The MEC responsible for the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mase Manopole, and the CEO of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa, Themba Rikhotso, convened during a workshop in Kimberley to discuss, among other things, the various areas of collaboration, how blended financing works, and how to assist farmers with the application processes. This follows against the backdrop of the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Llima/Letsema Grant for the 2025/26 financial year, which was opened for farmers. The Department stated that during the mentioned workshop, discussions included guidelines to assist unsuccessful applicants during their initial application as well as how to increase their chances of being approved. The Department, however, encourages applicants who might not have been successful with past applications to not lose heart, as it notes the challenges and hard work involved in the application process.
Journalist: Rene Julies
Email: rckjulies@gmail.com