The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and the Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development have held a joint meeting with the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) to assess progress following the restructuring of the former department.

Background to the split

The restructuring stems from the National Macro-Organisation of Government (NMOG) process after the 2024 elections, which resulted in the division of the former Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) into two separate entities. The split was finalised on 1 April 2025.

Under the new arrangement:

• The Department of Agriculture (DoA) focuses on agricultural development, food security, farmer support and market access.
• The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) handles land reform, land administration, restitution and rural development.

The initial organisational structures were approved on 4 January 2025 in line with NMOG principles. Posts were divided on a 60/40 basis — 60% allocated to DLRRD and 40% to the DoA.

Staffing challenges affecting service delivery

Committees were briefed on challenges involving staff linked to the Cooperative Enterprise Development (CED) programme. Some employees transferred from DLRRD to the DoA have resisted the move, arguing they lack agricultural qualifications and requesting reassignment back to DLRRD.

Although DLRRD consulted the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council, the matter remains unresolved. Engagement between the directors-general of both departments and the Bargaining Council is still pending.

The committees noted that delays in resolving the issue have stalled service delivery, affecting civil servants involved in CED as well as cooperatives and small-scale farmers who depend on programme support.

Both committees have called for the matter to be resolved urgently.

Structural alignment and future plans

Lawmakers emphasised that establishing fit-for-purpose structures aligned with each department’s mandate is critical for achieving performance targets.

According to DLRRD’s 2025/26 annual performance plan, the Minister is expected to approve the department’s final structure by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. The department has indicated that no job losses have occurred and that all staff have been integrated into the two departments.

The engagement reflects Parliament’s oversight role in ensuring that the post-restructuring transition strengthens governance, accountability and service delivery in South Africa’s agriculture and land reform sectors.