FS Department of Agriculture, Rural Development And Environmental Affairs

FS Department of Agriculture, Rural Development And Environmental Affairs AGRICULTURE SERVICES

1. Farmer Support /Agricultural Skills Development
a. Food security – Me. Jacinta Thebe (072 723 0635/078 189 2278)
b.
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VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

Our vision

“Prosperous Agriculture Farming our Future”

Our mission

“By partnering with relevant Stakeholders, leverage available Resources and Technologies to optimise Productivity and Economic Growth In the Agticutural sector”

Our values

The core values of the Department are informed by the letter and spirit of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 199

6 and the supporting suite of transformation legislation. These values are:

• Transparency
• Accountability
• Good governance
• Dedication
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Passion
• Confidentiality

DELIVERY AGREEMENTS AND PROVINCIAL PRIORITY OUTCOMES

The Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Environmental Affairs contributes to the following outcomes:
Outcome 7: vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities and food security for all will be achieved through the following outputs:
• Sustainable agrarian reform with a thriving small and large farming sector

• Improved access to affordable and diverse food

• Improved rural services to support livelihoods

• Improved employment opportunities and economic livelihoods

• Enabling institutional environment for sustainable and inclusive growth

Outcome 4: strengthening employment, economic growth and equality in line with the job creation model

Sub-output 3: Sector strategies to support growth of labour-intensive industries. Diversification of the economy into industries that can support employment, starting with labour-absorbing sectors in IPAP2 (agro processing, tourism, BPS, biofuels, clothing, forestry): implement KAPs
• Proposals for expanding employment in agriculture, especially through step up in (a) number of formal small-scale producers based on integration of land reform with other support measures and (b) existing micro producers experiencing qualitative improvement in output

• Develop standardised approach to sector strategies that establishes common methodology across the state for (a) identifying constraints on employment-creating growth, (b) ensuring alignment of budgets and government institutions, and (c) working with stakeholders

• Identify all labour-absorbing sectors and monitor their development
Outcome 10: Environmental Assets & Natural Resources that are valued, protected & continually enhanced. This summary suggests the need to address four critical problems:

• Water is unsustainably used, and the quality and quantity of water resources is in decline.

• Reduce green-house gas emissions, prepare strategies to cope with projected climate change impacts and reverse the rising trend in relation to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.

• Proper and better management of our environment; and

• Protection of our biodiversity. Veterinary Services – Dr. Christian Mojapelo

Responsible for provision of the following services:

• Promoting a healthy animal population through disease surveillance, disease prevention and disease control.

• Prevent transmission of disease of animal origin to humans.

• Promote food safety in food of animal origin, with special emphasis on enforcing good hygiene practices at abattoirs.

• Facilitate export of animals and/or animal products through certification of health of these animals and/or animal products.
• Provide a reliable and reputable laboratory diagnostic service.
• Promote animal identification to support traceability

2. Extension & Advisory services – Me Mangi Ramabenyane. (064 063 6910)
c. Agricultural Skills Development – Me. Mangi Ramabenyane
(0640636910)

2. Engineering – Mr. Hennie Grobler (0609785926)
3. Soil Conservation and Land Care – Mr. Jack Morton (0609783260 )

• LandCare co-ordinates and facilitates the planning and development of land reform projects with the implementation of the LandCare programme.
• The unit is structured to implement CARA (Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983) by implementing soil conservation works.
• This includes the planning, survey and design of infrastructure such as waterways, contours, water reticulation systems, drainage structures and erosion structures.
• The unit consists of a head office component and officials in the districts.

4. Agricultural Economics Development and Planning – Ms. Tabitha Mokone (0727114408)

Services are offered in the field of agricultural economics namely: -
• Production economics
• Farm management
• Agricultural marketing
• Agricultural business development
• Macro-economics (Develop and evaluate business plans, do research, render advice, analyse and disseminate information)

5. Development Planning

Sub-Programme 2.1: Institutional Coordination and Special Projects
The purpose of the sub-programme is to provide, facilitate and coordinate institutional support and special projects. This will be achieved through:
• The creation of an enabling institutional environment for sustainable and improved growth;
• The initiation of special projects within the rural development framework; and
• The management of cross-cutting institutional support. Sub-Programme 2.3: Land and Agrarian Reform
• Land and Agrarian reform is to create an enabling institutional environment for sustainable Rural Development and Livelihood and to support Land and Agrarian transformation

Sub-Programme 2.4: Rural Infrastructure Development
• To facilitate improved access to basic services, economic and income generating opportunities through improved physical infrastructure in rural areas.

6. Social Facilitation

Sub-Programme 3.1: Social, Technical, Rural Livelihoods and Institutional Facilitation (STRIF)
To create an enabling institutional environment for sustainable rural development and to provide for social and economic development in rural communities and sustainable livelihoods

Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (WARD)

The Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (WARD) Programme was launched in October 2006 to advance and promote meaningful participation in agriculture by rural women, youth and people with disabilities. The objective of this programme is to empower and encourage women to participate in the agricultural sector, either as producers or entrepreneurs. WEA (Women Entrepreneur Awards)

The Women Entrepreneur Award’s main objective is to encourage and recognise participation of women in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors. The event rewards the effort and contribution made by women in matters of food security through small and large-scale agricultural production, as well as participation in value-chain activities. Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD)
The institution is expected among others to:
• Promote and improve the active participation of youth in the agricultural sector

• Understand and respond to the youth’s needs by implementing appropriate programmes, policies and services
• Promote and develop the skills of youth as leaders at all levels in agriculture and rural development
• Promote economic equality for the youth through Agricultural Black Economic
• Empowerment (AgriBEE) and other programmes
• Advocate for the youth’s equal participation and representation in decision making in the agriculture and rural development sector. GLEN AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
The Institute specialises in higher and further education training band. The Institute campus is situated in a farm which was acquired in 1913 and comprises nearly 4600 ha. To the South of the estate runs the Modder River with the Renosterspruit as tributary. Over the years Glen College has built up a proud tradition of academic excellence in agriculture, with the year 2002 seeing the College picking up momentum for even greater heights. The centre for higher education and training is responsible for formal training of students. It offers three-year agricultural diploma qualifications to students. Each year the centre graduates' students who have completed their studies in these accredited fields. The centre for further education and training provides and facilitate accredited training to farmers and farm workers. The two centres complement each other in terms of training of farmers as well as recognition of prior learning for these clients. The training of farmers takes place on site at Glen as well as outreach programmes at various centres in the province. The centre operates in collaboration with other stakeholders who are accredited in ensuring affordable training for farmers and farm workers.

• The curriculum of the higher education band consists of two elective specialized directions “Crop Production” and “Animal Production” with their respective ancillary subjects. These two directions are supported by compulsory subjects in the field of engineering, economics, pasture science and extension.

• The curriculum of the further education band needs base and consist of short courses and learnership programmes. The Institute’s centre for higher education sets a very high premium on academic performance. Students are also given the opportunity to partake in any religious beliefs, social and sporting activities. Contact details:

Acting Principal: Me. Wongiwe Mngwambe
Cell no: 0609787062
[email protected]

Vice Principal Institute Support: Mr. Zim Taetae David
Cell no: 0609839112
[email protected]

Comprehensive Rural Development Programme

The Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Environmental Affairs responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) throughout the Free State Province. The CRDP is a strategy in the fight against poverty, hunger, unemployment, and lack of development in rural areas. It is focused on enabling rural people to take control of their destiny, with the support from government, and thereby dealing effectively with rural poverty through the optimal use and management of natural resources. This will be achieved through a co-ordinated and integrated broad-based agrarian transformation as well as the strategic investment in economic and social infrastructure that will benefit the entire rural communities. The programme will be successful when it becomes apparent that “sustainable and vibrant rural communities” are succeeding throughout South Africa. The CRDP is a catalyst and facilitator to ensure that development takes place in rural communities. The mandate of the Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Environmental Affairs is to develop rural areas throughout the Free State, and to achieve this the Department adopted the National strategy of CRDP that seeks to address issue such as underdevelopment, hunger, poverty, joblessness, lack of basic services and other social ills which have become synonymous with rural areas. The CRDP has a holistic approach, partnering various stakeholders like other departments, non-governmental organizations, the business sector and the communities, in order to enhance socio-economic development issues. The CRDP also embraces youth development. The department has established the National Youth Rural Services Corps to train youth in rural areas in various aspects of skills development in order to build their capacity and participate in socio-economic development in rural areas. SERVICE DELIVERY CENTERS

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Mr. Johnny Kegakilwe – 072 711 2307

Fezile Dabi District
Mr. Moshela Roberts – 072 710 8465

Lejweleputswa District
Me. Boiketlo Letlole
066 475 9092

Thabo Mofutsanyane District
Acting District Director
Mr Sechaba Majola
078 164 5729

Programme 1: Administration

Administration is structured “to manage and formulate agricultural policies in the Province and plan, organise, co-ordinate, finance and control all agricultural functions in the Department”. The programme also ensures that there are appropriate support services to all other programmes with regard to finance, personnel, information, communication, logistics and procurement. The programme comprises of the Offices of the Executive Authority and Senior Management, including Internal Audit, Special Programmes and the budgets of multifunction managers. Two other supportive sub-programmes viz. Corporate Services and Financial Management also form part of the programme and Communication Services constitutes the fifth sub-programme. Programme 2: Sustainable Resource Management

This programme of budget “provides agricultural support services to farmers in order to ensure the sustainable management of agricultural resources”. The key services to be performed are those in respect of agricultural engineering, soil conservation and Land Care. The sub-programmes are Engineering Services, Land Care and Land Use Management. Programme 3: Farmer Support and Development

The programme has been structured to “provide extension and training to farmers with special emphasis on developing emerging farmers, implementation of land reform programmes and agricultural-rural development projects”. The programme also makes provision for Food Security support services and assists actively with the implementation of the community projects funded from Ilima/Letsema and the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme (CASP). The sub-programmes include Farmer Settlement, Extension and Advisory Services, Food Security and Rural Development. Programme 5: Research, Technology and Development Services

The primary objective is “to render agricultural research services and the development of information systems with regard to crop production, animal production and resource utilization technologies”. The sub-programmes are Research, Information Services, Infrastructure Support Services. Programme 6: Agricultural Economics

The programme has been structured “to provide economic support to internal and external clients with regard to marketing, statistical information including financial feasibility and economic viability studies”. The sub-programmes are Agric-Business Development and Support and Macro-economics and Statistics. Programme 7: Structured Agricultural Training

The purpose of Structured Agricultural Training is “to facilitate and provide education to all participants in the agricultural sector” in order to establish a knowledgeable and competitive sector. Tertiary agricultural and non-formal training are provided by the Glen College of Agriculture, a fully accredited institution with the Higher Education Qualification Committee (HEQC). The sub-programmes are Tertiary Education and Further Education and Training. FRAUD AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

• National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701


CONTACT US

Office of the MEC
Private Bag X01
Glen

Mr Gerald Modise
082 307 1550
Office Manager

Refilwe Moseme
083 278 9935
PA to the MEC

Mpho Nhlapo
082 400 0168
Media Liason Officer


Contact details:

Head of Department: DARDEA
Mr Tshepo Mabilo
Cell number:076 192 4986


Office Manager: Mr Thabiso Letsoara
Cell number: 076 192 4986



Strategic Communications and Information Services

Director: Me. Moliehi Moeng
Cell no: 073 260 5173/064 063 6075
E-mail: [email protected]

08/09/2026

04 September 2026 MEC and Premier's Visit to Bambanani Sizwe Luncheon Club

THE MEC FOR DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MEC ELZABE ROCKMAN AND MAYOR TEBOGO ...
07/09/2026

THE MEC FOR DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MEC ELZABE ROCKMAN AND MAYOR TEBOGO MOCHECHEPA WILL ENGAGE WITH MOHOKARE FARMERS IN ZASTRON

DARDEA ISSUES A WARNING AGAINST EXPECTED EXTREME WEATHER ALERT
04/09/2026

DARDEA ISSUES A WARNING AGAINST EXPECTED EXTREME WEATHER ALERT

The Premier of the Free State Province, Ms. MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae together with DARDEA MEC Elzabe Rockman and HOD Tshep...
04/09/2026

The Premier of the Free State Province, Ms. MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae together with DARDEA MEC Elzabe Rockman and HOD Tshepo Mabilo visited the Bambanani Sizwe Luncheon Club in Phase 6 Bloemfontein. The visit comes after the previous engagement with the Premier at Luncheon Club, whereby members raised their challenges and needs. Some of the challenges that were raised are theft, dilapidated structure and fence for security.

MEC Rockman said the fence will be erected from next week on Monday at the Luncheon Club. Through the partnership with MTN and Red Cross, the elderly received cellphone, food parcels, blankets and groceries that they will used at the Luncheon club. The dignitaries also planted indigenous trees to promote environmental awareness.

In her keynote address, Premier Letsoha-Mathae said this project was very important to her because she had previously visited the place and made promises to the members of the Luncheon club. “It brings her joy to come back to fulfill the promises I once made. I’ve got a beautiful plan about this place and will keep on requesting other departments to make their contributions for the sustainability of the place” said the Premier.

She concluded by acknowledging MEC Rockman for providing support more that she had requested her.

04/09/2026

In this video, you will learn about Glen College of Agriculture’s r...

UPDATE ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE CASES IN THE PROVINCE
04/09/2026

UPDATE ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE CASES IN THE PROVINCE

FARMERS’ ENGAGEMENT SESSION HELD IN REITZ (PETSANA)The Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment...
03/09/2026

FARMERS’ ENGAGEMENT SESSION HELD IN REITZ (PETSANA)

The Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDEA), Ms Elzabe Rockman, today hosted a farmers’ engagement session at Reitz Town Hall, within the Nketoana Local Municipality in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. The session brought together local farmers from surrounding areas of Arlington, Lindley, and Petrus Steyn, and key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the agricultural community.

On behalf of the Nketoana Local Municipality Mayor Cllr. Godfrey Nhlapo, warmly welcomed all attendees. He described the session as an opportunity for growth and job creation in their area. He further highlighted the Municipality’s responsibility in addressing long-term lease agreements for farmers, funding motivation for council approval, food security interventions, and support for local economic development.

Mr Mxolisi Tawana, District Director for Thabo Mofutsanyana, outlined the purpose of the engagement session, which was to create a platform for open dialogue on the challenges faced by farmers and to jointly explore sustainable solutions to improve farming operations and productivity. The engagement reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to supporting and empowering farmers across the province.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Mayor of Nketoana Local Municipality, Cllr Godfrey Nhlapo, Speaker of Nketoana Local Municipality, Cllr Pani Fume, EXCO Rep Ms. Matshidiso Koloi and Ward Councillor, Cllr Koos Mofokeng.

Stakeholders delivered presentations on a range of key agricultural issues, including:

1. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) by Mr Petruse Khambule - Animal Health Technician from DARDEA .
2. Strategic Land Acquisition and Land Development by Mr Motseki Sehloboko – Department of Land Reform and Rural Development.
3. Stock Theft by Warrant Officer Tsoenyane - South African Police Service (SAPS)

Following the presentations, farmers were afforded an opportunity to engage directly with MEC Rockman and the various stakeholders by raising concerns and sharing their experiences.

Key issues raised during the engagement included access to land for grazing, support for start-up kit for nursery, funding opportunities available to farmers, internship opportunities for agricultural graduates, water provision, mentorship, department to work together with fire protection association andcold disaster which affected livestock.

Responding to these concerns, MEC Rockman indicated the Department started the engagements for two main reasons.
To reconnect the Department with farmers and the need to have a much closer relationship with our Municipalities.
Our commonage development falls through the cracks between the Department and the Municipality. We first met up with the Municipality and shared some of the concerns with them, lease agreements and fortunately the Municipality has already started on this issue with the by-laws.

We’ve also collected issues regarding brand-mark and we’ve referred them to the National Department to assist and unlock the process for the farmers who were struggling with the process.

The biggest cattle population is from Thabo Mofutsanyana District and our numbers in commonages are unknown and this makes this a bit difficult. In the Free State we’re vaccinated 1.5 million cattle and it is a milestone but there’s 50% that is yet to be vaccinated.

Please do not hide FMD because this is where all our problems start. Should you see animals being moved please report this. We must have the courage to fight this, let’s take action ourselves. The private sector has been helpful when coming to vaccinations, transporting Animal Health Technicians and VETS.

The Department remains committed to working closely with the Municipality and other stakeholders to advance practical solutions for farmers, youth, commonage users, and communities in Nketoana.

The engagement session demonstrated the Department’s commitment to maintaining open dialogue with farming communities and ensuring that government interventions are responsive, practical, timely, and impactful.

MEC ROCKMAN VISITS THE BAMBANANI SIZWE LUNCHEON CLUB
03/09/2026

MEC ROCKMAN VISITS THE BAMBANANI SIZWE LUNCHEON CLUB

Address

Gielie Joubert Street, Glen College
Bloemfontein
9363

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