PGP hosted the inaugural Ukukhula conference at NAMPO Park. This conference presented a platform to all grain farmers, from subsistence to smallholder and new commercial farmers.

This conference was followed by the PGP Day of Celebration, with an evening that honoured South Africa’s most inspiring developing farmers. Together, these events marked a turning point for farmer development, transformation and collaboration.

PGP is Grain SA’s flagship farmer development programme, supporting black grain farmers from subsistence level to new era commercial production, driving transformation across South Africa’s grain value chain.

MEC for Agriculture, Elzabe Rockman addressing the conference of PGP Ukukhula Photo: SA Grain

Opening the conference, PGP Chairperson Jeremia Mathebula described the event as “the beginning of a movement where farmers lead the conversation, and all of us listen, engage and act”.

“Ukukhula”, meaning “growth”, was the defining theme of the day. Mathebula highlighted the tangible impact of the PGP programme, proving that growth is happening at every level. 

In just three years, PGP-supported production has expanded from 19,000 hectares and 42,000 tons to 24,000 hectares, with more than 18,000 farmers now benefitting from mentorship, markets and finance through Grain SA’s flagship farmer development programme.

‘Evidence of real change’

Delivering the keynote address, Free State MEC for agriculture Elzabe Rockman praised the creation of Ukukhula as “a true celebration of resilience, transformation and growth”.

She commended PGP’s reach as evidence of real, on-the-ground change. She reaffirmed the Free State’s leadership in national food security and outlined critical policy priorities. The MEC closed by reminding delegates that agriculture is “not just about producing food, but also producing hope, dignity and opportunity”.

Following the session titled “From Policy to Practice”, several key themes emerged. Land tenure was identified as the non-negotiable foundation for meaningful transformation in agriculture. 

‘Ukukhula represents an engine for transformation and a commitment to continued action’

Access to capital was described as both the greatest accelerator of progress and the most significant constraint facing farmers. Delegates noted that risk in the sector has become structural rather than seasonal, requiring long-term strategies. Livestock integration was highlighted not as a supplementary activity, but as a core resilience strategy essential to sustainable farming.

Throughout the day, participants echoed that Ukukhula must be a catalyst for change and not just talk. Farmers shared first-hand experiences of overcoming barriers – from access to finance and insurance to land use and market entry.

PGP CEO Sibusiso Mabuza noted that Ukukhula represents “an engine for transformation and a commitment to continued action”.

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