The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is hosting a Strategic Planning Review Programme at the Dohne Research Institute. This program brings together farmers, commodity groups, sister departments and agencies to strengthen key agricultural initiatives, driving food security and economic growth through cost-effective delivery and accountable resource use.
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture in the Joe Gqabi District celebrated the winners of Extension Advisory Services Awards. The awards are done annually, and the Extension officials showcase the work they do in improving the lives of Eastern Cape farmers through support from the department.
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.