Tractor boost for 12 co-ops
TWELVE farming cooperatives in KwaBhaca that each received a new tractor on Thursday said they were now more determined than ever to cultivate hectares of idle land.
The tractors were given to the farmers by Alfred Nzo district municipality mayor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu, who said the donation was aimed at bringing under-utilised land – especially communal land – into full production, as well as fighting unemployment and poverty.
The cooperatives showcased their dry bean harvest, valued at R300 000.
Kholiswa Manzi of the Mfundeni Agricultural Primary Cooperative said they promised to not misuse the tractors because they would help them to increase their production over the years.
“We started planting last year with the munic support. They gave us everything we needed and here we are, harvesting today. Now the municipality must go and support other cooperatives like ours.
“These tractors mean they appreciate the work we have already done, and they [have] faith that we can now continue on our own,” said Manzi.
Ndumiso Nqakwana of the Masiphuhle Cooperative said they were grateful for the donation because it meant they would be able to plough whether it rained or not.
“Our soil is very dry this side and even though we had ambitions to plant more vegetables, it was impossible except for the beans, but ... we can now plant mealies, thanks to the municipality.”
Mehlomakhulu said agriculture had great potential for stimulating economic development, and the donation was one of many initiatives to stimulate economic growth.
He said communities must do away with the myth that agricultural work was for the illiterate and unskilled.
“That’s not true but the onus is on the elders to encourage the young ones to take agricultural careers to fight unemployment and hunger. Our aim and vision is [to] work with the farming sector of our economy, to make a food basket of the province and the country as we strive to address the socioeconomic challenges and low skills levels.” — ziphon@dispatch.co.za