South Africa’s parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Agriculture and on Land Reform and Rural Development have engaged the newly separated departments to assess progress following the restructuring of the former Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The split, which arose from the National Macro-Organisation of Government process after the 2024 elections, formally took effect on 1 April 2025.

The restructuring resulted in the creation of two standalone entities: the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD). The Department of Agriculture now focuses exclusively on agricultural development, food security, farmer support and improving market access, while the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is responsible for land restitution, land administration and broader rural development initiatives.

Parliament heard that the initial organisational structures of the two departments were approved in January 2025 and developed in line with the macro-organisation principles. The division of staff posts followed a 60/40 formula, with 60% of positions allocated to the DLRRD and 40% to the DoA. Officials reported that no job losses occurred during the transition and that all employees were absorbed into the new departmental structures.

However, the committees were informed of ongoing challenges related to the Cooperative Enterprise Development (CED) programme. Some staff members who were transferred from the land reform department to the agriculture department have resisted the move, arguing that they do not possess the necessary agricultural qualifications and should remain within the land reform portfolio. Although the matter was referred to the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council, discussions between the respective directors-general are still pending.

The delay in resolving the staffing dispute has reportedly affected service delivery, particularly for cooperatives and small-scale farmers who rely on CED support. Members of both committees stressed the urgency of resolving the matter to prevent further disruption.

In its 2025/26 annual performance plan, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development indicated that the Minister is expected to approve its full organisational structure by the end of the financial year. Lawmakers emphasised that establishing fit-for-purpose structures aligned with each department’s mandate is essential if the split is to translate into improved efficiency and accountability.

The engagement reflects Parliament’s effort to ensure that the institutional separation strengthens service delivery rather than complicates it, particularly in critical areas such as land reform, rural development and agricultural support.