A wool association in the Eastern Cape is in high spirits after they were handed over a brand-new multipurpose shearing shed and tractor by the MEC for the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR), Nonkqubela Pieters.
The shed built with an R1.3 million investment is set to level up the Matias Wool Growers Association in a big way. The department also delivered a tractor with implements with a total book value of R900 000.
According to the chairperson of the association, Zwelithini Mtebeni, the 37 members of their association, who have a combined flock of 3 702 sheep, are very happy with the handing over.
“We were struggling when shearing our sheep in our old structure, especially as our numbers were growing,” said Mtebeni.
This multipurpose shed is part the of 20 shearing sheds that were constructed in Alfred Nzo, Amathole, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and Sarah Baartman districts by the department during the 2022/23 financial year aimed at commercialising the province’s agriculture.
MEC Nonkqubela Pieters officially opened the multipurpose shed in the Eastern Cape. According to the chairperson of the Matias Wool Growers Association, Zwelithini Mtebeni, Mtebeni, during last year’s shearing season, they sheared 3 702 sheep using a small space which made it difficult for them to even class their wool. He thinks the handover of the shed will make a big difference because we’ll be able to work in a better way and sell their wool better at BKB. Photo: Nontuthuzelo Mendu
Pieters said the area is rich in livestock farming. It consists of 34 farmer associations and Matias is one of them. Through this investment, 10 jobs were created during the construction of this multi-purpose shed and have assisted in the eradication of poverty. According to Pieters, now that farmers will no longer use rondavels for shearing, they will be producing better quality wool. She urged the tractor beneficiary to work together with other farmers in the village instead of keeping it to himself and working alone. Photo: Nontuthuzelo Mendu
CEO of Pula Nala Bataung Kabelo Lehloenya whose family business received two industrial sewing machines from Pieters, said the investment will enhance their vision of creating jobs in rural areas. She said they were involved in a variety of enterprises including farming with soya beans, maize, vegetables, baking and sewing. Lehloenya added that the handover of two industrial machines is the fulfilment of her great-grandmother’s dream because she was a hard worker. Photo: Nontuthuzelo Mendu
ALSO READ: Financed farmers offer loan repayment tips
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
