Note to editors: Please find English and Afrikaans soundbites by Bronwynn Engelbrecht MPL.
While emerging farmers across Gauteng struggle to access funding and support, the Gauteng government has invested approximately R45 million in the Tarlton Agripark project, which currently serves just 11 enterprises. One such farmer, Sakhile Jele, has waited more than a year for a decision on his funding application, highlighting the growing gap between government’s promises to support agricultural development and the reality facing aspiring farmers on the ground.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will table questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature demanding that Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa disclose who is responsible for Tarlton Agripark maintenance, how the R45 million investment was utilised, how the R8 million grant intends to be allocated, and seek details about the signed partnership agreements. Furthermore, the MEC must provide quarterly financial and performance reports, a framework for beneficiary contribution and cost recovery, and a date by which Jele’s application will be decided.
Jele is a farmer and entrepreneur who started his own business. He gained practical farming experience and found another farm where he could expand his broiler operation and create jobs. Yet, more than a year after applying for assistance, Jele is still waiting for the department’s response.
Instead of receiving a clear decision, he has encountered changing requirements and bureaucratic obstacles, including a request for a water certificate that was not part of the original application requirements.
Every month Jele waits is another month his business cannot expand, more chickens cannot be produced, and potential jobs remain only a hope.
His experience stands in painful contrast to the approximately R45 million invested in the Tarlton Agripark, which currently accommodates only 11 participating enterprises. This is equivalent to more than R4 million in public and private investment per enterprise.
For the same R45 million, government could theoretically have given 450 emerging farmers R100,000 each, or 180 farmers R250,000 each, to buy equipment, increase production, and create jobs.
Tarlton beneficiaries are only responsible for their direct operating expenses, such as seeds, seedlings, packaging, marketing, and transport. The Gauteng Provincial Government and Mogale City Local Municipality remain responsible for the shared infrastructure and common costs. According to the department’s own estimates, security and cleaning alone could cost Mogale City between R588,000 and R756,000 annually. This excludes electricity, water, insurance, maintenance, and the replacement of damaged or stolen infrastructure.
The latest R8 million upgrade also proceeded without finalised partnership, funding, service-level, or implementation agreements. Government launched the upgraded facility before completing the agreements required to protect the public investment. Furthermore, the financial figures do not reconcile. The department claims that R45 million has been invested in Tarlton Agripark, but the individually disclosed amounts total approximately R38.09 million, leaving nearly R6.91 million insufficiently explained.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) does not support the financial black hole that Gauteng’s current Agripark model represents.
Gauteng’s emerging farmers deserve timely decisions, honest communication and support that rewards initiative. Unemployed residents deserve a government that creates job opportunities, not more costly ribbon-cutting ceremonies.