Women in agriculture are calling for inclusive policies and targeted support

As South Africa prepares for the upcoming elections, agricultural sector leaders express their expectations and hopes for the future. Lesego Serolong Holzapfel, founder of Moedi Wines, along with Shandini Naidoo, founder of AvoPort, and Dr. Gabbey Gostina Malope, CEO of Toutele Agriculture College South Africa, are calling on the new government to prioritize targeted support for the agricultural industry.

Their vision includes increasing productivity, promoting sustainability and ensuring inclusion, especially for women in agribusiness.

Supporting private-public partnerships

According to Naidoo, the elections will be an expression of hope for the continuation of democratic processes and a smooth transformation. “As proud South Africans, we expect to continue our democracy based on our belief in a free and fair electoral process,” Naidoo said.

She stressed the need for stronger leadership and focused strategies to address challenges in the agricultural sector. “To achieve development and growth, we need more focused cross-sectoral cooperation.”

Naidoo said she expected the new administration to effectively implement agricultural policy and support private-public partnerships (PPPs).

“PPPs are essential to the development of farmers and agricultural infrastructure in South Africa. The focus on market access must not overshadow the need to build strong, enabling foundations for agricultural stakeholders,” Naidoo said.

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Meanwhile, Holzapfel emphasized the need to improve productivity and sustainability in primary agriculture through modern technology, financial assistance and comprehensive training programs.

“The foundation of the agricultural sector is productivity and sustainability. Providing farmers with access to advanced technology, financial assistance and extensive training will ensure these goals are achieved.

Investments in agro-processing infrastructure are crucial to adding value to raw agricultural products, Holzapfel explained. “Encouraging businesses to develop market-ready goods will not only increase our exports, but also create jobs and stimulate the local economy,” she said.

Improving diversity and market access

Holzapfel stressed the importance of negotiating favorable trade agreements and reducing tariffs to improve access to the international market.

“We need improved regulations to make sure our products meet global standards. This will make South African goods more competitive on the world stage,” she noted.

To support greater diversity and inclusion, Holzapfel advocates for programs that provide export financing, mentorship and inclusion in trade missions specifically for Black women working in the wine industry. “Empowering Black women in the wine sector is critical to promoting diversity. These programs will help us with this, she emphasized.

Holzapfel believes that by focusing on these areas, the new government can boost sustainable growth, increase exports and support greater integration in the agricultural sector.

“Politics should empower women”

Meanwhile, Malope offered her observations on the measures the new government should take to empower women in agriculture. “Ensuring farmers have equal access to land, credit, inputs and technology is crucial. Policies are needed to promote land ownership and ensure women’s land rights,” Malope said.

She called for training and capacity-building programs tailored to the needs of women in agriculture. “It is essential to increase women’s skills in modern agricultural practices, agribusiness management and financial literacy.

“It is essential to introduce policies that promote gender equality in agriculture, including laws that protect women’s rights and ensure fair wages and working conditions,” Malope stressed.

She added that it was important to recognize women’s contribution to decision-making bodies related to agriculture.

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