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In a push to boost food security and rural enterprise, Eastern Cape MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe handed over new farming tools, clean water infrastructure, and sewing machines in Joe Gqabi District this week.
The two-day event included support for youth in agriculture, women in textiles, and rural families needing better water access. The handovers took place in Phelandaba, near Sterkspruit, and Lower Tsitsana, outside Nqanqarhu (Maclear), on 17 and 18 November.
What Was Handed Over
The Department of Agriculture delivered the following support items across the Senqu and Elundini municipalities:
| Item | Location | Beneficiaries | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tractor + implements | Phelandaba, Sterkspruit | Mission Youth Project | Encourage youth farming |
| 26 water taps (spring water project) | Sigoga & Saqhuthe villages | 205 households | Clean water and food production |
| Food production inputs | Elundini Ward 4 | 120 families | Boost home-based agriculture |
| 32 sewing machines (overlockers & straight) | 3 municipalities | 16 women-owned co-ops | Strengthen rural textile sector |
Local Impact and Support
The water project now provides 205 homes in Ward 4 with clean water via 26 installed taps. This will assist with both daily consumption and food gardens.
“We want agriculture to be seen as a real business, especially by the youth,” said MEC Kontsiwe at the Phelandaba handover. “These tools are an investment in livelihoods and dignity.”
The iLima Lokulima programme, which provided food production inputs, aims to reduce food insecurity and grow local markets.
In addition, sewing equipment was handed to 16 women-led textile businesses across Joe Gqabi. Each received two industrial machines to improve production and income potential.
Fast Facts
- 2 villages now have spring water access
- 1 youth farming project received a tractor
- 16 women’s co-ops got new machines
- 120 homes supported with food inputs
- Events held in Senqu and Elundini municipalities
