African farmers encouraged by MEC
EASTERN Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane has encouraged African farmers to get involved in commercial livestock farming.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch at the opening of a small scale livestock farm in Brakfontein on Saturday, Qoboshiyane said government would support them.
The 63ha farm belongs to Felix and Nomaphelo Nkonki.
The event was attended by dignitaries from across the country and neighbouring countries. Qoboshiyane said it was time for the commercialisation of farms from previous disadvantaged people.
“Commercialisation and rehabilitation of farms for our black communities is key. Government is supporting such initiatives. Today I am here as I am invited but I brought along my team to assess this and see where we can help and support the initiative,” said Qoboshiyane.
Nkonki bought the farm in a dilapidated state and has set about fixing it. He currently has over 20 cattle and over 50 goats.
Speaking to Qoboshiyane while touring the farm, Nkonki said alien trees were a problem and posed a danger to his livestock. “As much as we have vast fields for goats to graze, there are those so called wrong trees like Lantana plants which are not good for livestock. We are busy uprooting them. Other than that the only other problem we face are hunting dogs which kill our goats. I’ve lost close to 15 so far,” he said.
Nkonki also showed Qoboshiyane his small herd of cattle. “I bought them as calves and they are growing here in the farm but because of the bush, we still need to clear more space so they can have grazing land,” he said.
He also mentioned he planned to make space for feedlots, a move supported by Qoboshiyane.
“That will help them grow their stock as we call for commercialisation, so that when they are sold they are the best grade for the market,” said the MEC.
Qoboshiyane said more farmers were needed. “There are many such farmers in the Ugie area that are doing beef commercial farming. We need more farmers like Nkonki,” he said.
Stocktheft was highlighted as a major obstacle to small scale farmers and Qoboshiyane promised to engage senior enforcement officials to fight the crime.