Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa has launched an internal investigation into the R36 million Farmyard “container stores” project.
The Farmyard project, intended to establish 16 container-style fresh produce stores in Gauteng townships, supported small-scale entrepreneurs and provided vital market access. However, barely six months after launching, the project has not delivered according to its stated deliverables.
PROBE LAUNCHED INTO COSTING OF GAUTENG FARMYARD CONTAINER STORES
The department said an initial payment of R36 million—R1.75 million per container — was allocated to establish the 16 containers. These figures, seemingly out of line with market rates for similar structures, have prompted a reassessment of the costing model.
As a result, MEC Ramokgopa has taken immediate and decisive action to suspend all further funding for this program and has submitted a formal deviation request to the National Department of Agriculture, as the national department manages the Conditional Grant.
The department said an internal investigation had already commenced to determine:
- The actual cost of the project
- Whether original plans and targets were met
- The operational status of the containers (through unannounced oversight visits)
In May this year, then-Agriculture MEC Mbali Hlophe said the Farmyard project is an innovative concept largely targeted at youth and women and it is also a direct response to the province’s relentless fight to ensure the province is food secure.
“Food Security is one of our elevated priorities and boasts a basket of services available to ensure the province is food secure, and with regards to farmyards, we have identified subsistence farmers as enablers to help the province become food secure in a sustainable manner.”
MEC TO ENGAGE WITH BENEFICIARIES
Ramokgopa is set to meet with the beneficiaries to hear their concerns and will also meet with the service providers.
The department said it remains committed to supporting township entrepreneurs and growing the township economy.
“This must, however, be underpinned by the prudent and responsible use of public funds and sound governance practices.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT’S DECISION TO SUSPEND FURTHER FUNDING FOR THE FARMYARD PROJECT AMID THE PROBE?
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