Sezela: Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nokuzola Capa are set to lead an interactive dialogue with sugarcane growers at the Sezela Illovo Cricket Sports Field, located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, this Friday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Grower Imbizo is hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the South African Sugar Association (SASA). The event will be preceded by a visit to local sugarcane farms by both deputy ministers, scheduled for September 17, 2026.
Godlimpi emphasized the importance of sugarcane growers in the national sugar industry value chain. The farm visit aims to evaluate on-ground realities and identify practical interventions to support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the industry. "Sugarcane growers are an important component of the sugar value chain, and a critical stakeholder that government should always take along in the implementation of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030," stated Godlimpi.
The Master Plan, a partnership agreement with representation from the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) and the South African Cane Growers' Association (SACGA), seeks to address various challenges to ensure the industry's sustainability. The dialogue will update growers on the Master Plan's implementation and engage them in discussions about industry challenges, aiming for lasting solutions.
Phase Two of the Master Plan, adopted in April, aims to transition the sugar sector from recovery to long-term sustainability through product diversification. Identified opportunities include bioethanol for fuel blending, sustainable aviation fuel, bioplastics, and cogeneration. Phase 2 focuses on developing a diversified sugarcane-based industry.
Godlimpi highlighted that discussions will also address planning for the upcoming growing season, potential El Nino impacts, skills and capacity challenges, grower operations sustainability, and possible industry support interventions. "The dialogue comes soon after government intervention to provide tariff relief for the sugar industry," he added.
Capa emphasized the dialogue's role in understanding grower concerns and incorporating practical measures into the Master Plan. "Our engagements will identify gaps affecting growers and agree on interventions to improve access to finance, infrastructure, and markets," she said.
The event will also feature awards recognizing top sugarcane growers in various categories. The industry, consisting of over 26,000 growers, alongside the milling sector, creates significant employment and supports livelihoods in rural KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.