OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

An open letter from Activate Change Drivers, a youth development organisation, regarding the need for resources and opportunities in the agricultural space for collective youth across various provinces. To also amplify youth voices and a sustainable economic and social development paradigm.

Date: 03 December 2025

Address: Siyashesha Leadership Incubator NPC

Suite 6F, Building 6, Waverley Business Park,

Dane Street, Observatory 7925

Office Mobile: 087 820 4873 / 087 820 4883

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Dear Hon. Minister John Henry Steenhuisen,

The Activate Change Drivers Network of young people in the agricultural sector write this open letter to you in your official capacity as the Minister of Agriculture Affairs in South Africa regarding the state of youth in agriculture and environmental matters under regressive times, along with the most challenging issues that officials in your department are not able to assist them with. A nation can never move forward with a positive narrative without meaningful active citizenship.

Hence, our network of young people wants to vocalise what does not seem right, while also looking at ways in which they can work alongside the department in overcoming challenges with ideas that can improve the work in the country’s sector.

Our work is based on the belief that if young people are provided with a provocative platform to meet, connect AND be inspired to actively contribute to the common good, strengthen and develop their abilities and skill set, THEN they can be innovative and active citizens who can drive positive social, economic and political change for South Africa and the global good.

Allow us to firstly give credit where credit is due. ACTIVATE CHANGE DRIVERS Network recognises the work that is being done, in the sector more especially for farmers for funding by offering the Agro-Energy Fund (AEF) according to the Agro-Energy Fund (AEF) website the fund offers a blended finance programme established by the Land Back in partnership with the DALRRD to provide funding support for the acquisition of alternative energy assets to alleviate the impact of loadshedding on farming operations and the agricultural sector. The AEF will focus on financing energy-intensive agricultural activities, which include irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems and on farm cold chain related activities. Also recognising the Agricultural Land Holding Account (ALHA) established in 2009 in terms of the Provision of Land and Assistance Act of 1993. The Act authorises the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to purchase land to enable the department to accelerate land redistribution, acquire land in nodal areas and other areas of high agricultural potential, improve the identification and selection of beneficiaries, improve the planning of land on which people could be settled, and ensure the most productive use of acquired land.

According to the Agriculture, land reform and rural development online article with stats, mentions that over the medium term, the entity aimed to focus on promoting equitable land redistribution and agricultural development by acquiring a targeted hectares for redistribution, of which 50% is set to be allocated to women, 40% to youth and 0% to people with disabilities. The entity also aimed to prioritise the land development support programme, which focuses on redistributed farms that have received limited or no agricultural support but have growth potential. Another positive note is noting that at least one young farmer demonstrated a positive attitude towards agriculture, highlighting its potential for job creation and economic empowerment.

Yet we keep wondering if this is enough?    We acknowledge that those who read this open letter will consider it as another typical exercise in adulation or cozying up to the powers that be to obtain favour, yet it is not a letter that aims to negatively critique and ridicule the department. It aims to mend, to amplify and restore dignity to those deserving in the sector.

On the 28th of August and the 4th of September, young people from various provinces in the Activate Change Drivers Network gathered as one to conduct a thought leader engagement webinar and a focus group that focused on unpacking the state of youth in agriculture & environmental matters under regressive times and also discussed many common challenges that they face daily.

The Activate Change Drivers Network of young people in the agricultural sector write this open letter to you in your official capacity as the Minister of Agriculture Affairs in South Africa regarding the state of youth in agriculture and environmental matters under regressive times, along with the most challenging issues that officials in your department are not able to assist them with. A nation can never move forward with a positive narrative without meaningful active citizenship. Hence, our network of young people wants to vocalise what does not seem right, while also looking at ways in which they can work alongside the department in overcoming challenges with ideas that can improve work in the country’s sector.

With the average farmer in South Africa being around 57 years old, enhanced youth participation is essential for the future sustainability of the sector.

As reported by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Economic Summary, the beginning of 2025 demonstrated a significant surge in employment within the agricultural sector, with a 27% quarter-on-quarter increase (51,282 jobs) and a 13% year-on-year rise (28,994 jobs). This growth was primarily driven by a 34% increase in crop farming employment, along with a modest 1% rise in animal farming.

Agriculture continues to be a crucial player in South Africa’s economy, with agricultural exports rising by 10% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, totalling $3.36 billion.

This increase was largely propelled by greater exports of grapes, maize, apples, and wine. Furthermore, agriculture contributed 0.1% to South Africa’s GDP growth in the first quarter, helping to avert a recession. This a positive indicator which states how our country needs to invest in youth-led agriculture to fight poverty, inequality, drugs, crime, and gender-based violence, because when young people are productive, communities are safe and hopeful.

As youth in the agriculture sector and in light of the many issues we’ve encountered on the ground level, we believe that education must include practical agricultural skills, innovation, and critical thinking so that the youth can use land and technology to create solutions. Young people are intentional, and they should be included in any decision-making processes, especially aligned with policies on land use, food security, and climate change. Moreover, the LGBTIQ+ youth and young people with disabilities must also be included in agriculture and other empowerment programs, because everyone has the right to contribute and thrive. Agriculture is more than farming; it is dignity, opportunity, and the foundation of a fair and inclusive future.

INPUTS MADE BY YOUTH FROM THE ACTIVATE CHANGE DRIVERS NETWORK:

During the Thought Leader Engagement & WhatsApp Focus Group, young people mentioned the following:

• Limited Access To Resources and Farming Incubations:

Most of our young people, known as Activators who live in very rural areas in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape (Kuruman), face major water challenges. The obstacles of water scarcity in deep rural farming areas limit them; they mentioned that water only runs once a week for a very short time. Sometimes, there is no water for more than 3 weeks. This makes farming extremely difficult and affects crops, livestock, and household needs. Request water storage infrastructure such as tanks, boreholes, and irrigation systems to secure a consistent supply. The lack of access to land and markets which are crucial for establishing and growing agricultural businesses. Land given by tribal authorities is far from the community, unsafe, and not equipped for farming.

There are truly little to no government Agri-farming business incubators that can mentor/coach/support & practically assist young people in the sector. Government institutions that do assist are mostly situated in urban / township areas in certain popular provinces, and not in deep rural locations.

• STRUCTURAL ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 32 AND 40 YEARS OLD:

One of your thought leader participants mentioned how he has been applying for opportunities (tenders/funding) but with no luck, he has never been awarded or for a long time now. This somehow points out that some agricultural development funding or programmes often fail to fund, and there is a lack of support and assistance from government officials for information/opportunities for youth between 32 and 40 years old.

• FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS SUCH AS GRANTS/FUNDING/START-UP CAPITAL/LOANS:

High input costs, limited access to proper information and credit, and the unpredictable nature of service make it difficult for young people to succeed.  Financial literacy and sustainability; Black-owned small businesses often collapse due to poor financial management and family/social pressures (e.g., giving away money or produce). Young people in this sector need financial management training and mentorship.

• CORRUPTION AND LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

During our engagements most of the young people in the network working in this sector have reached out to the department in their respective municipality offices or applied for grants/funding numerous times more especially those in deep rural areas have been disappointed a lot, traveling and reaching out to office in metro cities costs them an arm and a leg, some have also experienced the alarming nature of corruption if they are awarded the grant/funding opportunities. How can the department assist in this process? What measures and channels can these young people follow if this happens in the future in the local offices with officials?

After unpacking and discussing everything mentioned above by our Activators, below are recommendations that

were highlighted to see how the challenges can be strengthened positively with working solutions.

RECOMMENDATIONS BY YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE ACTIVATE CHANGE DRIVERS NETWORK

Young people in this sector are ready to work and collaborate with the government on initiatives and solutions that can propel the sector forward and increase its economic growth.  Below are a couple of recommendations to consider:

• The department needs to find more innovative & sustainable strategies for visibility, information access/sharing, especially in rural areas where there is little to no usage of tech-smart devices/connectivity.
• Prioritise and conduct government provincial roadshows at least twice a year in all provinces closer to rural and peri-rural areas.
• Encourage and implement an annual movement of youth-oriented farmers’ markets in all provinces
• Provide a working and reliable water storage and supply solution for compliant farmers, already positioned, compliant and doing the work in their communities.
• Establish secure and serviced business farming incubators/hubs closer to villages.
• Create youth-targeted training and mentorship programs nationally.
• Intentionally give more exposure, promotion and support to small-scale farmers with access to commercial markets.
• Offer financial literacy workshops to those who are awarded funding/programmes to run, and especially business sustainability programs to help them succeed long-term in the Agri space.

Furthermore, post the engagement, we had over 100 young people from the Activate network alone who expressed the urgent need for assistance, coaching and mentorship across the province. We would like to enquire how the department can assist, directly plug in or work together with us to solve the challenge. Below is the list that shows the number of youth in need of assistance. We are open to having any discussions/meetings with the department in regard to this matter.

Hon. Minister John Henry Steenhuisen, thank you for taking the time to read this open letter, and we hope that you will consider it. We hope to hear from you and/or your officials in your department to respond to us. We are willing to collaborate with the department to make things better and achieve the change we have always wished for in South Africa.

Sincere regards,

OPEN LETTER CONTRIBUTORS:

Nothando Ngwenya – Mpumalanga, Clau-Clau rural area

Moqiniso April Masiu – Free State, Kroonstad

Lizzy Nyathi – Mpumalanga, Mbombela rural area

Kgomotso Itumenleng – Northern Cape, Kuruman rural area

Nathacia Olivier – Gauteng, Johannesburg

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CONTACT DETAILS:

Email address: nathacia@activateleadership.co.za

Mobile: 079 245 0009

Office: 087 820 4873

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REFERENCES/APPENDICES:

The daily sun digital publication: https://thedailysun.co.za/2025/07/05/growing-interest-in-agriculture-among-young-south-africans-as-a-career-path/

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development: https://www.gov.za/about-sa/agriculture