Alfred Nzo Development Agency held a graduation ceremony for local small scale farmers

In efforts to ensure that services are rendered in the Alfred Nzo district municipality, the Alfred Nzo Development Agency (ANDA) in partnership with The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA), The Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) – AGRISETA and other stakeholders started an initiative to train small scale farmers across the district.

In celebration of their training completion on Thursday the 30th of June ANDA held a graduation ceremony for all those who completed the caurse. The trainees were awarded with certificates and tools of trade such as Cell phones, Tablets, Printers, Sewing machines, etc. The graduates were then linked with the market, which is the Boxer group; all those who are into crop production are given a chance to sell their produce to Boxer stores across the district.

Ntombi Dludla the Group executive for stake holder engagement sustainability and transformation at Boxer Super store says Boxer is bringing the last leg of the program which is access to market. Boxer aims at mentoring and coaching the farmers on how to maintain and ensure sustainable enterprises. They are bringing about the access to market to the SMME’s. We want small scale farmers in the Eastern cape supply Boxer with their quality and fresh produce, says Dludla.

Mrs Sabhuka from Ludeke in Bizana under Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, who is one of the beneficiaries in this program says she really appreciates what the local government is doing for them as local tailors as they have been struggling for years in this business.

Meanwhile, Sandisiwe Madikizela from Mbhongweni under Winnie Madikizela Mandela local municipality who was under the Emerging producer development program which was coordinated by W&RSETA expressed joy as he received his certificate, Speed point, phone, printer, and Boxer voucher. Madikizela says his businesses specialises in Layer hens, Chicken for meat and Pig production.

Alfred Nzo district municipality executive mayor Vukile Mhlelembana encourages the youth in the district to join such programs so they can get training and necessary skills.