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The Department of Agriculture has supported 10 households affected by Gender-Based Violence in AB Xuma Local Municipality. The families are from Wards 2, 4, 17, 18 and 19, and the Department of Social Development identified them during its assessment process. Officials announced the support package at the 16 Days of Activism launch in Ntibane Village, eNgcobo. The Department of Agriculture will also add these families to the Food Security Programme in the next financial year.
What Happened
Officials confirmed that the households received 1,200 vegetable seedlings of different varieties. The families will also be added to the Department’s Food Security Programme in the next financial year.
Extension and Advisory Services officers have been deployed to assess each garden. They will help residents prepare the soil and plant seedlings correctly to improve yield and long-term sustainability.
The Department said the support aims to help victims produce enough food for their families and, in time, sell surplus crops for income.
Official Response
Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane, who led the event, called on communities to take an active role in fighting Gender-Based Violence.
He urged residents not to be silent or passive when they witness abuse. Mabuyane said protecting women and children requires firm community action and cooperation with government.
Several departments, private organisations and local stakeholders attended the launch to show support and reinforce the province’s anti-GBV message.
Community Impact
The agricultural support forms part of legacy programmes linked to the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The intervention aims to restore dignity, strengthen household resilience and create small-scale food production opportunities for GBV survivors.
In the next financial year, the households will also receive tools and equipment to expand their gardens. Officials said this will help families secure food, reduce hunger and build confidence through productive work.
