Newly appointed Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land Wandile Sihlobo says South Africa must move from policy conversation to implementation if it is to unlock inclusive agricultural growth this year.
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Although Sihlobo declined to answer detailed questions from Farmer’s Weekly about his new role at this stage, he shared a recent policy paper outlining five points which he believes should be government’s immediate priorities for the sector.
In a paper published in early January, Sihlobo argued that much of the sector’s recent growth has been driven by farmer efficiency, technological adoption, and favourable climatic conditions, rather than a strong, policy-led growth agenda.
“We can do better,” he wrote, calling for a more focused and action-oriented approach in 2026.
1. Land reform: from talk to action
Sihlobo was blunt in his assessment of land reform progress, describing 2025 as a year with little meaningful implementation beyond high-level statements.
He noted that government owns roughly 2,5 million hectares of land acquired under the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy and argues that this land should be released to deserving beneficiaries with title deeds.
Sihlobo supports reviving the concept of a land reform agency – an approach previously championed by former minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development Thoko Didiza, which had backing from organised agriculture and Land Bank.
Failure to release land, he warned, continues to limit the contribution of black farmers to commercial agricultural output. He added that the Department of Agriculture (DoA) should reconnect with farmers and shift from endless meetings to implementation-driven action.
2. Export diversification: expanding into Asia and the Middle East
With exports accounting for roughly half of South Africa’s agricultural output by value, trade expansion remains central to growth.
While the country exports widely across Africa, the EU, the UK, the Americas, and parts of Asia, Sihlobo said its penetration of fast-growing markets in Asia and the Middle East remains limited.
He called for a stronger focus in 2026 on securing new bilateral export agreements in these regions, while safeguarding existing access to traditional markets.
He noted that while recent export protocol gains are welcome, they are insufficient to achieve the scale of export growth required.
3. SACU reform: greater agility in trade negotiations
Sihlobo also called for a review of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), arguing that the current structure could slow down trade negotiations and reduce South Africa’s agility in securing new agreements.
Although negotiating as a bloc once provided advantages, today’s rapidly shifting global trade environment demands greater flexibility, he argued.
South Africa should press for reform while preserving development support to neighbouring states, ensuring it can move quickly when new trade opportunities arise.
4. Biosecurity: safeguarding export credibility
Animal and plant health are central to export growth, and Sihlobo stressed the need to prioritise biosecurity.
Recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, avian influenza, and plant diseases such as Goss’s wilt have highlighted vulnerabilities.
Sihlobo called for increased investment by the DoA, continued collaboration with institutions such as the National Biosecurity Hub at the University of Pretoria, and a serious revival of the Agricultural Research Council’s capabilities.
He also urged greater openness to partnerships with private laboratories and vaccine manufacturers.
5. Rural crime and stock theft
Sihlobo warned that rural crime remains a major constraint on agricultural investment and expansion.
Stock theft in particular continues to weigh heavily on farmers, especially new entrants. According to Statistics South Africa figures cited in his paper, more than 61 000 goats, nearly 38 000 cattle, and more than 36 000 poultry were stolen in 2024/25.
He added that crop and fruit theft in certain regions also requires urgent attention.
A shift towards implementation
Sihlobo emphasised that his list is not exhaustive, arguing that progress on these five fronts will create meaningful momentum in the sector.
Organised agriculture and agribusiness, he wrote, are eager to support government efforts to unlock growth. The key, however, is for government to “ease the path for others to participate”.
As Sihlobo steps into his new role, the agriculture sector will be watching closely to see how these policy priorities translate into action.
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