The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is the department of the Western Cape Government responsible for the promotion of agriculture in all its rich diversity within the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
The department provides a wide range of development, research and support services to the agricultural community in the Western Cape.
The department also render services to new and commercial farmers and Agri workers from its regional research farms, Further Education and Training Centres, extension offices and state veterinary offices.
About 45% of South Africa’s agricultural exports move through the Western Cape and the value-added in the sector amounts to just less than R21 billion per annum.
The agricultural sector not only stimulates economic growth in the province but also plays a key role in creating sustainable job opportunities. The department is very committed to delivering on Project Khulisa as part of the Western Cape Government’s Strategic Goal 1.
The department’s service area covers approximately 13 million hectares, of which 2 million hectares are under cultivation and 320,000 hectares are under irrigation.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has an influence – direct or indirect – on the production of wine, deciduous fruit, citrus, grain, fynbos, vegetables, ostriches, small and large stock and dairy products.
The department has also committed to supporting alternative products and crops within the agricultural sector in terms of finance and service.
The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with an average rainfall which ranges from well over 1 000mm per annum in some mountainous areas in the south and eastern regions to less than 150mm over parts of the Karoo and the north-west regions. This variation in rainfall and soil types contributes to the wide variety of crops grown in the province.
The department’s administrative headquarters are on the historic farm, Elsenburg, in the picturesque Boland region.
Vision
A united, responsive, and prosperous agricultural sector in balance with nature.
Mission
Unlocking the full potential of agriculture to enhance the economic, ecological, and social wealth of all the people of the Western Cape through:
- Ensuring transparent and effective governance
- Promoting the production of affordable, nutritious, safe, and accessible food, fibre and agricultural products
- Encouraging sound stakeholder engagements
- Executing cutting-edge and relevant research and technology development
- Ensuring sustainable management of natural resources
- Providing a competent and professional extension support service
- Developing, retaining, and attracting skills and human capital
- Contributing towards the alleviation of poverty and hunger
- Enhancing market access for the entire agricultural sector
Reporting Entities
Office Bearers/Management
| MEC: | Dr Ivan Meyer (Minister: Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism) (Democratic Alliance) |
| Head of Department: | Dr Mogale Sebopetsa |
| CFO: | Linda Govender |
| Deputy Directors General: | – Darryl Jacobs (Agricultural Development and Support Services) – Dr Ilse Trautmann (Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services) |
| Chief Directors: | – Jerry Aries (Acting: Agricultural Producer Support and Development) – Darryl Jacobs (Acting: Higher Education and Training) – Dr Gininda Msiza (Veterinary Services) – Jacqueline Pandaram (Rural Development) – Paul Rockman (Operational Support Services) |
| Directors: | – Jerry Aries (APSD: Central Karoo/Garden Route/Little Karoo) – Douglas Chitepo (APSD: Overberg/Cape Metropole/Cape Winelands) – Darryl Jacobs (Acting: Higher Education and Training) – Gertrude Jacobs (Agricultural Skills Development) – Dr Noluvuyo Magadla (Animal Health) – Bongiswa Matoti (Agricultural Economic Services) – Ashia Petersen (Sustainable Resource Use and Management) – Dr Dirk Troskie (Business Planning and Strategy) – Vusumzi Zwelendaba (APSD: West Coast) |
| Senior Management: | n/a |
| Communications Officers: | – Mary James (Head of Communication) – Daniel Johnson (Media Liaison Officer) |
Contact Details
The contact details of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | Admin Building, Muldersvlei Road, Elsenburg, Stellenbosch |
| Postal Address: | Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607 |
| Telephone: | 021 808 5111 |
| Fax: | 021 808 5000 |
| Email: | DOA.info@westerncape.gov.za |
| Website: | www.westerncape.gov.za/agriculture |
| Head of Department: Dr Mogale Sebopetsa | – Telephone: 021 808 5005 – Fax: 021 808 5000 |
