The MEC for Department Agriculture and Rural Development led by Hon. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa together with her executive team and the Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA), appeared before the Portfolio Committee at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Friday 21 August 2026. They were there to account for how Quarter One (Q1) of the current financial year 2026/2027 was performed - both financially and in terms of service delivery.

The executives led by the Head of Department, Dr Fikile Qwabe tabled detailed reports on budget spending and performance targets, showing where the Department has done well and where it needs to improve.

The MEC, on a virtual platform, said they are still committed to clean governance and transparency, "Every grain of rice counts, with every rand spent it must go toward improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. We dare not lower our guard. We remain indebted to the Portfolio Committee for its advise and guidance as we forge ahead with service delivery."

The Committee said it understands the seriousness of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which was declared a disaster early this year.

However, members of the Committee stressed that resources must be shared fairly. They said the Department must also tackle other animal diseases like rabies and corridor diseases.

The MEC acknowledged the Committee’s concern. She said campaigns are already underway to deal with these diseases. She said that on Tuesday this week, the Department was in Mtubatuba to address animal husbandry and food security as part of efforts to improve animal health in the province.

For more information on this please contact Vusi Khumalo (MLO) at 082 350 4674.