- Support for Women Farmers in Eastern Cape: The MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, demonstrated strong support for women in agriculture by gifting a tractor, implements, and a Nguni bull to empower women farmers in Mbhashe Local Municipality.
- Promotion of Agricultural Development and Economic Growth: The donation aims to boost food production, create employment opportunities, and enhance the local economy by encouraging women to grow food and sell surplus produce.
- Role of Traditional Leaders in Food Security: The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture emphasizes involving traditional leaders in food security initiatives, with a focus on supporting women in farming.
Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, closed Women’s Month with a strong show of support for women farmers in Mbhashe Local Municipality. At a ceremony held at Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale, Kontsiwe handed over a fully equipped tractor, its implements, and a Nguni bull to AmaXhosa Queen Nozizwe Sigcau.
The donation is aimed at driving agricultural development, creating job opportunities, and strengthening food production. Queen Sigcau welcomed the gesture, describing it as encouraging for women in agriculture. She stressed the importance of women growing food to feed their families and selling surplus to markets, which also contributes to the local economy.
This move is part of the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture’s strategy to empower women, tackle food insecurity, and boost economic growth. Kontsiwe emphasized the importance of traditional leaders in food security programs, saying the department is committed to supporting women in farming.
The MEC noted that the tractor and quality bull will play a vital role, with the bull enhancing cattle genetics and livestock production. She encouraged the Nqadu community to use their land productively, ploughing gardens and fields to strengthen local food supply.
Kontsiwe expressed confidence that the Kingdom will continue to lead by example, inspiring others to participate in agricultural programs and ensuring no family goes hungry when land is available to farm.
