ECRDA continues to record remarkable progress from community-based Agri-entrepreneurs across the province, particularly in job creation, grain and vegetable value chains, and the expansion of cultivated land, despite challenging climatic conditions, including heatwaves and hailstorms. This achievement reflects the resilience, determination, and growing strength of Eastern Cape farmers in driving rural agricultural development.

In recent months, job creation has significantly outperformed targets, with 184 full-time jobs created or sustained against a target of 83, alongside the creation of 308 seasonal employment opportunities.

Grain production also performed exceptionally well, reaching 1,839 hectares against a target of 1,756 hectares. Vegetable production exceeded expectations with 78.1 hectares achieved against a target of 50 hectares, while fodder production slightly surpassed its target, with 253 hectares planted compared to the planned 250 hectares.

These significant results come from more than 100 Agri-entrepreneurs supported under ECRDA’s Grain, Fodder and Vegetable (Food) Crops Programme, which focuses on strengthening crop production systems that enhance food security and promote the commercialisation of rural agriculture. These farmers are spread across the OR Tambo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and Alfred Nzo district municipalities.

One of the Agri-entrepreneurs making the province proud is Kevinot Farming, a rural enterprise managed by young farmer Ms Nonopa Tenza in Matatiele. Kevinot Farming successfully revived an old and dilapidated farm into a growing agricultural business. At the beginning, the farm had no fencing, inadequate livestock handling infrastructure, no equipment, no storage facilities, and even the farmhouses were in poor condition.

ECRDA supported Kevinot Farming with essential crop production assistance, regular production monitoring, and sustainability support. Financial assistance also enabled the purchase of a tractor, fencing, and livestock, including an initial 42 sheep made up of two rams and 40 pregnant ewes. Today, the farm has grown significantly and now boasts more than 135 cattle and 279 sheep.

“We are deeply thankful to ECRDA for the significant support they provided to Kevinot Farming. Their investment came at the right time and gave us the foundation to grow our business. Because of this support, we are now able to create jobs, uplift our community, and contribute to economic activity in our rural area. We truly appreciate ECRDA’s belief in us and their commitment to our success,” said Ms Nonopa Tenza.

Kevinot Farming is one of many agri-entrepreneurs performing exceptionally well across the province, demonstrating how integrated support for rural communities can create meaningful and lasting impact. In delivering these milestones, ECRDA continues to work closely with its mother department, the Department of Agriculture, as well as strategic partners including the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank), African Seed Group, HelloChoice, Potato SA, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).

Through these partnerships, ECRDA has been able to strengthen support for farmers, improve market access opportunities, expand production, and advance the commercialisation of rural agriculture across the province.

“As the Agency, we are pleased to see that our plans are yielding positive results in making an inclusive and sustainable rural economy a reality in communities across the province. Early last year, we issued a Call for Expression of Interest to partner with ECRDA in transforming and commercialising rural agriculture in the Eastern Cape, and today the stakeholders who joined us are doing an excellent job. We hope to continue working together to make a significant footprint and change the lives of our people because that is the responsibility entrusted to us by government,” said ECRDA CEO, Simpiwe Somdyala.

Through partnerships, community participation, and farmer dedication, agriculture continues to prove that it can be a powerful tool for creating sustainable livelihoods, empowering young people and women, and building stronger, self-reliant communities across the Eastern Cape.

On this Freedom Day, we highlight the exceptional work of Nonopa Tenza, owner of Kevinot Farming, a rural enterprise based in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

Nonopa is a living testimony to Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

An accountant by profession, she previously worked for one of South Africa’s big four financial services organisations in Johannesburg.

She made the bold decision to leave a well-paying corporate career to pursue farming, reviving abandoned land that belonged to her father-in-law. Her journey reflects the true meaning of freedom: the courage to create, build, and transform rural spaces into places of opportunity.

Kevinot Farming focuses on crop production, particularly yellow maize, as well as livestock farming, including cattle and sheep. The farm also grows lucerne and teff grass to feed its livestock and sell bales to surrounding farms.

Like many agricultural ventures, the journey was not without challenges. The farm had no fencing, inadequate livestock handling infrastructure, no equipment, no storage, and even the farmhouses were in a dilapidated state.

ECRDA, as an implementing agency of the Department of Agriculture, supported Kevinot Farming through its Structured Rural Finance and blended finance programmes.

This support contributed to the revival and sustainability of the farm, enabling the purchase of a tractor, fencing, and livestock, including an initial 42 sheep, made up of two rams and 40 pregnant ewes. ECRDA also provided essential crop production assistance. Today, the farm has grown significantly, with more than 135 cattle and 279 sheep.

The impact extends beyond the farm. Kevinot Farming currently employs 15 people across full-time, part-time, seasonal, and internship roles. During peak seasons such as planting and harvesting, the farm brings in an additional 20 or more workers.

The farm also supports a local primary school through educational tours and contributes beans grown on the farm to support the school feeding scheme.

Kevinot Farming has also established reliable markets, supplying maize to Kokstad Milling and buyers in Pietermaritzburg, which is then sold to Cargill for delivery to Epol for livestock feed. Livestock is sold through AAM Livestock Agents and Auctioneers, Farmers Livestock Agents auctions, local communities, abattoirs, and established buyers such as Karan Beef.

Kevinot Farming has received several awards and recognition, including:

2025 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Accelerator Programme graduate

2024 African Women in Business Award winner for Agriculture

2023 MTN Business SME Jumpstarter winner

2023 AWIEF Agri Entrepreneur Award winner in Kigali, Rwanda

2023 Top 3 Female Commercial Farmer of the Year, Eastern Cape Province

2023 Female Commercial Farmer of the Year, Alfred Nzo District

2022 Inaugural Presidential Award for Rural-based SMME of the Year winner

“We are deeply thankful to ECRDA for the financial support they provided to Kevinot Farming. Their investment came at the right time and gave us the foundation to grow our business. Because of this support, we are now able to create jobs, uplift our community, and contribute to economic activity in our rural area. We truly appreciate ECRDA’s belief in us and their commitment to our success,” says Nonopa.

Kevinot Farming stands as a beacon of hope, showing that with the right support, rural enterprises can thrive and build a better future for the next generation.

A young farmer, Lamla Nokhubeka, who manages Kibiti Farming in Upper Gxulu near Keiskamahoek, is an ECRDA structured finance success story delivering tangible results through job creation and productive harvesting.

The farm recently completed a successful harvest across 14 hectares, producing 5 hectares of cabbage, 8 hectares of potatoes, and 1 hectare of blueberries.

Most of the produce is supplied to East London markets and local outlets, marking a significant milestone for both the business and the surrounding community.

Kibiti Farming currently employs more than 20 local community members, who are actively involved in planting, irrigation, crop management, and harvesting.

Each harvest not only generates income for local households but also builds valuable agricultural skills within the community.

With access to 130 hectares of arable land and continued support from ECRDA, the farm is well positioned for expansion.

Planned investment in modern irrigation infrastructure is expected to boost production capacity and create additional employment opportunities for local residents.

“This support has helped us achieve a successful harvest and create jobs for our community. With improved irrigation, we will be able to grow more and employ even more people. I am truly grateful for the support from ECRDA,” said Mr Nokhubeka.

Kibiti Farming is a clear example of how ECRDA support translates into farming success, sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and community growth.

“It will help me minimise production costs because I now have my own equipment, including a tractor, plough, trailer, and planter. Previously, I had to spend nearly R12 000 annually on operational costs for my 5 hectares of land,” said Mr Gladstone Gcinuhlanga Silinga from R2 Locality, Mgomanzi A/A in Butterworth under the Mnquma Local Municipality.

Before receiving financial support from ECRDA, Mr Silinga faced challenges that limited the growth of his farming operations, including reliance on hired or borrowed tractors, delayed planting due to limited machinery availability, and high operational costs that placed financial strain on his business.

Today, those challenges are becoming a thing of the past. Through ECRDA financial support, Mr Silinga recently received a brand-new tractor together with farming equipment.

He currently operates on 5 hectares of land producing vegetables, cabbage, and yellow maize. He is also a member of Ethika Agricultural Primary Co-operative, where members collectively operate on 20 hectares of land.

The newly acquired tractor will not only support his own farming activities but will also strengthen operations within the cooperative, improving efficiency and productivity for fellow farmers.

“I intend to expand my production by planting cabbage and potatoes immediately after harvesting my mealies.

I am very happy with the equipment received through the ECRDA loan support. Keep up the good work you are doing because, without this support, I would not be where I am today,” added Mr Silinga.

In addition to farming operations, the tractor will also be utilised for commercial hire services within the community, including the loading and transportation of sand and crushed stone (uhlalutye) from river sites, as well as the collection and delivery of firewood from forests for traditional ceremonies and community events.

ECRDA continues to demonstrate its vision of “UPhuhliso Lwamaphandle oluquka Uluntu Ngokubanzi” by driving inclusive rural economic development across the Eastern Cape

On a 10-hectare farm opposite Ducats Township, just 10km from East London CBD, Ms Liziwe Dakiso is steadily building a diversified and expanding agricultural enterprise.

As one of ECRDA’s new Structured Rural Finance clients, her progress demonstrates how targeted financial support can unlock real production growth and strengthen rural enterprises.

“The loan came at a critical time when I had recently acquired additional pregnant breeding sows that were due to give birth within weeks. The funds were used to purchase lactating feed for the nursing sows and weaner feed for the piglets, as well as additional nutrients and equipment to mix my own feed.

This ensured that the sows produced sufficient milk for the piglets and that the piglets reached the required market weight within 30 days. As a result, all piglets were marketed and sold on time, which increased my revenue generation,” said Ms Dakiso.

As the owner of PORKHUB (PTY) LTD, Ms Dakiso is more than a pig farmer, she is a woman in agriculture strategically expanding across multiple livestock streams to strengthen her production base and commercial footprint.

She is currently under ongoing mentorship from the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) and CS Vet Veterinary Consultancy (Vet CS), who provide technical and veterinary support to enhance productivity and compliance.

Her farm currently consists of:

• 50 breeding sows, of which 60% are currently pregnant and expected to farrow in March and April, in line with her production plan

• 150 piglets at any given time

• 32 cows

This diversification reflects intentional growth, strengthening income streams, and building long-term sustainability.

Her produce is trusted by established buyers, including:

• East London Abattoir

• Local butcheries

• Local small-scale farmers

These market relationships confirm both quality and consistency, key indicators of a commercially viable enterprise integrated into formal value chains.

The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) played an active role at the South African National Parks (SANParks) Vision 2040 Indaba, a three-day gathering held from 03 to 05 September 2025.

The Indaba brought together government, civil society, land claimant communities, academia, women and youth formations, the private sector, and conservation partners to collectively shape a new vision for South Africa’s natural heritage.

Leading ECRDA’s participation, Simpiwe Somdyala, Chief Executive Officer of ECRDA, was among the key dignitaries who set the tone for discussions. Serving as a Scene Setter, he drove robust conversations on Inclusive Economic Growth under the topic “Diverse Perspectives on Actions Towards Inclusive Conservation.”

His contribution emphasised the importance of aligning conservation objectives with rural development priorities, ensuring that surrounding communities actively participated in — and benefited from — conservation-led economic opportunities.

ECRDA also showcased its programmes through the exhibition platform, highlighting initiatives that empowered rural communities, unlocked economic opportunities, and supported sustainable development across the Eastern Cape.

Convened under the theme “People in Harmony with Nature: Championing Prosperity,” the Vision 2040 Indaba featured high-level conversations, keynote addresses, focused breakaway sessions, and exhibitions demonstrating how the Vision 2040 agenda was already being translated into practical action within communities.

Full Video

In the rural village of Ntlakhwe, Bizana, a remarkable journey of growth is unfolding.

AMAMBANJWA Agric Co-operative began with just one hectare and a dream rooted in determination.

With support from ECRDA’s Structured Finance Programme, that dream has taken shape and continues to expand.

Today, they cultivate 12 hectares, and their story is still growing, with new goals and greater possibilities ahead.

Their journey reminds every Eastern Cape farmer: start small, keep rising, and grow boldly with the right support

Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency – ECRDA

19 December 2025

This week, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) led an oversight and engagement visit with the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury to key priority rural development projects across the province.

The visit aimed to provide Provincial Treasury with first-hand exposure to the operational realities, challenges, and opportunities within ECRDA’s strategic rural development assets, while strengthening understanding of the financial requirements needed to effectively deliver on ECRDA’s developmental mandate.

ECRDA took Provincial Treasury to the Mqanduli RED Hub, Magwa Tea Estate, and the Mbizana RED Hub, where the delegation engaged directly with co-operative leadership and operational partners on governance, infrastructure, and production-related challenges affecting project performance.

A proud ECRDA beneficiary, Nokuthula farms yellow maize and soya beans. But beyond the fields, she is cultivating resilience, hope, and opportunity for her community.

Her story reminds us that women in agriculture are not just feeding families, they are transforming rural economies and shaping the future.

ECRDA is proud to stand beside Nokuthula and all women of strength who are turning the soil into a legacy.

Thank you very much, Sisi Nokuthula, for making ECRDA realise its mandate of empowering rural communities, unlocking agricultural potential, and changing lives for the better.

Video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TSF_YNGjPRImDXwBJE0v7gP7A0TZiNe4/view

We had the privilege of visiting Phumza Sifingo, Managing Director of Cingisitha Piggery, one of the beneficiaries of the ECRDA and sefa Blended Finance Scheme. This visit allowed us to witness firsthand the power of women’s empowerment in driving meaningful change in rural communities.

Cingisitha Piggery is a black woman-owned enterprise specialising in the production and processing of pork.

During our visit, Phumza received her first herd of 40 pigs, which she purchased following our recent engagement.

This marks a significant milestone in her agricultural journey and showcases her dedication to building a thriving agribusiness.

Our visit stands as a testament to the real impact of the ECRDA and sefa Blended Finance Scheme, a funding model that combines grant and loan support to enable sustainable agricultural development.

Through initiatives like these, we are investing in inclusive growth and strengthening the agricultural economy of the Eastern Cape.

Video Link: https://share.icloud.com/photos/06aJHsHhBnILeP5Uo8ECAU9Hg