MIDDELBURG – Agricultural extension officers have been praised for their contribution to supporting farmers and strengthening food production in Mpumalanga, with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) describing them as the “heart of agriculture” in the province.

MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi made the remarks during the 2026 Provincial Extension and Advisory Summit and Awards gala dinner held at the Destiny Exclusive Hotel in Middelburg, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

Moeketsi said the awards aimed to recognise the contribution of extension officers and encourage them to continue supporting farmers across the province.

Speaking under the theme, “Excellence in Extension and Advisory Services through Driving Innovation, Strengthening Food Systems and Building Resilience for Tomorrow”, she said practitioners often travelled long distances without cameras or public recognition, yet their impact was reflected in improved agricultural production, new skills and more resilient communities.

“The absence of applause does not mean the absence of impact,” she said, before asking extension officers, advisors and specialists to stand and receive a standing ovation from the audience.

Moeketsi said changes in agriculture, markets and climate required extension services to evolve beyond production advice to include business development, market access, risk management and digital tools.

She explained that the process began with extension officers identifying farmers, including those farming in their backyards, and helping them become smallholder farmers through access to infrastructure and finance.

Even after farmers progressed to commercial farming, extension officers continued to monitor their operations and provide training to help prevent their businesses from collapsing.

Other speakers also emphasised the important role extension officers play in agricultural development.

Dr Mmantoa Kgaphola described them as the link between government and farmers, saying they turned the MEC's promise to “take good care of farmers” into a reality across the province.

Dr Thabang Marakalla said farmers had become business people who required support beyond agricultural production.

He explained that extension officers assisted farmers with access to markets, mechanisation and funding while supporting value-addition initiatives such as feed mills and egg production.

Dr Ben Matiwane said extension officers prepared farmers for assessments, briefed adjudicators on projects and worked daily to make agricultural projects bankable and sustainable.

Moeketsi urged officers to ensure that programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), Ilima/Letsema and LandCare translated into quality produce for markets, including the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market.

The evening also recognised outstanding extension officers for their dedication and contribution to agricultural development.

Awards were presented in the Candidate, Certificated and Professional categories, alongside the HOD Special Award, MEC Special Award and Overall Winner Award.

Phillip Nkambule received the Candidate Award, while Rejoice Malamule and Wallace Mlotshwa won the Certificated and Professional Awards respectively.

Thinavuyo Mudau received the HOD Special Award, Bhekiwe Shongwe won the MEC Special Award, and Rejoice Malumane was named Overall Winner.

Concluding her address, Moeketsi quoted the late Burkinabe agricultural reformer Thomas Sankara, who said, “He who feeds you, controls you.”

She said the statement highlighted the importance of a nation producing enough food for its people and reducing unnecessary dependence on imports.