Eastern Cape cracks into macadamia industry
Thanks to a R40 million cash boost by government into a community-oriented farming initiative, the Eastern Cape is claiming a share of the lucrative macadamia market.
The initiative is based on a public-private partnership model which receives state funding and is helping to add value to the province’s agriculture sector.
The model is being rolled out by Eastern Cape Macadamia (ECM), a company led by East London businessman Mkululi Pakade.
ECM partners with the community in targeted rural areas and forms an operating company, of which the community owns a 51 percent share.
Pakade first implemented the model in 2013 with the launch of the Ncera Macadamia Farm near East London.
Once the Ncera farm was up and running, ECM helped establish another macadamia plantation, this time in Amajingqi near Willowvale.
Launched in 2016, Amajingqi Macadamia Farming (AMF) received a cash grant of R40 million through the Department of Trade and Industry’s Employment Creation Fund.
According to Pakade, the funding was given on condition that the shortfall of R80 million required by the project be secured.
“ECM played a key role in securing funding from the Land Bank and a further grant top-up from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme.
“These combined raised the R80 million shortfall and ensured that the Amajingqi site is fully funded,” he said.
AMF has 300 hectares under cultivation and Pakade hopes it will replicate the success enjoyed by the Ncera operation.
Amajingqi Traditional Council’s Chief Ngwenyathi Dumalisile said: “Not only does the community hold land usage rights and manage the 80-year land lease on behalf of the community, but 300 sustainable jobs will be created.
AMF field officer Lwando Mnqweno (35) is one of 150 Amajingqi residents to find employment through the project.
“I was unemployed for about five years before I joined the macadamia nut project and life was tough. This project has brought positive change to my life. My co-workers and I have a stable income,” said Mnqweno.