The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has assured farmers and community members that the Jozini Farmer Production Support Unit will not become a white elephant. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa provided this assurance while addressing farmers and local communities during the handing-over ceremony of the FPSU at uMjindi Section 2, Jozini, in northern KwaZulu-Natal on the 24^th of June 2025. Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso and KaMadlopha-Mthethwa officiated the launch of the FPSU in a gathering attended by thousands of people from the district.

The facility, was built at a cost of R31 million. Some community members had expressed concerns that it may become underutilised. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa has allayed these concerns, stating that her department will provide ongoing support to ensure its optimal functioning. The facility is expected to benefit over 2,000 farmers, serving as a storage hub, providing training and technology transfer, and enhancing production efficiency.

"We will deliver on our promises, and I encourage landowners to cultivate their land rather than leasing it to others, particularly those with plots in the Makhathini irrigation scheme. This facility must be protected and operational at all times. It will ease the burden of many farmers who had been battling for storage facility and other agricultural activities. It will also gel well with the Richards Bay Fresh Produce Agrihub to be constructed at a cost of 153 milliom rand," emphasised KaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa also welcomed the feasibility study currently underway for the Makhathini Sugar Mill.