The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga takes note of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) Annual Report for 2023/2024; but we are concerned that it underscores our call for improved governance, rural development, and sustainable agriculture.
While the report outlines progress in some areas of agricultural and environmental advancement, it starkly highlights ongoing challenges that require heightened accountability and a commitment to responsive governance for real and lasting improvements in the province’s rural communities.
One of the most pressing concerns is the continued inactivity of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market. Despite the appointment of an operator in May 2024, this critical facility remains non-operational. The DA finds the lack of transparency and tangible progress unacceptable, as the market’s inaccessibility has profound implications for local farmers, job creation, and food security within Mpumalanga.
The report also sheds light on escalating legal costs, which remain unbudgeted and significantly drain resources that could otherwise support critical programs and essential services. The DA is deeply concerned that these unanticipated legal expenses are diverting funds from initiatives designed to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance rural community infrastructure.
The DA calls on DARDLEA to institute proactive measures to manage and minimise legal costs, ensuring that allocated funds are dedicated to fulfilling its core mandate and that budgetary stability for essential programs is safeguarded.
While the DARDLEA annual report indicates strides in enhancing agricultural productivity, environmental initiatives, and rural economic development, it also reveals significant areas needing immediate intervention.
Oversight visits conducted by members of the Provincial Legislature in October 2024 revealed a stark contrast to the report’s narrative of success. Most projects remain non-operational due to various issues, including incomplete construction, budget constraints, vandalism of advanced infrastructure, and community disputes. These discrepancies underscore the DA’s call for DARDLEA to adhere to its mandate of promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development with genuine accountability.
Transparent and effective governance must be a priority to ensure that every rand dedicated to these essential sectors genuinely benefits the people of Mpumalanga and drives positive, lasting change.
The DA reaffirms its commitment to holding DARDLEA accountable and will continue to closely monitor the department’s activities to ensure that the goals of agricultural and rural development are upheld through rigorous oversight and resource integrity.