Revised MEDIA STATEMENT

Kanyamazane, Mbombela — The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) has welcomed the successful entry of the Tekwane Citrus Farm into key Asian export markets as a significant milestone in Mpumalanga’s economic development journey.

MEGA Chief Executive Officer Mr Isaac Mahlangu said the achievement reflects the impact of a deliberate turnaround strategy implemented in 2024 to revitalise the MEGA-owned agricultural asset and reposition it as a commercially viable enterprise.

“Securing phytosanitary certification and accessing Asian markets is a clear turning point for Tekwane Citrus Farm. It confirms that the strategic decision to stabilise operations, focus on core citrus production, and align the farm to international export standards is yielding results,” said Mahlangu.

The farm has begun export preparations for shipments to China, Thailand and the Philippines, opening a high-value revenue stream and strengthening the province’s participation in global agricultural value chains. Tekwane currently supports between 50 and 60 permanent and seasonal jobs, with potential for further job creation as exports scale up.

Mahlangu emphasised that the turnaround was driven by a disciplined focus on restoring productivity, improving orchard management, and strengthening governance and market access.

“Our approach has been intentional — to build a stable, profitable operation first, before pursuing diversification. This milestone demonstrates that state-supported agricultural enterprises can compete effectively in global markets when managed with commercial discipline,” he said.

Academic and industry stakeholders have endorsed the approach. Professor Funso Kutu, Head of the School of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga, emphasised the importance of building a strong primary operation before diversification.

“The focus on strengthening citrus production is the correct trajectory. Once the core business is stable and profitable, expansion opportunities can follow,” Kutu noted.

While acknowledging ongoing operational challenges such as water security and infrastructure constraints, Mahlangu highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and other partners in providing technical support and ensuring long-term sustainability.

“Tekwane is more than a farming operation. It is a development instrument that supports employment, skills development and inclusive growth. Our objective is to build a commercially sustainable model that can reinvest in itself and, in time, attract private-sector participation,” Mahlangu concluded.

As a flagship agricultural project under MEGA, Tekwane Citrus Farm’s successful entry into Asian export markets represents more than a commercial achievement. It demonstrates the potential of state-supported agricultural enterprises to operate competitively, generate revenue, and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.

The focus now shifts to execution — scaling exports, strengthening operational efficiencies, and positioning Tekwane as a sustainable, commercially viable agricultural enterprise that supports employment, skills development, and inclusive growth within Mpumalanga.

Ends