Spokesperson for Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM), Lixolile Petela, said that the Local Economic Development (LED) standing committee, led by Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Banele Qwayede, did an oversight visit and handed over agricultural inputs to Mdubule and Sons Primary Co-operative, last week.
Petela confirmed that this project is based under the Umzimvubu Local Municipality, and has received support from Alfred Nzo District Municipality since 2020. He said this municipality is currently embarking on an Agri-Parks Programme across the municipal district.
“This programme is championed by the Planning and Economic Development Unit. Its objective is to bring about rural economic transformation and sustainable economic growth in the district,” he said.
Qwayede encouraged farmers to work very hard so that they can produce high quality production.
“As the municipality they are working on implementation of strategies for market accessibility; we are working on implementation strategies for market accessibility. This programme intends to lift our farmers from subsistence farming to semi-commercial, and eventually commercial farmers.”
The chairperson of Mdubule and Sons Primary Co-operative, Mathemba Mrhwebula, applauded the district municipality for their continuous support.
“We have been receiving support from the municipality since this project operated. It also helped us in addressing the issue of poverty and unemployment in this ward,” he said.
Talking to Express he said that the co-op is a family project which he decided to start with the aim of fighting poverty.
“I started in 2018 and I am working with my brother and my children to ensure that it is always giving us good results. I am very happy that the municipality is still supporting us. I do not know why they chose to support me, but I believe it was the grace of God. I will keep on doing good so that I can always be in their books all the time,” he said.
