The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for agriculture and rural development, Thembenika Madlopha-Mthethwa, conducted Operation Siyahlola at Vuka Supply Farm in uMbumbulu within the eThekwini Municipality.
During her visit, she was impressed by the transformation of a previously non-viable school into a thriving agricultural enterprise, which she believes should be replicated in other districts.
The purpose of her visit was to assess agricultural activities and support provided to local farmers. As part of the department’s farmer support programme, the site received a tractor and 10 tunnels, which have been erected to boost production. The department also donated manure and all-season fertiliser.
“Operation Siyahlola is about seeing for ourselves that government resources are reaching the people on the ground. We are here to ensure that this equipment and inputs are used to increase food production and create jobs for our people in uMbumbulu,” kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said.
Creating a flagship agricultural project
She also issued a directive to the district directors that this project should be a model to be used in other districts where unused schools can be repurposed for agricultural projects.
“We are observing great value on our R3.6 million investment. This project features nearly all the necessities a farmer would need. The beneficiary, Mondli Shangase, has also installed his own borehole. What impresses me most is the conversion of a previously non-viable school into a thriving agricultural business, something that other districts should replicate.
Related stories
- How Thanda helped one KZN family beat the cost-of-living crisis
- KZN agriculture shines at Premier’s Excellence Awards
- Fort Cox student is proving communal farming can thrive
- Farmers turn to second-hand machinery as new sales stall
“With the number of available classrooms, these can be repurposed for agricultural activities as storage facilities and workshops. The Agribusiness Development Agency has identified a suitable beneficiary. This project will become a flagship programme for others to follow,” the MEC said.
Five agricultural graduates were placed at the project to provide technical support and to ensure the sustainability of the project.
Mondli Shangase, the director of Vuka Supply Farm, has expressed his gratitude to the department for responding to his plight.
“We are thankful to the department of agriculture for all the items that have been handed over to us. These include 10 tunnels, a tractor for our 16 hectares of land, and farming implements.
“This will help us a lot. The department has also assisted us with agricultural graduates. We have hired 10 people from the local community. We will do our best to keep the business running. Our goal is to fight food insecurity and reduce unemployment in this area. Our fresh produce and grain products are already being supplied to big retailers around Durban,” Shangase said.
READ NEXT: Beyond vaccines: Four ways to build smallholder farmer resilience
