Umzimvubu Local Municipality has invested nearly R7 million in a large-scale yellow maize ploughing programme across all 28 wards, bringing renewed hope and economic opportunity to 73 agricultural cooperatives in the region.
Implemented during the 2024/2025 financial year through the Local Economic Development (LED) Department, the initiative forms part of the Municipality’s rural development strategy, under the banner “Uphuhliso Kumntu Wonke” (Development for Everyone). It aims to alleviate poverty, combat soil degradation, and create sustainable employment for rural residents.
“This programme was designed to generate long-term benefits for the community,” said Municipal Manager Mr. Tobela Nota. “By clustering 5-hectare and 10-hectare cooperative projects — including Upper Brooks Nek, Masitye-sonke, Sondle, and Usokulungisa — we’ve enabled commercial-scale production with direct support from the LED Department and ward councillors.”
Harvesting is already underway and nearing completion, with cooperatives anticipating yields between 700 and 900 bags of maize per project. The maize will be sold to buyers such as Kokstad Milling, Farmers Pride, EG Feeds, and local retailers.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Nozukile Dumela from Ward 14, shared that her cooperative expects to harvest no less than 900 bags this year. To meet the demand, they’ve increased their team from 10 to 26 local workers, further contributing to job creation in the area.
Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu praised the cooperatives’ dedication and confirmed the initiative will continue into the 2025/2026 financial year.
“We are proud of the progress made and encourage more youth to take advantage of such programmes, which not only improve livelihoods but strengthen local food systems,” she said.
The Municipality also pledged to continue investing in related projects, including livestock improvement, to ensure long-term economic growth and food security in Umzimvubu.
For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Mrs. Nokhanyo Zembe, Senior Manager: Communications and SPU, at 039 255 8508 or Zembe.Nokhanyo@umzimvubu.gov.za.
