Ramakgopa on a mission to end hunger and empower underrepresented female farmers
Vuyiswa Ramakgopa, the newly appointed MEC for Agriculture in Gauteng, has declared her unwavering commitment to eradicating hunger within the province.
"Our top priorities are to end hunger, reduce food waste, and ensure sustainable, localized production of food," Ramakgopa asserted. "We must also focus on empowering small-scale farmers and fostering the urban farming economy in Gauteng."
Ramakgopa's appointment marks a significant shift in the province's agricultural landscape. With over 15 years of experience in various industries, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the role.
"Many of the programs we will implement require collaboration across different departments and spheres of government," Ramakgopa explained. "I am committed to fostering partnerships to ensure the success of our initiatives."
One of Ramakgopa's key objectives is to address the underrepresentation of women in agriculture. "We will invest in black and women-owned businesses, providing access to finance, markets, and technology," she stated.
Ramakgopa also emphasized the importance of supporting smallholder and emerging farmers. "We will provide them with infrastructure, affordable capital, and access to modern farming innovations," she said.
However, AgriGauteng President Konrad Burger has expressed concerns about Ramakgopa's lack of experience in agriculture. "While we offer our full support, it remains a challenge to navigate the complexities of the industry without prior experience," Burger commented.
Undeterred, Ramakgopa remains optimistic about her ability to fulfill her ambitious goals. "Together with the dedicated team at the Department of Agriculture, we will work tirelessly to address hunger and transform the agricultural sector in Gauteng," she concluded.
"Our top priorities are to end hunger, reduce food waste, and ensure sustainable, localized production of food," Ramakgopa asserted. "We must also focus on empowering small-scale farmers and fostering the urban farming economy in Gauteng."
Ramakgopa's appointment marks a significant shift in the province's agricultural landscape. With over 15 years of experience in various industries, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the role.
"Many of the programs we will implement require collaboration across different departments and spheres of government," Ramakgopa explained. "I am committed to fostering partnerships to ensure the success of our initiatives."
One of Ramakgopa's key objectives is to address the underrepresentation of women in agriculture. "We will invest in black and women-owned businesses, providing access to finance, markets, and technology," she stated.
Ramakgopa also emphasized the importance of supporting smallholder and emerging farmers. "We will provide them with infrastructure, affordable capital, and access to modern farming innovations," she said.
However, AgriGauteng President Konrad Burger has expressed concerns about Ramakgopa's lack of experience in agriculture. "While we offer our full support, it remains a challenge to navigate the complexities of the industry without prior experience," Burger commented.
Undeterred, Ramakgopa remains optimistic about her ability to fulfill her ambitious goals. "Together with the dedicated team at the Department of Agriculture, we will work tirelessly to address hunger and transform the agricultural sector in Gauteng," she concluded.
