MEC Rockman Holds Follow-Up Meeting With Steering Committee and Zastron Farmers

The MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDEA), Elzabe Rockman, held a follow-up meeting with the steering committee established by her office and Mohokare Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Teboho Mochechepa, to address previously raised concerns during a broader stakeholder engagement.

The meeting took place today at the Zastron Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU) in Mohokare Local Municipality, located within the Xhariep District in the south-eastern Free State.

The task team comprises members from the municipality, various government departments, SAPS, communal farmers, and Xhariep Extension and Advisory Services.

Mr. Gerald Modise from the MEC’s Office clarified that the session was not intended as an open forum for farmers, as initially advertised. Instead, it focused on reviewing progress made since the last meeting. Although the committee was scheduled to convene on 1 October 2026, the MEC’s prior commitments led to a postponement, necessitating this follow-up.

Modise explained that the goal of the session was for the steering committee to receive a comprehensive and high-level report on the issues that had been discussed previously.

The task team and SAPS were expected to present the progress made and the work completed thus far. While periodic updates had been shared, a more detailed report was required for both the Mayor and the MEC.

Tsakatsi Mosikidi, a member of the task team, presented a detailed five-point plan addressing commonage development, livestock management, and protection in communal grazing areas. Key issues discussed included a significant number of unbranded animals, concerns about livestock originating from Lesotho, the strain on grazing and feed supplies, stock theft, and incomplete ownership records.

Farmers had been encouraged to reduce herd sizes in light of anticipated heat and grass shortages related to El Niño, and greater involvement from stock-theft units and SAPS was identified as essential. The MEC’s office received a report accompanied by photographic evidence detailing these concerns.

Following the presentations, committee members had the opportunity to engage with MEC Rockman and Mayor Mochechepa, sharing their experiences and suggesting solutions to the challenges they face.

In her remarks, MEC Rockman commended the collaborative efforts among farmers, the common interest committee, and the municipality, highlighting a reduction in hostility that could serve as a model for other municipalities. She stressed the need for ongoing discussions concerning grazing capacity, livestock numbers, and farmer registration, mentioning that some farmers may oppose formal registration. This process should involve continuous dialogue, negotiating benefits, and fostering collaboration rather than being treated as a single event.

Additionally, MEC Rockman pointed out that the upcoming elections are likely to result in a transitional period before the new council can start addressing policies or resolutions. She noted that the new council should be informed about ongoing work that impacts all three towns, emphasizing that preparatory efforts must continue throughout the transition to maintain momentum.

In conclusion, MEC Rockman raised concerns about the recent theft of newly installed fencing, questioning the sustainability of replacing it if the underlying issues remain unaddressed. She also highlighted the need for a cultural shift to discourage residents from allowing outsiders, including those from Lesotho or Sterkspruit, to place animals on the commonage.

In his closing remarks, Mayor Teboho Mochechepa expressed appreciation for the progress made but urged that the report not be finalized yet. He suggested including a pathway from commonage to commercial farming and enforcing stronger municipal regulations.

The Mayor also highlighted the importance of reliable data on farmers and livestock, community involvement, and clearer communication regarding animals moving through or roaming in the area.

He proposed that the document incorporate a phased transition plan for commonage farmers who are capable of becoming commercial farmers, allowing progress to be monitored rather than merely focusing on reducing livestock numbers.

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