The MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was an invited speaker at the Large Herds Dairy Conference which took place in Ballito, within the KwaDukuza Local Municipality on Tuesday 02 June 2026.

Delivering the keynote address, MEC KaMadlopha-Mthethwa highlighted the need for unity in the industry and for communal, small-scale farmers and commercial farmers to collaborate in efforts to grow the province's economy together. She said there's a great need for transformation in the industry and for creating real and lasting opportunities for emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in the sector.

“We must focus on four key priorities. First, we must strengthen biosecurity systems to protect our livestock and agricultural economy. Second, we must deepen partnerships between government, industry, farmers, and researchers. Third, we must promote innovation that improves productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. And finally, we must create real and lasting opportunities for emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in the sector,” said KaMadlopha-Mthethwa.