MEC Mase Manopole
Kimberley
By: Lebogang Moeng
The MEC for Agriculture in the Northern Cape, Mase Manopole presented the department’s 2025/26 budget with the focus on food security, climate resilience, farmers support, youth emp0werment and job creation through agriculture.
MEC Manopole who was in her usual element highlighted that her department remains firmly committed to advancing an inclusive and climate-resilient approach to agricultural development one that not only fosters economic growth but safeguards the essential natural resources that sustain it.
The Department has set a bold but achievable target of increasing agriculture’s contribution to 10% of Provincial GDP, driven by the planting of high-value crops, the revitalisation of irrigation schemes, and expanded investment in agro-processing facilities that add value and create jobs along the agricultural value chain.
According to Mec Manopole, “a thriving agricultural sector is not built on land and inputs alone it is built on knowledge, skills, and the ability of producers to adapt, innovate, and lead.
“Through the CASP Training Budget, the Department has allocated R8.651 million in the 2025/26 financial year to deliver structured agricultural training and learnerships aimed at transforming producer capacity and farm profitability.
“A total of 1,000 producers are targeted to participate in both credit and non-credit bearing programmes designed to enhance skills across core areas of production, financial management, sustainable land use, and climate change adaptation.”
A total of R1.2 billion was allocated to the department of Agriculture, Economic Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform.
The budget allocation to each programme in 2025/26 is as follows:
Programme 1: Receives an allocated R219.555 million
Programme 2: Sustainable Resource Management – Allocated R31.117 million
Programme 3: Agricultural Producer Support and Development – The largest share is allocated here – R256.289 million
Programme 4: Veterinary Services – Receives an allocated R53.756 million
Programme 5: Research and Technology Development Services – Receives an allocated R63.890 million
Programme 6: Agricultural Economics Services – Receives an allocated R11.679 million
Programme 7: Rural Development – receives an allocated R20.200 million
Programme 8: Environment and Nature Conservation – Receives an allocated R78.528 million
Other Strategic Projects includes;
* Expansion of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme
* Completion of infrastructure for the Blocuso irrigation project
* Pilot Projects in regenative farming techniques.
The MEC emphasized the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector and communities to build a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector in the Northern Cape. The MEC further sent her heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, for his unwavering and people-first leadership, which continues to inspire ethical governance and progressive delivery across this province.
