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.