Premier hands over tractors to KwaZulu-Natal farmers

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has unveiled a fleet of new agricultural vehicles and tractors as part of a bold initiative to strengthen food security and support farmers across KwaZulu-Natal.

This initiative is expected to revitalise the province’s farming sector, especially in rural areas where access to machinery has been a longstanding challenge

The launch event, held at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's head office in Cedara, marked the handover of 124 vehicles—comprising 100 service vehicles and 24 tractors—purchased as part of a renewed provincial strategy to strengthen agricultural productivity and support small-scale and emerging farmers.

Mr Ntuli described the intervention as a “direct response to the needs of our rural communities who have long struggled with limited access to agricultural machinery and support.”

“With these new resources, we are not only investing in our farmers but also in the food security and economic well-being of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

The vehicles and tractors will be deployed across the province to assist with critical farming operations such as ploughing, planting, and crop management.

To protect this investment, each vehicle is fitted with a tracking device to prevent theft and hijackings, which have historically affected government-owned agricultural assets.

This fleet forms part of the province’s broader agricultural strategy, which includes improving access to resources for rural farmers, enhancing productivity, and securing sustainable livelihoods in underserved communities.

The move has been welcomed by farmers and agricultural stakeholders, many of whom have hailed the initiative as a much-needed boost for the sector.

They expressed optimism that the increased support will translate into higher yields, more efficient operations, and greater food security for communities across KwaZulu-Natal.