MORE than 30 urban agriculture and livestock emerging farmers received a major boost from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on February 16, when the city handed over much-needed agriculture equipment in support of their businesses.
In line with the city’s vision to support urban agriculture projects, in a strategic effort to rejuvenate the city’s economy and improve food security, the Mayoral Committee member for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Councillor Luxolo Namette, said the city was following up on commitments made during the farmers’ engagement sessions which took place in November, to fully support all farmers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole.
During the handover event, which was held at the City Hall in Gqeberha, Namette was joined by Human Settlements and Infrastructure and Engineering MMCs, Councillor Tukela Zumani and Councillor Dries van der Westhuizen, who educated the farmers about the ongoing drought crisis and the city’s work in relation to farming land.
A total of 35 businesses received equipment, with 30 food garden projects and five livestock production businesses supported.
“The farmers’ engagement sessions were a great success; through the sessions we identified specific issues we need to address if we want this sector to grow extensively, and boost employment opportunities. We are excited and hopeful as 35 of our emerging farmers received the necessary support as they will now work the land. We are spreading love during this month of love and bringing these gifts that include water tanks, seeds, garden tools, weed killer, meat processing equipment, building material and tillers,” said Namette.
The ecstatic recipients are from Joe Slovo, Algoa Park, New Brighton, Booysen Park, Greenbushes, Kariega and Rocklands, among others.
Namette said the city would hand over more equipment across the metropole.
“We know other people will ask for the criteria that were used for these farmers to benefit, but we want to make it clear that this is just the first phase. Farmers who also want to benefit from this great initiative are more than welcome to visit our EDTA offices in Kwantu Towers, on the 7th floor, where they can enquire, and they will be advised. However, we want to emphasise that farmers need to take their work seriously and register as companies or co-operatives. We want to see a return in investment. Through agriculture we can fight poverty and unemployment,” said Namette.
Mzantsi Agri Business Co-operatives chairman, Treasure Ntoto, said that the support from the city would go a long way in boosting the emerging farmers’ projects.
“Today we are very happy because of this wonderful gesture. It is much-needed support that will see us build on what we already have. Our dream is to operate on a larger scale, like nationally, and we hope this partnership we have formed with NMBM will assist us in achieving such goals,” said Ntoto.
– ISSUED ON BEHALF OF NMBM MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER, MAMELA NDAMASE
