NONCEBA Nkontsiwe, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC, said last week that a tractor was handed over to the Gobodi Residence Association in Ngcobo.
Nkontsiwe said the gesture was intended to support their efforts in cultivating crops and fields. She highlighted the extensive hectares under cultivation by the association.
“We are here to hand over this tractor. Our aim is to assist them and also to observe their activities as part of the Lima Movement of the Gobodi Residence Association.
“This year, the government has decided to focus more on cultivation, following a report by the Commission for Human Rights, which noted significant poverty in our province,” stated Nkontsiwe.
Reverend Gcobani Vika, Director of the Gobodi Residence Association, mentioned that they had initiated the Lilima Labantu Movement to aid unemployed locals.
Despite previous challenges in securing support, the provision of a tractor by the DRDAR marks a significant advancement.
“This tractor will greatly facilitate our farming activities. Currently, the association is exclusive to Gobodi residents,” Vika explained.
He added that they lease fields from non-farming landowners and return 20 per cent of the profits. Vika encouraged young people to recognise the agricultural potential in the Eastern Cape, noting the absence of mining industries.
“Nowadays, they can leverage social media to market their produce. We are demonstrating that they can create opportunities with their own hands. Additionally, our region’s scenic beauty could attract tourists, and we aim to guide the youth in capitalising on these assets,” he said, indicating a joining fee of R50 for the association.
