Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe called on the province’s farmers to fully utilize opportunities presented by the government, its agencies and the private sector to enable them to transition from emerging to commercial status.
Kontsiwe was speaking during the department’s agricultural show held at Bhisho Show grounds last Wednesday, 18 June 2025.
MEC Kontsiwe expressed deep satisfaction with the quality of produce showcased at the event. “My heart is filled with joy because I saw the quality of the produce displayed here. This means that our people are determined to fight poverty,” she said, adding that she was elated that most of the farmers present at the show had received support from the government. “We want you to become businesspeople, I want to emphasize that because you must graduate to be commercial farmers,” Kontsiwe said.
The revival of these long-standing agricultural shows, designed to celebrate farming excellence and promote market access for smallholder farmers, marks a significant milestone. Meanwhile, starting this year, four agricultural shows will be held annually – one per quarter – across key districts of the Eastern Cape.
