The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, hosted a two-day Strategic Planning Session with Senior Management of the Department from the 5^th to the 6^th March 2026, in Empangeni under the King Cetshwayo District.

The strategic session brought together Senior Managers and key Stakeholders to reflect on the Department’s programmes, assess challenges affecting the agricultural sector and develop strategic interventions aimed at strengthening service delivery and farmer support across the Province.

The agricultural sector continues to face a number of challenges, including the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, climate-related pressures and resource constraints that impact production and the livelihoods of farmers. Amid these challenges, MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa emphasised the importance of proactive leadership, accountability and collaborative problem-solving within the Department. The MEC underscored that Strategic Planning Sessions of this nature are critical in ensuring that the Department remains focused, responsive and results-driven in addressing the needs of farmers and rural communities.

“The agricultural sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities and sustaining rural livelihoods. It is therefore important that as a Department we continuously assess our work, identify gaps and develop solutions that will strengthen our service delivery,” said MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa also extended her sincere appreciation to livestock farmers and the Department’s Veterinary Services team for the successful execution of a mass vaccination drive in the Ugu District. She highlighted that the close collaboration between farmers and the Department is essential for curbing the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and strengthening the overall resilience of the agricultural sector.