Eastern Cape Agriculture Department Invests R5.2 Million in Land Reform Farm.

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has invested more than R5.2 million in Weltevrede Farm near Cookhouse to improve agricultural productivity and support emerging commercial farmers.

Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe recently visited the farm, where she handed over a fully equipped shearing shed valued at R1.3 million.

The farm is operated by three family members who acquired it through the government’s Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS).

The farming operation includes Angora goats, Bonsmara cattle and Dorper sheep, as well as the production of lucerne, hay, oats and maize.

Since 2015, the department has provided support including boreholes, 10 kilometres of fencing, livestock watering systems, Angora rams and other agricultural infrastructure.

Farm operator Katie Miners said the assistance had significantly improved operations, particularly by preventing livestock from escaping and addressing water shortages.

The farm currently employs six permanent workers and sells its mohair through BKB in Gqeberha. Surplus fodder is also sold to local farmers.

Kontsiwe praised the farm’s progress, saying government investment was aimed at helping previously disadvantaged farmers transition into commercial agriculture.

She encouraged beneficiaries to maintain government-funded infrastructure to ensure future generations could also benefit.

During the visit, the MEC also handed over poultry feed to 55 beneficiaries from the Somerset East community.