The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, accompanied by the Department's Portfolio Committee, convened in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal on Friday 31^st January 2025, to undertake an oversight role and engage with the farming communities of Zululand District Municipality.

The meeting, which drew hundreds of local attendees from the District, centred on concerns regarding the scarcity of communal dams, livestock mortality, unsellable livestock, fencing and production inputs. Additionally, the issue of invasive alien plant species in the area was raised. The farmers also requested comprehensive agricultural assistance, encompassing mechanisation, poultry, goat and beef farming, as well as the establishment and renewing of grazing land and pastures.

The Department and the Portfolio Committee meticulously noted these concerns and provided a clear direction forward, committing to implement solutions to address the challenges faced by the farming communities.