This after Free State Premier Ace Magashule this week announced Oupa Khoabane as MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The appointment was made necessary after former MEC Mosebenzi Zwane was redeployed to Parliament following only a few months at the helm of the department.

FSA President Dan Kriek says in terms of continuity, it is not ideal to have the MEC of a department changing so frequently. He adds, though, that after meeting Khoabane at an event in Bloemfontein, he is feeling positive about the future relationship:

“I was at a function with Afasa in the Free State and we met the MEC and he spoke positively about agriculture and the role of agriculture in the province and in the economy of the province. 

“We pledged our support for the MEC and we will assist him. I think we will have to give him time to settle down – he is brand new and brand new to agriculture – but from what I have seen so far, I am positive.” *Dan Kriek positive

Kriek says they hope to schedule a meeting with Khoabane as soon as possible. He says one of the primary focal points will be the continuation of the agriculture advisory committee established during the tenure of Zwane’s predecessor, Mamiki Qabathe.

Sabrina Dean/OFM News