Deputy President Mashatile undertakes an oversight visit to Bethlehem and Qwaqwa in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District in the Free State Province

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, will on Friday, 22 March 2024, conduct an oversight visit to Bethlehem in Dihlabeng Local Municipality, and QwaQwa in Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, respectively, in Thabo Mofutsanyana District, Free State Province.

In Bethlehem, the Deputy President will visit the Apple Production and Agro-processing project which aims to drive transformation in the apple industry based in the Eastern Free State Province. 

South Africa is a net importer of Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC), having imported about 70 million kilograms with a value of R1,3 billion in 2022. The demand for AJC world-wide, presents various opportunities for localisation, creation of employment opportunities and broadening of industry value chains.

The Deputy President will receive updates on plans by the province to establish the eastern Free State as one of the apple production hubs in the country, including the promotion of downstream agro-processing activities linked to apple production.

Deputy President Mashatile will then proceed to QwaQwa to witness the handover of cattle donation by the Free State to Traditional Leaders in the area, as part of the programme to support farming and food production. This is in line with Deputy President Mashatile’s delegated responsibility as Chair of the IMC on Land Reform and Agriculture. 

Government is committed to continue implementing land reform programmes and interventions across the country to create the much needed jobs, stimulate economic growth and investment facilitation in the province and the country.

Deputy President Mashatile will be supported by the Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Saki Mokoena, Members of the Executive Council and senior government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit by Deputy President Mashatile as follows:

Part A: Stead Farm Fruit Growers, Bethlehem, Thabo Mofutsanyana District
Date: Friday, 22 March 2024
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)

Part B: Namahadi and Tsheseng, QwaQwa
Date: Friday, 22 March 2024
Time: 11h30

For more information and accreditation please contact: Mr Pontsho Mantlhakga on 081 589 4369


Media enquiries: Mr. Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840 and Ms Zimasa Mbewu, Head: Strategic Communications, Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on 060 976 8683 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria