The Minister of Agriculture, Lulama Xingwana.

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The people of Limpopo should be proud because the Tshivhase Tea Estate produces the best quality tea in the world.

This was said by the Minister of Agriculture, Lulama Xingwana, during her visit to Mukumbani Royal Palace on Thursday last week. The visit was part of the Imbizo Focus Week, in which government meets people in different parts of the country.

The minister was accompanied by Limpopo’s MEC for agriculture, Dekeledi Magadzi, and the executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, Irene Mutsila.

Before the Imbizo, the minister’s delegation visited the Levubu farms, Tshivhase Tea Estates and Nwanedi farms to have the first-hand information on what is taking place in the projects.

Xingwana told multitudes of people that the government is interacting with people to ensure efficient service delivery. "We are here to listen to your problems because sometimes we can think that we are helping the nation, whereas we are not doing what you want us to do. As government, we have a serious responsibility to create jobs, to ensure safety and security and to develop this country economically."

Xingwana said agriculture is the backbone of the economy but there are still challenges that face South Africa. "We still have to recruit young scientists, engineers and technicians because we were meant to understand that agriculture was a subject for the less intelligent learners." She further said that there is a need to re-train agricultural officials so that they can be accessible to the communities.

Among the concerns expressed by community members was their contention that the Land Claims Commission is dragging its feet in the finalization of land matters. They also urged the minister to help them in accessing funds that will help them to become fully fledged commercial farmers.

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