Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Communications on 27 January 2026
Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe officially launched provincial irrigation schemes on Monday, 27 January 2026, with the department investing more than R19.5 million in the programme. The launch took place at the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme in Keiskammahoek.
Speaking at the event, Kontsiwe said the revival of the irrigation schemes aims to support vegetable, grain and fodder production. The department will also provide equipment and machinery covering 1 528 hectares of land.
“The purpose is to fight poverty in the Eastern Cape. As government, we have taken a decision to revive irrigation schemes in the province. Zanyokhwe is one of them, but in total we plan to revive 10 000 hectares of irrigation schemes across different district municipalities over the next five years,” Kontsiwe said.
She added that the programme is aimed at creating jobs, introducing better ways of working the land and boosting both the provincial economy and the economic strength of farmers.
Responding to questions on whether the targets were realistic, Kontsiwe said the department had already seen positive results. “Some farmers are already in the market space, selling their produce beyond the province. One farmer is even selling vegetables in Lesotho. With dedication, commitment, support from other departments and partnerships with the private sector, we will achieve our objectives,” she said.
Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme board chairperson Dr Litha Matiwane said members of irrigation schemes across the province were “very excited” about the programme. He said government support included centre pivots, sprinkler irrigation systems, tractors and farming implements.
Matiwane added that the revitalisation programme had also seen Zanyokhwe’s potato washer repaired and brought back into operation. He said the scheme plans to expand into citrus production on 300 hectares of land and already has water rights in place for this expansion.
The MEC’s call for stronger public-private partnerships was supported by Old Mutual Regional Director Noxolo Qika, who highlighted the role of the private sector in sustaining government programmes. “The private sector is essential in supporting government initiatives. When programmes are introduced to develop people, we as Old Mutual are ready to work together,” Qika said.
Kontsiwe said the programme will lead to increased agricultural production and food supply, improved farming skills, stronger community cooperation, greater awareness of food security issues and improved support for farmers. She said it also strengthens partnerships between government, the private sector and communities.
In terms of district investments, 613 hectares will be developed in the Amathole District with an investment of R5 million. The Chris Hani District will develop 700 hectares with R6 million, while OR Tambo District will develop 215 hectares worth R3.5 million.
The Department of Agriculture’s implementing agency, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), has been allocated R5 million to support commercialisation, market access, new production technologies, technical support and production finance.
For more information, contact Mr Atule Joka on 071 688 4231 or Mr Thozi Manyisana on 063 183 9512.
