What's Happening?
At the Women and Young Entrepreneurs Awards 2025, Gauteng MEC of Agriculture, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the role of women and youth in shaping the future of agriculture. Ramokgopa highlighted the historical courage of South African women and youth, urging them to become leaders in the agricultural sector. She addressed the persistent inequalities in agriculture, noting that women produce 80% of Africa's food but benefit from less than 1% of the value generated. Ramokgopa called for intentional integration of youth into agriculture to ensure food security.
Why It's Important?
Ramokgopa's address underscores the critical need for gender and youth empowerment in agriculture, a sector vital for food security and economic development. By advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities, the MEC aims to transform agriculture into a sustainable and inclusive industry. Her call to action aligns with broader efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote innovation in farming practices. Empowering women and youth in agriculture could lead to increased productivity, economic growth, and improved food security across the region.
What's Next?
The Gauteng government plans to implement programs and financing models to support women and youth in agriculture. Partnerships with financial institutions and private entities are being developed to provide affordable financing and educational opportunities. Ramokgopa announced initiatives to revitalize agricultural education and promote climate-smart practices. These efforts aim to build resilient agricultural systems and secure a prosperous future for the sector. Continued collaboration with stakeholders will be crucial to achieving these goals.
