The Bohlabela District YARD (Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development) Executive Committee was officially launched on 20 May 2026 at the Department of Agriculture boardroom in Thulamahashe, marking a significant milestone in advancing youth participation in agriculture and rural development.

The launch, attended and supported by advisory board members Mr Themba Makana, Provincial Secretary-General, and Mr Bennedicter Mhlongo, saw the election of a 10-member executive committee that will spearhead the organisation’s programmes and initiatives across the district.

According to Bohlabela District YARD Communications Officer, Mr Duncan Mnisi, the establishment of the executive committee represents an important step towards empowering young farmers and entrepreneurs in Bushbuckridge and Thaba Chweu.

“The launch of our Executive Committee is a significant step towards empowering young farmers and entrepreneurs in Bushbuckridge and Thaba Chweu. We are committed to promoting youth participation in agriculture, developing young agricultural leaders, and encouraging entrepreneurship and food production,” said Mnisi.

The Bohlabela District YARD forms part of the national YARD structure, which was established in 2007 to address challenges facing young people involved in agriculture and rural development. The organisation seeks to mobilise young people into agriculture and agribusiness, promote sustainable farming and food production, and strengthen partnerships with government departments, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and educational institutions.

Following the launch, the newly elected committee held a meeting with the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality on 25 May 2026 at the municipal head office to explore opportunities for collaboration and support.

Bohlabela District YARD Chairperson Ms Smangele Makutu said the engagement with the municipality marked a positive step towards creating opportunities for young farmers and strengthening the local agricultural sector.

“We are excited to work together with the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality to promote youth participation in agriculture, improve access to land and water, and enhance market access for young farmers,” she said.

“Our meeting with the municipality was a significant step towards building a stronger, united and sustainable agricultural sector in the Bohlabela District.”

The executive committee has committed itself to encouraging greater community involvement in agriculture, increasing youth participation in the sector and creating opportunities that will enable young farmers to grow sustainable enterprises.

Membership of the organisation is open to young farmers under the age of 35 from Bushbuckridge and Thaba Chweu.

For more information, interested individuals can contact Mr Duncan Mnisi on 082 842 7453.

Reflecting on the organisation’s mission, former Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Lulama Xingwana, once described YARD as “a platform to connect young rural leaders, promote agricultural excellence, and create sustainable development opportunities for rural youth”.

The Bohlabela District YARD says it remains committed to turning that vision into reality by developing the next generation of agricultural leaders and contributing to rural economic growth.