MEC Elzabe Rockman Leads Follow-Up Meeting to Strengthen Commonage Management and Livestock Protection in Mohokare

The Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Ms Elzabe Rockman, has convened a follow-up steering committee meeting to assess progress on challenges affecting communal farmers, livestock management and commonage development in Mohokare Local Municipality. The meeting took place at the Zastron Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU) in the Xhariep District, in the south-eastern Free State. It continued a collaborative process initiated by the MEC’s office and Mohokare Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Teboho Mochechepa, following concerns raised during an earlier engagement with stakeholders. The discussions focused on reviewing work already completed, identifying outstanding challenges and strengthening cooperation between farmers, government departments, law enforcement agencies and municipal leadership. The meeting also highlighted the need for practical solutions to improve grazing management, reduce stock theft, strengthen livestock identification and establish a more sustainable approach to communal farming.

The steering committee brings together Mohokare Local Municipality, relevant government departments, the South African Police Service (SAPS), communal farmers and Xhariep Extension and Advisory Services. This broad representation is intended to ensure that challenges affecting the commonage are addressed through coordinated planning and shared responsibility. Communal grazing areas provide an important resource for farmers who depend on available land to keep their livestock and sustain their agricultural activities. However, the effective management of these areas requires reliable information about livestock numbers, clear arrangements for access to grazing land and consistent enforcement of applicable rules. Cooperation between farmers and public institutions is therefore essential to balancing individual farming needs with the long-term sustainability of communal resources. The follow-up meeting provided an opportunity for committee members to assess whether the actions agreed upon during earlier discussions were producing meaningful progress.

At the beginning of the session, Mr Gerald Modise from the MEC’s Office clarified the purpose of the meeting, explaining that it was not an open farmers’ engagement as initially advertised. Instead, the gathering was a continuation of the previous process, specifically intended to review progress and receive a comprehensive report from the steering committee. The committee had initially been expected to meet on 1 October 2026, but the meeting was postponed because MEC Rockman was unable to attend on that date. The MEC subsequently made time to participate in the session and receive an update on the task team’s work. Mr Modise explained that periodic updates had already been received, but a more detailed account was needed to provide the MEC and the Mayor with a clear picture of achievements, outstanding matters and the next steps required to address the challenges.

Mr Modise emphasised that the steering committee needed to present a high-level progress report covering the issues raised during the previous stakeholder engagement. The task team, working alongside SAPS, was expected to outline activities undertaken, progress achieved and areas requiring further intervention. This reporting process is important because effective coordination depends on accurate information and a shared understanding of what has been accomplished. A detailed report can also help municipal and provincial leadership determine which matters require additional resources, stronger enforcement or further engagement with affected communities. By reviewing progress collectively, the committee can identify gaps in implementation and ensure that previously agreed actions remain a priority. The process reflects an effort to move beyond identifying problems towards developing practical measures that can be monitored over time.

During the meeting, Mr Tsakatsi Mosikidi, a member of the task team, delivered a detailed presentation on a five-point plan for the commonage development programme, livestock management and the protection of communal grazing areas. The presentation highlighted several concerns affecting the sustainable use of the commonage, including a high proportion of unbranded livestock, incomplete animal ownership records and indications that some animals may originate from Lesotho. These concerns underline the importance of establishing reliable livestock identification and ownership information. Without accurate records, it can become more difficult to verify ownership, resolve disputes and investigate suspected stock theft. The presentation also addressed increasing pressure on grazing land and feed supplies, reinforcing the need for a coordinated approach to livestock management and the responsible use of available resources.

The issue of unbranded livestock remains particularly important because proper identification can assist farmers and law enforcement agencies in establishing ownership when animals go missing or are recovered. Incomplete records may complicate investigations and make it harder to distinguish between legitimate livestock movements and suspicious activity. The reported possibility that some animals originate from Lesotho also highlights the need for appropriate verification of livestock ownership and movement in accordance with applicable requirements. These matters require careful investigation and reliable evidence rather than assumptions about the origin of individual animals. Stronger cooperation between farmers, agricultural officials and SAPS can help improve reporting, information sharing and responses to suspected livestock crime. Addressing these concerns is essential to building trust among communal farmers and improving accountability in the management of shared grazing areas.

Grazing capacity and livestock numbers were also central to the task team’s report. When the number of animals exceeds the available grazing resources, grass and other vegetation can become depleted, leaving livestock with insufficient feed and placing additional pressure on the land. The task team reported that farmers had been engaged on reducing herd sizes in anticipation of El Niño-related heat and possible grass shortages. Such discussions are important because livestock management decisions must consider seasonal conditions, available grazing and the cost of supplementary feed. Farmers may need to assess whether their current herd sizes can be supported sustainably, particularly during periods of drought or reduced pasture growth. Ongoing engagement can help farmers understand the risks of overstocking and consider practical options for protecting animal welfare while maintaining viable agricultural operations.

Stock theft was another major concern raised during the presentation, with stronger participation from SAPS and specialised stock-theft units identified as a critical requirement. Livestock theft can cause serious financial losses for farmers, undermine household livelihoods and weaken confidence in communal farming arrangements. Effective responses depend on prompt reporting, accurate livestock records, cooperation between affected farmers and investigators, and appropriate follow-up on reported incidents. Improved communication between the farming community and law enforcement can also help identify recurring problems and support coordinated action. The task team submitted a report containing photographic evidence to the MEC’s office, providing additional material for consideration during the progress review. Continued monitoring and collaboration will be necessary to determine which interventions are working and where further action is needed.

Following the presentations, steering committee members had an opportunity to engage directly with MEC Rockman and Mayor Mochechepa. Members shared their experiences, raised concerns affecting their operations and proposed solutions to the challenges facing communal farmers. This direct engagement allowed the provincial and municipal leadership to hear practical perspectives from people involved in the day-to-day management of livestock and grazing land. It also created space to discuss differences, clarify responsibilities and identify areas where government support or stronger community cooperation may be needed. Open communication is particularly important when decisions affect access to commonage, livestock numbers and established farming practices. The exchange reinforced the need for continued dialogue and collective responsibility in implementing the commonage development programme.

In her remarks, MEC Rockman commended the collaborative work undertaken by farmers, the common interest committee and Mohokare Local Municipality. She observed that hostility appeared to have decreased, suggesting that the engagement process was helping to improve relationships among stakeholders. The MEC indicated that the approach could serve as a blueprint for other municipalities facing similar challenges involving communal grazing, livestock management and farmer cooperation. Her remarks highlighted the importance of resolving disputes through sustained engagement rather than relying exclusively on enforcement measures. While progress in relationships is encouraging, continued cooperation will be needed to translate improved communication into practical and lasting results. The experience in Mohokare may provide useful lessons for other communities seeking to balance farmers’ interests with the responsible management of shared agricultural resources.

MEC Rockman stressed that grazing capacity, livestock numbers and farmer registration require sustained engagement rather than once-off interventions. She acknowledged that some farmers may be reluctant to participate in formal registration processes, making it necessary for officials and community representatives to explain the purpose and benefits of registration repeatedly. Discussion, negotiation and clear communication can help address concerns and encourage broader participation. Reliable farmer registration and livestock information can support planning, improve accountability and help authorities understand the scale of demand on commonage resources. However, registration efforts must be accompanied by meaningful engagement so that farmers understand how the information will support better management and decision-making. Bringing all stakeholders on board will require patience, consistency and a willingness to address legitimate concerns throughout the process.

The MEC also addressed the implications of the upcoming elections and the transition to a new municipal council. She explained that the period surrounding the elections could delay the consideration of new policies or resolutions until the incoming council is in place. However, this transition should not prevent the task team and other stakeholders from continuing with preparatory work. MEC Rockman emphasised that the new council should receive a comprehensive briefing on the work already undertaken because the issues affect all three towns within the municipality. Maintaining communication and documenting progress will help ensure that the incoming leadership understands the outstanding challenges and the decisions that may be required. This continuity is important to prevent the commonage development process from losing momentum during changes in municipal leadership.

The question of infrastructure protection also featured in the MEC’s closing observations. She noted that recently installed fencing had already been stolen, raising concerns about repeatedly replacing infrastructure without addressing the behaviour and circumstances contributing to the problem. Fencing can help manage access to grazing areas and protect agricultural resources, but its effectiveness depends on proper maintenance, community cooperation and measures to prevent theft or damage. Repeated losses can place additional pressure on limited public resources and undermine efforts to improve commonage management. The situation therefore calls for a broader response that considers infrastructure protection, accountability and community participation. Addressing the underlying causes of vandalism and theft will be essential to ensuring that future investments deliver lasting benefits.

MEC Rockman also questioned whether sufficient progress had been made in discouraging residents from inviting relatives or other people to place livestock on the commonage, including individuals from Lesotho and places such as Sterkspruit. She described changing this practice as a cultural shift that would take time and require continued engagement. The concern reflects the wider challenge of managing access to communal grazing areas when livestock numbers and the number of people using the land may exceed what local resources can support. Clear rules, reliable livestock records and consistent communication can help communities establish a shared understanding of who may use the commonage and under what conditions. Any measures must also be implemented fairly and in accordance with applicable requirements. Sustainable progress will depend on building community understanding while ensuring that access to shared resources is managed responsibly.

In his closing remarks, Mayor Cllr Teboho Mochechepa acknowledged the work completed by the steering committee and other stakeholders but urged that the document outlining the commonage development approach should not yet be finalised. He proposed further additions to strengthen the plan, including a pathway for farmers to progress from commonage farming to commercial agriculture and stronger municipal enforcement provisions. The Mayor emphasised that dependable information about farmers and livestock is necessary to support effective planning and informed decisions. He also called for stronger community participation and clearer communication about reports of animals moving through or roaming in the area. These additions would help ensure that the document addresses both immediate management concerns and the longer-term development needs of communal farmers. His remarks highlighted the importance of developing a plan that is practical, inclusive and capable of guiding implementation over time.

The proposed pathway from commonage farming to commercial agriculture is particularly significant because it recognises that farmers may have different levels of experience, resources and production capacity. Some communal farmers may be ready to expand their operations, while others may need more time, training or support before considering commercial production. A phased transition could help identify farmers with the capacity and willingness to grow their enterprises while setting realistic milestones for progress. Monitoring would allow stakeholders to assess whether the approach is improving farm management, supporting business development and making better use of grazing resources. Such a pathway should complement responsible livestock management rather than focus exclusively on reducing herd sizes. By linking commonage management with agricultural development opportunities, the municipality can work towards an approach that supports both the sustainability of shared land and the economic advancement of farmers.

The follow-up steering committee meeting in Zastron marked another step in the ongoing effort to address commonage management, livestock protection and farmer development in Mohokare Local Municipality. The discussions brought together provincial and municipal leadership, communal farmers, agricultural advisory services, government departments and law enforcement representatives to review progress and identify outstanding priorities. The issues raised, including unbranded livestock, stock theft, grazing pressure, incomplete records and stolen fencing, require coordinated responses supported by reliable information and continued community engagement. At the same time, the emphasis on commercial farming pathways and stronger municipal planning demonstrates the need to consider the future growth of communal farmers alongside immediate challenges. Sustained cooperation, clear responsibilities and regular progress reviews will be essential to turning the steering committee’s work into practical outcomes that protect agricultural resources, improve livestock management and strengthen rural livelihoods across the Xhariep District.

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