The Eastern Cape government has officially renamed the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform to the Department of Agriculture.
This follows a request made by Premier Oscar Mabuyane in a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 11, 2024, proposing the name change to emphasize agriculture as the driving force behind the province’s development agenda.
Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe confirmed the change, stating:
“I can confirm that the department is no longer Rural Development and Agrarian Reform. It is now officially called the Department of Agriculture.”
She explained that the name change reflects the government’s vision to prioritize agriculture as a pillar of economic growth in the Eastern Cape.
“The proclamation by Premier Oscar Mabuyane is intended to position agriculture at the forefront of economic growth and rural development in the province.”
Kontsiwe further highlighted that the rebranding aligns with efforts to boost agricultural productivity, support rural communities, and promote sustainable farming practices.
“This move will enhance the monitoring of agricultural projects, strengthen food security initiatives, and open more opportunities for emerging farmers,” she added.
The department is expected to roll out awareness campaigns and strategic programs to reinforce its new identity and objectives in the coming months.
