SAFDA TO CELEBRATE ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY: A DECADE OF EMPOWERMENT AND TRANSFORMATION

Nondumiso Mlondo

“Do for self or suffer the consequences,” declared American religious leader Louis Farrakhan, a powerful sentiment that resonated deeply with black farmers in South Africa’s sugar industry over a decade ago.

In 2015, these farmers, frustrated by a white-dominated establishment that they believed ignored their calls for transformation, decided to take control of their own destiny and future. This resolve came amid a troubling decline in small-scale growers (SSGs), whose numbers had plummeted from 50 000 in the early 2000s to just 20 000 by the mid-2010s. Out of this struggle, the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) was born, a farmer-led movement committed to driving transformation, development, and sustainability while breathing new life into rural economies, in particular those of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

The sugar industry, the cornerstone of South Africa’s agricultural sector, had long been controlled by a powerful establishment that seemed indifferent to the needs of small-scale growers. Determined to reverse the downward trend and secure a voice in their own affairs, these farmers united to form SAFDA. Their mission was clear: to empower black sugarcane growers, halt the decline of rural farming communities, and foster a sustainable future for the industry.

In its early years, SAFDA faced significant challenges. One of its first major battles took place at KwaShukela, the headquarters of the South African Sugar Association (SASA), where the organisation confronted industry stakeholders over issues of equity and representation. These efforts culminated in a historic march to Parliament, where SAFDA demanded recognition in the sugar industry. The then Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, under the chairpersonship of Joanmariae Fubbs, took SAFDA’s concerns seriously. Through persistence and collective action, SAFDA established itself as a formidable force, ensuring that the voices of black growers would no longer be ignored.

Over the past decade, SAFDA has made remarkable strides in transforming the sugar industry, particularly for small-scale growers. By addressing the systemic issues that led to the decline of growers, the organisation has shifted the trajectory upward, fostering growth and opportunity. From its strongholds in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, SAFDA’s influence has expanded into new regions, including the North West and the Eastern Cape, where it plays a growing role in land reform and restitution projects. This expansion reflects SAFDA’s commitment to broadening its impact and supporting rural communities across South Africa.

SAFDA has partnered with the government, particularly the Department of Agriculture and that of Land Reform, and Rural Development. Together, we have delivered tangible results through initiatives like the Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs). These units provide small-scale farmers with essential resources empowering them to increase productivity and sustain their livelihoods.

As SAFDA celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, this milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on a decade of victories and to renew the commitment to its founding vision. What began as a grassroots movement in the sugarcane fields has grown into a powerful advocate for black farmers, ensuring their inclusion in South Africa’s economic landscape. The anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements but a call to action, a pledge to elevate black growers into their rightful place in the agricultural sector.

Looking ahead, SAFDA remains dedicated to its vision of “Thriving Rural Communities and Rural Economies”. The organisation’s journey over the past 10 years demonstrates the power of self-reliance and collective effort. From the battles at KwaShukela to the partnerships forged with the government, SAFDA has proven that transformation is possible when communities take charge of their destiny.  This year (2025), SAFDA’s 10th anniversary is more than a celebration, it is a testament to resilience, a tribute to progress, and a promise to keep pushing forward. The message is clear: the work is far from over, but the foundation is solid, and the future is bright. SAFDA remains unwavering and unshaken in pursuit of real, not superficial, transformation. SAFDA continues to be the voice of the voiceless and the marginalised. SAFDA is rightly associated with transformation, and there is no truly transformed sugar industry without SAFDA.