The Department of Agriculture’s Alfred Nzo District today hosted its annual Extension Advisory Services Awards recognizing the tireless efforts of extension officials who serve as the province’s frontline workers. These officials are dedicated to improving the lives of Eastern Cape farmers through innovative technologies.
These extension officials utilise technology, such as Survey 123 and farmer register systems, to deliver high-quality services to farmers. Each day they strive to support farmers by connecting them with external stakeholders for financial assistance and introducing them to improved farming methods.
The awards ceremony highlights the crucial role extension officials play in promoting agricultural development and food security in the province.
The Department of Agriculture in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality hosted their annual Extension Advisory Services Awards in recognition of work done by Extension officials as the foot soldiers of the Province as they are improving the lives of Eastern Cape farmers.
They are using the new technology of such as Survey 123 and farmer registers register systems when providing services to the farmers.
Furthermore, these officials support each other in improving the services of their district in order to reach the required targets from their district.
Dispite the financial challenges from government coffers, these officials try by all means to support farmers by exposing them with external stakeholders for financial assistance and exposing them to ways to improve their farming methods.
These awards are categories as follows :
Best Agricultural Advisor certificated
Best agricultural advisor candidate,
Best Technical support and best supervisor.
“As Extension officials let’s be more visible to farmers, without us, the farmers will struggle.
“The challenges will always be there but lets try find solutions and provide more interventions to our farmers. Let us not deem our lights but rather be proud of the work we are doing for the department and the Eastern Cape farmers, “ said Noluvuyo Nqeno Director Extension and Advisory Services.
The following are the winners:
Best Agricultural Advisor:
1. Ms. Nosipho Zungu
2. Mr. Sinethemba Nopulula
Best Agricultural Advisor Candidate:
1. Ms. Khomotjo Machidi.
2. Ms. Amahle Sogoni
Best Techical Support:
1. Mr. Abongile Tyeni.
2. Ms. Thanda Mthembu
Best Supervisor:
1. Mrs. Babalwa Makatisa.
For 2nd position Its was a tie between: Mr. Mandla Matheza and Mr. Mbulelo Ofisi
DOHNE OPEN DAY HIGHLIGHTS AGRICULTURE AS ECONOMIC BACKBONE OF THE EASTERN CAPE
Issued by the Department of Agriculture Communications on 18 September 2025 The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture’s Dohne Agricultural Research Institute, successfully hosted a vibrant Open Day that showcased agriculture as the cornerstone of the province’s economic future. The event, held at the institute in Stutterheim, brought together hundreds of students, farmers, private sector representatives and academic institutions to explore the diverse opportunities within the agricultural sector. Among the academic institutions in attendance were North West University, Walter Sisulu University, University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University. All these institutions brought with them scientists to demonstrate the research work they are doing. Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe addressed the attendees, declaring that agriculture has been officially mainstreamed in the province’s economic development strategy. “Given the sad and unfortunate situation that the automotive industry is closing down and people are losing jobs, we said the mine we have as a province is the land,” she stated. MEC Kontsiwe encouraged young people to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path, noting that “agriculture is becoming the backbone of our economy hence government is pumping funds to enhance agriculture.” The MEC emphasized the sector’s potential to fight poverty and create jobs, telling High School learners, “If you choose agricultural studies as your career, you are on the right track. You are not lost for being here.” She highlighted the critical link between the land inherited from their ancestors and the future prosperity of the province, stating, “The land left for us by our ancestors is our heritage and needs your hands.” Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee Fundisile Bese, echoed the MEC’s sentiments, referring to agriculture as the “Cinderella of the Eastern Cape.” Bese stressed the need to “put agriculture at the center of development” and called for collaborative efforts between various institutions, including Dohne and higher education institutions, to unlock the province’s full potential.
The event offered attendees a firsthand look at innovative agricultural practices and research. Nonkululeko Mendwana, a 27-year-old mixed-farming farmer, expressed her enthusiasm for the session. “I had a problem with my soil which could not produce as required, but now I’ll take samples to Dohne and know what the problem is,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot from here and I will stay in touch with this institution.” Ayabonga Waphi, a Grade 11 learner from Kubusi High School, was “mesmerized” by the information he received. “I now know that with agricultural activities you don’t only feed yourself but the nation as well through job creation,” he said, adding that he has decided to pursue vegetable production as a career. Both MEC Kontsiwe and Portfolio Committee Chairperson Bese expressed their happiness that Dohne had opened its doors to the public. Kontsiwe announced her intention to make the Open Day an annual event, further cementing the department’s commitment to nurturing future agricultural leaders and ensuring food security in the province.
The Eastern Cape Communal Wool Growers Association hosted its Annual Congress today at Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality, which will be followed by a Flock Competition tomorrow at the historic Clarkebury Institution in Ngcobo
Since its founding, ECCWGA has stood as a pillar of unity and advocacy for communal wool sheep farmers across the Eastern Cape.
Representing over 10,000 rural households and caring for nearly 650,000 sheep, the Association continues to advance communal wool production through collective action, shared infrastructure and improved access to markets.
Through sustained efforts, ECCWGA promotes sustainable rural development, empowers historically disadvantaged farmers, and cultivates skills and knowledge critical to the success of the wool sector.
From shearing sheds to marketing floors, the organization strive to ensure communal farmers are not just participants but leaders in South Africa’s wool industry.
The organization renewed its commitment to key priorities that genetic improvement of flocks, youth and skills development, combating stock and wool theft, and building strong local economies through wool. The flock contest tomorrow is seen as not just a competition but it is a celebration of rural excellence, a forum of ideas, and a platform for unity.
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (DoA) is committed to working with various
institutions in the sector to ensure that emerging and communal farmers gain sustainable
markets and financial investment to produce high-quality agricultural products.
Speaking at the DoA agricultural show held at Mthatha Stadium, in the OR Tambo District,
Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe said that despite working hard to
produce, farmers were lacking the required markets and resources.
“What I have noticed here is that farmers are working hard, and we see this program
(Agricultural Show), where they display what they have produced, as a valuable way to
advance agriculture and a cornerstone for marketing their produce. I must highlight the
challenges they face now—the majority of them say they lack a market. It seems that when
they go to retailers, they are undermined by managers and owners who prefer to buy from
companies from other provinces. We want to encourage them and assist them with different
institutions to access markets.
“We know, especially with vegetables, when they are harvested, they can rot and become
a waste. So, we want to encourage them and open up opportunities for finance to help
expand their production,” Kontsiwe said.
She added that she was “happy” to see agricultural high schools participating, as agriculture
is not only important for employment after graduation but is also essential for developing
agricultural and entrepreneurial skills. Kontsiwe also expressed her pleasure that
seamstresses, who were supported by the department with industrial machines to improve
the quality of their work, were also displaying their products. She added that her dream was
to see them occupying space in clothing shops in towns.
“I am happy to see that many farmers here are women and youth. I am especially happy the
youth have joined in because they used to have a mentality that agriculture is for old,
uneducated, and dirty people, but now they are determined,” she said.
Award-winning seamstress Nobuntu Saka, who received industrial sewing machines from
the department, confirmed the positive impact of the investment. “The department has
assisted us a lot. We now train the youth and women to fight poverty,” Saka said. “We have
shops in Port St. Johns and Mthatha Airport, but we want more markets and sewing
materials. Our products are professionally made because of the machines from the department.
Nombuyiselo Mlonyeni, representing Ingquza Hill Municipality cooperatives, stated that over
100 co-ops in the municipality some involved in farming, sewing, and agro-processing are
working together for development, job creation and poverty alleviation. She highlighted their
determination to produce vegetables, livestock and fruit (processed into jam) and to produce quality fabric, but noted a lack of proper equipment, structures, fencing and water.
EASTERN Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, marked the end of Women’s Month with a significant gesture, empowering AmaXhosa Queen Nonzuzo Sigcau and the women of her area of jurisdiction. During a ceremony at Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale, Kontsiwe handed over a tractor, its implements, and a Nguni bull to the Queen. This donation aims to boost agricultural development in the area creating job opportunities and enhancing food production.
The OR Tambo Department of Agriculture District held a sheep competition where municipalities from across the district came in droves to compete in the competition where farmers who are mostly supported by the department brought their quality sheep to compete and gain knowledge.
What came outstanding for winners we spoke to was taking good care of the sheep in terms of proper vaccinations, care and feed in order to get the required quality – something that was stressed during the event. They urged other sheep farmers to participate in the competition to gain knowledge and socialise with other farmers and sector stakeholder for the growth of their enterprises.
