KwaZulu-Natal MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Hon. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa was part of the South African Farmers Development Association's (SAFDA) 10-year celebration on Friday, 28 November 2025 at Gingindlovu Sports Ground near Dokodweni, on the province's north coast.

The celebration captured the association's hard economic times and its successes since their conceptualisation in 2015, helping along the previously marginalised sugarcane farmers. Speaking at the event, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa congratulated SAFDA for resilience despite experiencing tough economic times and said their role is visible in the sugarcane farmers' livelihoods: "As the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, we are also taking pride in walking this journey with you. We have been with you throughout and are part of your success, more particularly during the launches of multi-million rand facilities of the Farmer Production Support Units in Noordsberg (uMshwathi) and uMjindi (Jozini) respectively."

"We believe that these facilities and infrastructure will not become white elephants or underutilised. We recommit ourselves to your cause by continuing to provide ongoing support to ensure the optimal functioning of the FPSUs. These facilities contribute significantly to the value chain of our products and thousands of farmers benefit from their existence in their vicinity, serving as a storage hub, providing training and technology transfer and enhancing production efficiency."