THE FUSE

Access to finance remains a major challenge for South Africa’s sugarcane growers, particularly smallholder farmers who need capital to maintain production, invest in equipment and expand their operations. Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi has called for a more coordinated and innovative approach to funding the sugar industry. He believes government, financial institutions and industry stakeholders must work together to address structural barriers that prevent growers from securing finance. Improving access to funding is important for sustaining sugarcane production, supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening the wider sugar value chain. The focus must be on practical solutions that help farmers become more financially prepared while making better use of existing funding opportunities.