President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the government plans to transfer approximately 2.5 million hectares of state land to Black farmers. This measure is accompanied by the provision of title deeds and is part of efforts to form a new generation of commercial farmers.
In his weekly address to the nation, Ramaphosa emphasized that expanding access to land, financing, and agricultural training is critical for transforming the sector, creating jobs, and strengthening South Africa's food security. He noted that the first step toward creating a new wave of South African farmers is ensuring their legal right to land ownership.
Under the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy, the government is distributing land in various regions of the country among Black farmers. However, Ramaphosa stressed that access to land must be accompanied by financial support, skills development, mentorship, and technology adoption to help emerging farmers conduct successful commercial operations.
He pointed out that nascent farmers too often remain at subsistence levels due to an inability to secure necessary funding for purchasing seed material, building infrastructure, and acquiring additional land parcels. As a success story, Ramaphosa cited Redlands Farm in Sterkfontein, Eastern Cape, which is owned and managed by young Black farmers. The success of this farm demonstrated how effective partnership can stimulate the rural economy and create jobs.
Redlands Farm expanded its operations with the Land Bank, becoming a beneficiary of its Mixed Finance Scheme, which combines government grants and credit financing. The President called on more creditors and agribusinesses to participate in the process and develop additional financing tools for farmers.
Ramaphosa reported that South Africa's agricultural sector has more than doubled since 1994, reaching a record export value of 270 billion rand in 2025, making the country the 32nd largest global exporter of agricultural products. The country exports goods such as grapes, maize, beef, wine, citrus fruits, sugar, and wool. Nearly half of these exports go to other African countries, while the remainder goes to markets in the European Union, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Nevertheless, the growth of the sector has not benefited all communities equally. Ramaphosa noted the existence of 'two types of agriculture': most commercial production comes from farms predominantly owned by white people, while Black farmers account for only about 10% of the total volume.
The President warned that dependence on a relatively small segment of the population to meet the country's food needs is unsustainable given population growth and increasing demand for food. He stressed the need for transformation both to address historical inequality and to meet future food requirements.
Agriculture provides employment for approximately 944,000 people, plus another 200,000 workers in the broader value chain. The work of a 2025 University of Pretoria study was also mentioned, establishing a strong link between agricultural investment and poverty reduction.
Ramaphosa clarified that mere land ownership is insufficient for success; farmers require practical experience and knowledge of crops, weather conditions, and animal diseases. He highlighted the role of industry organizations such as Citrus Growers’ Association, Grain South Africa, National Wool Growers’ Association, Potatoes South Africa, Red Meat Industry Services, Milk Producers’ Organisation, and Fruit South Africa in supporting a more inclusive agricultural economy.
The President stated that the government is actively working to expand and diversify agricultural export markets. Furthermore, engagement is ongoing with agribusinesses and farmers on issues such as new breeding methods and advancements in agricultural biotechnology.
Ramaphosa concluded that stronger collaboration between the government, farmers, businesses, creditors, traditional leaders, and communities will help develop the sector and create jobs. He expressed hope that through joint efforts, they can increase cultivated areas, form a new generation of Black commercial farmers, and ensure sufficient production not only for domestic consumption but also for sale on global markets.