The government-funded macadamia nut farm in Ncera, Eastern Cape, once hailed as a multimillion-rand flagship project, has been struggling for nearly two decades. Envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and community upliftment, the initiative has become a stark symbol of unfulfilled promises and missed opportunities.
Launched in 2006 with over R70 million in public funding, the Ncera Macadamia Farming Project was intended to boost rural development through a government-backed public-private partnership. It aimed to create jobs, uplift the local economy, and provide long-term income for the community. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale of poor oversight, delayed infrastructure, and financial mismanagement.
Despite its noble intentions, many challenges have consistently undermined the project. These include prolonged drought conditions, volatile market prices, unpaid employee wages, internal disputes within the community, job losses, and a lack of effective oversight from the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.
Witnessing how a project meant to inspire hope has left many in despair is heartbreaking. The people of the Eastern Cape deserve more than broken promises. They deserve a project that works. One that genuinely uplifts lives, restores dignity, and delivers meaningful opportunities. They have been left with a failing initiative that has drained resources while offering little in return.
At its height, the farm employed over 150 workers. Today, only 73 remain. The facility has suffered vandalism, and morale is at an all-time low. What was once intended to be a beacon of progress has become a cautionary tale, struggling to stay afloat.
Given the long-standing issues and the profound impact on the community, it is time to ask the difficult but necessary question: Should we continue investing in a project that has repeatedly failed to deliver? Perhaps it is wiser to consider more viable alternatives and initiatives with the genuine potential to drive sustainable development in the East London region. The people of Ncera deserve projects that empower them, not ones that perpetuate hardship.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has consistently insisted on proper monitoring and accountability of such public initiatives. We cannot continue to invest blindly in failure. An in-depth investigation must be launched to uncover what went wrong and determine a clear, actionable path forward. With over R70 million already invested, the Department of Agriculture must rethink its approach before committing public funds.
However, this challenge is not the government’s alone to solve. Fundamental transformation requires collaboration across all sectors. The government, local businesses, community leaders, and civil society organisations must work together to build an ecosystem of support, innovation, and shared responsibility to ensure successful future projects.
We have written to the MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, to demand this matter be placed on the agenda for the next portfolio committee meeting. The department must present a clear plan regarding the project revival efforts.
Before any further financial commitments are made, the project’s viability and the community’s needs must be rigorously assessed.
The DA remains unwavering in its commitment to the people of the Eastern Cape. We will continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and most importantly, tangible outcomes that uplift the lives of those in Ncera and beyond. It is time for meaningful change, and we stand ready to champion it.