Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the National Rural Development Indaba in Bloemfontein. Pic: Supplied
Thokozile Mnguni
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for an end to the divide between commercial agriculture and smallholder farming, saying the rural economy must become inclusive and drive national growth.
Addressing the National Rural Development Indaba in Bloemfontein today, Mashatile said the current agricultural structure continues to exclude millions of small-scale farmers from participating in markets and value chains.
“We must link subsistence farmers to markets, foster partnerships, and build value chains that unite rather than divide so agriculture becomes a driver of shared prosperity,” he said.
He said subsistence farming alone cannot lift rural communities out of poverty, adding that a stronger focus is needed on agro-processing, rural industrialisation, job creation and food security.
Mashatile said government must prioritise secure land tenure, post-settlement support, access to finance and inputs, and improved market access for emerging farmers.
He highlighted coordination between Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Small Business Development, and Trade, Industry and Competition as critical.
“These departments remain essential in ensuring South Africa capitalises on competitive advantages and growth opportunities,” he said.
He said rural and urban economies cannot be separated, as they function as one interconnected system.
“Our rural areas supply food, labour, energy, and natural resources, while urban centres provide markets, technology, finance and services,” he said.
He called for integrated spatial planning, infrastructure investment, and coordinated value-chain development instead of separate rural and urban policies.
Mashatile warned that rural underdevelopment drives migration to cities due to limited infrastructure, services and opportunities.
He said addressing inequality requires a coordinated approach involving government, business and civil society.
On rural safety, Mashatile said crime, stock theft, gender-based violence and insecurity remain major barriers to development.
“Safety must never be treated as an afterthought. It is an essential pillar of rural development,” he said.
He called for stronger policing, community safety structures, and cooperation between police, traditional leaders and local government.
Mashatile said transforming rural economies is key to building a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
Reiterating government commitment, Mashatile said rural development remains central to reducing inequality, boosting employment and strengthening food security. He urged stakeholders to work together to ensure rural communities are fully integrated into national economic growth strategies going forward and deliver sustainable long-term development outcomes across all regions.