is used and managed for the benefit of all,” she said.
