The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has elected Ms Nomasonto Motaung as its Chairperson during a virtual meeting held this morning. The election was conducted in accordance with National Assembly Rule 158, which requires a committee to elect one of its members as Chairperson.
The vacancy arose following the appointment of the former Chairperson, Ms Dina Pule, as Minister of Social Development on 30 June 2026. Dr Nobuhle Nkabane subsequently served as Acting Chairperson from 08 July 2026.
Ms Motaung is a Member of Parliament representing the African National Congress and a former Deputy Minister in the Presidency. Her parliamentary and executive experience includes constituency work, committee oversight and policy evaluation.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms Motaung said: “Chairperson and Honourable Members of the Portfolio Committee, thank you sincerely for a vote of confidence in putting your trust in me to serve as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee. I accept this responsibility with humility and a commitment to serve selflessly. I look forward to working together with all members of the committee in bringing about tangible contributions to the lives of our fellow South Africans who are in the space of our responsibility, I vow to respect my duties and take accountability to my fellow members of the portfolio committee.”
Ms Motaung added that: “Agriculture is a critical vehicle to food security, economic growth, job creation, and central to development of rural communities. I, therefore, commit myself to leading this committee fairly and diligently, and to ensure that we remain focused on information and production needs of our farmers, agricultural workers and communities.
Following the election, the committee proceeded with its scheduled quarterly performance assessments of departmental entities, National Agricultural Marketing Council and Perishable Products Export Control Board.