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In Ntabethemba, Eastern Cape, over 100 vulnerable households received farming support from MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The relief includes chickens, feed and food parcels, aiming to strengthen self-reliance and fight poverty in the Chris Hani District.
Support for Women and Child-Headed Homes
As part of the national campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe closed the 2025 observance with direct economic support for women, the elderly and children.
Held annually from 25 November to 10 December, the 16 Days of Activism highlights the need for safe and equal communities. On Friday, 12 December 2025, the MEC led an empowerment event in Ntabethemba, under the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, to respond to the structural causes of violence and inequality.
The department highlighted that many GBV cases are linked to:
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Unemployment
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Poverty
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Social exclusion
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Patriarchal cultural norms
Kontsiwe stated that long-term safety requires sustainable livelihoods and ongoing local support.
What Each Household Received
A total of 100 households received the following items:
| Type of Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Livestock | 100 chicks per household |
| Feed & Medicine | Poultry and piggery feed and medication |
| Food Parcels | Basic groceries for family support |
| Broiler Units | Chicken broilers to start micro-farms |
This intervention aims to boost inclusive economic growth and reduce dependence on outside aid.
Building Self-Sustaining Communities
MEC Kontsiwe emphasised that efforts to tackle GBV must go beyond awareness. By investing in household agriculture, the department supports long-term self-sufficiency, especially for women and children who lead households on their own.
“This is a continuous effort to build an inclusive society capable of sustaining itself,” the statement read.
The programme will continue in other areas as part of the department’s rural development mandate.
