The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) has extended the closing date for applications to the 2025/26 Mpumalanga Livestock Development Programme.
Farmers now have until 9 October 2025 to apply for support under the Masibuyele Esibayeni initiative.
The programme is designed to assist farmers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds residing in Mpumalanga Province.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and demonstrate access to sufficient land that can accommodate livestock at the recommended carrying capacity.
Requirements for applicants include:
- Certified copies of ID documents for all applicants.
- Proof of land access through a title deed, long-term lease, or permission to occupy.
- A valid business plan or profile, and proof of annual income for smallholders and commercial farmers.
- Additional supporting documents such as Environmental Impact Assessments (where necessary), infrastructure layouts, and market information.
Applicants must also show they have infrastructure such as fencing, water sources, loading zones, housing facilities, and other necessary resources to sustain the livestock. Vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
Livestock Support Available
Successful applicants will receive livestock according to their farming category:
Beef Cattle:
Subsistence: Bulls only (communal)
Smallholder: Up to 1 bull & 25 heifers
Commercial: Up to 4 bulls & 100 heifers
Goats:
Subsistence: Up to 1 buck & 10 does
Smallholder: Up to 1 buck & 25 does
Commercial: Up to 4 bucks & 100 does
Sheep:
Subsistence: Up to 1 ram & 10 ewes
Smallholder: Up to 1 ram & 25 ewes
Commercial: Up to 4 rams & 100 ewes
Pigs:
Subsistence: Up to 1 boar & 5 sows
Smallholder: Up to 1 boar & 10 sows
Commercial: Up to 10 boars & 100 sows
Other commodities supported under the programme include poultry, rabbits, fish, and dairy cattle.
Selection Process
Applications will go through a shortlisting phase, followed by site visits from a technical team to assess farm readiness. Applicants who do not receive feedback within 90 days of the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Exclusions
Farmers who have already benefited from the programme in the past five years and have not yet serviced their loans, as well as public servants, public office bearers, and minors, will not be eligible.
Where to Apply
Application forms can be collected and submitted at various DARDLEA district offices, including Thulamahashe, Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, and Nkangala.
For general enquiries, applicants can contact Ms. PNZ Npangane at 082 805 1076.
The Mpumalanga government encourages farmers to make use of this opportunity to strengthen their livestock enterprises and contribute to the province’s agricultural growth.
I’m Sifiso Maxwell mdhluli recycling at the small township in Mpimalanga Thuthukane standerton and I have livestock which include 12 cows and 24 sheeps and would love to expand my livestock but I have no muscles and sometimes I struggle for food and medication at some point cause it cost and would love to see myself as a successful farmer if I could get the opportunity and support from your structure
I will love start with goats and pigs
Livestock
By subscribing I don’t grant mapepeza to use my personal data indiscriminately. I find the information disseminated by Mapepeza to be useful especially to small businesses.
HI I NEED SUPPORT FROM LIVESTOCK AND CROOPS