Mr John Steenhuisen, MP
Minister of Agriculture
Private Bag x250
Pretoria
0001

Dear Minister Steenhuisen

The plight and complaints of farmers in the Eastern Cape: Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill and surrounds

1. I recently had the opportunity to meet with farmers and representatives of farmer associations from Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill, and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape. The high turnout at this meeting (see images) is a clear testament to the deep-seated frustrations within this rural community and the urgency of the challenges they face.

2. One of the key concerns raised pertains to an issue that was formally brought to your office by United Democratic Movement (UDM) Member of the Eastern Cape Legislature, Ms Noncedo Zinti, MPL, on 24 October 2024 (Annexure not linked due to whistleblower information contained therein). This matter involves the allocation of 28 tractors donated to the OR Tambo District Municipality by the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform. It was expected that Ingquza Hill Local Municipality would receive five tractors, yet only three were allocated. Serious allegations have surfaced regarding the misappropriation of some of these tractors by Cllr SB Vatsha, Speaker of the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, and allegedly by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Nokuzola Capa, who is said to be her mother.

At this point, I would like to confirm whether your office has received the 24 October 2024 correspondence and if any investigation has been conducted regarding these allegations of nepotism and corruption.

3. Another pressing issue raised during the meeting was the need for support in cannabis cultivation. The UDM in the Eastern Cape Legislature had previously raised a question for written reply (Annexure B) with the MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform regarding government assistance in obtaining licenses and cultivating cannabis in Mantusini, a village near Port St Johns. We relayed this information to the farmers at the meeting.

Additionally, farmers in Port St Johns have expressed a strong desire to transition from subsistence farming to commercial farming. However, they reported receiving no assistance from the provincial government. When we brought this issue to the MEC’s attention, we were informed that the Department was, in fact, supporting Port St Johns farmers. Specifically, in the current financial year:
• 832 hectares are being supported for green and dry maize production, with inputs amounting to R2,662,400, benefiting 172 farmers.
• 189 hectares are being supported for vegetable production, with inputs amounting to R1,417,500, benefiting 78 farmers.

Surprisingly, when we shared these funding opportunities at the meeting, none of the farmers present were aware of them. This highlights a serious disconnect between the provincial Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and the very communities it is meant to serve.

4. The other matters which the farmers had raised at the meeting, which I would like to raise for your attention and intervention, are:
4.1. Pressing need for farming equipment to improve productivity and efficiency.
4.2. Assistance with land clearing and preparation is required to support cultivation.
4.3. Provision of fertilisers and pesticides to improve crop yields and protect against pests.
4.4. Installation of fencing to protect crops and livestock, as well as support for farming infrastructure such as chicken coops, pig enclosures and cattle kraals
4.5. Implementation of irrigation systems to ensure reliable water supply for farming activities.
4.6. Assistance in obtaining cannabis farming licenses and a clear understanding of the licensing process. There is also a request for the creation of legal frameworks and designated markets for cannabis cultivation and sale.
4.7. Skills development programmes to improve farming techniques and increase productivity. A proposal for an “agricultural university” in Port St Johns to provide specialised training and research opportunities tailored to the region.
4.8. Revival of the Majola Tea initiative to restore its economic viability.
4.9. Support of the Mantusini Dairy to boost dairy production and create employment opportunities.
4.10. Addressing the issue of substandard schools in farming communities to ensure better access to quality education.
4.11. Construction of bridges over major rivers to enhance connectivity and access to markets and services.
4.12. Upgrading and maintenance of road infrastructure to facilitate the smooth transportation of agricultural goods.

5. I raise the above matters with you in the hope that your office will pay them heed and I look forward to your response in that regard.

Yours sincerely
Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
President of the United Democratic Movement

Copied to:
• Mr Cyril Ramaphosa – President of the Republic of South Africa
• Mr Oscar Mabuyane, MPL – Premier of the Eastern Cape

• Ms Noncedo Zinti, MPL – UDM Member in the Eastern Cape Legislature and Provincial Chairperson of the UDM in the Eastern Cape
• Mr Bulelani Bobotyane – Provincial Secretary of the UDM in the Eastern Cape