In a significant boost to local agriculture, the Executive Deputy Mayor of the Breede Valley, Cllr Juben von Willingh, presented farming equipment and supplements to three backyard farmers at the Hex Valley Centre in De Doorns.
Notable dignitaries, including project coordinator Lizo Paul and councillors Cynthia Nyithana of Ward 2 and Felicity Vaughan of Ward 4 attended the initiative, aimed at promoting food security and economic development.
The recipients, Kidelo Andrew Zuziwe, Magrieta Prins, and Andries Johannes Francies, were provided with comprehensive farming starter packs. These included tools such as wheelbarrows, manure, seedlings and various agricultural implements, enabling them to commence planting and engage volunteers.
This support is expected to enhance their farming capabilities.
Ahead of the handover ceremony, three hydroponics greenhouse tunnels, each measuring 12 m by 3,5 m with a height of 2 m, were erected. These installations were funded by a R500 000 grant from the Department of Local Government through the Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre. This infrastructural development marks a critical step towards modernising local farming practices.
In his keynote address Von Willingh emphasised the Breede Valley Municipality’s (BVM) dedication to the project’s success, highlighting its potential to create jobs, develop skills and ensure food security. “We are optimistic that this economic project, which is the first of its kind to be undertaken in De Doorns, will help the community overcome poverty and create jobs. I hope the project will develop over the next few months to the point where these beneficiaries can manage and sustain themselves with their produce,” he stated.
Magrieta Prins, speaking on behalf of the recipients and affiliated with the Women on Farms NGO, expressed gratitude for the support received. “Being a part of this economic project is a great honour for us,” she said, “and I do not doubt that this contribution will help us maximise our output and promote food security and economic growth in De Doorns.”
This initiative underscores the BVM’s commitment to fostering local economic development and improving the livelihoods of its residents. As it progresses it is expected to be a model for similar community-based agricultural ventures, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the region.
