Hemp permits and irrigation system handed over

In an effort to fast-track the entry of rural farmers into the cannabis and hemp industries, KwaZuluNatal Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Super Zuma, visited the Shukasibheme Project in Mbazwana, a co-operative in Mseleni, uMhlabuyalingana in the Umkhanyakude District, to hand over cannabis and hemp permits as well as a borehole and irrigation system.

The construction of the borehole and irrigation system is aimed at boosting farmers’ diversification of produce, enhancing food security while creating job opportunities for residents. It will also serve the greater community, considering the area’s water scarcity.

This is in line with the provincial resolution on creating wealth and driving socio-economic development within rural communities.

Shukasibheme will now be part of the cohort currently receiving research and extension services and will be exposed to cutting-edge technology to maximise profits.

The project consists of 58 members in the Magcekeni sub-ward, and the co-op has 17ha of land obtained from the Mabasa Traditional Council, that will be used to grow hemp and other crops. Mister Manzini, the Shukasibheme chairperson, said there was a high rate of unemployment within the community but since the formation of Shukasibheme, many lives had changed. He said the permit would open doors and allow them to become businesspeople as the department would be linking them to the market, securing their income. “It has always been our dream to get this permit and today it has come to pass. We are going to work hand in hand with the department, doing it for our families. We are grateful to the government that prioritises its people. We will now be able to feed our families and create jobs with our land,” said Manzini.

A total of 38 hemp permits were issued in Umkhanyakude District, with the number of permit holders in the province now totalling 664. Speaking at the handover, Zuma reminded permit holders that they were bound by the law and that those who were found misusing their permits would lose them.

He added that he would be meeting with traditional leadership to finalise all agreements before the work began in Shukasibheme.

SUPPLIED KZN Agriculture MEC Super Zuma hands over seedlings to Mister Manzini, chairperson of the Shukasibheme Project.