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A New Chapter for Rural Livelihoods
In Qamata, under Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, a moment of celebration unfolded as Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, handed over a brand-new tractor, complete with implements and a pregnant heifer, to Queen Nolutho Matanzima of the AbaThembu BaseRhode Kingdom. The initiative forms part of the MEC’s wider campaign to place traditional leadership at the center of agricultural development, helping rural households fight poverty and hunger.
Their Story
For generations, the AbaThembu BaseRhode community has relied on small-scale farming to sustain families. However, limited resources have often stifled progress. Now, with a tractor valued at close to a million rand—including a disc plough, planter, and reaper—Queen Matanzima’s people have the tools to transform 10 hectares of land into productive fields of vegetables and potatoes.
Alongside the tractor, the Department of Agriculture also delivered industrial sewing machines, ensuring women and youth in the Kingdom gain opportunities beyond farming. “The skills of these young girls will advance because they were using small machines, but the bigger and faster ones will assist a lot. We are thankful to the department for this investment,” Queen Matanzima shared.
Picture Anathi Zitshu /DoA
The Event/Occasion
The handover ceremony on 23 September 2025 was more than a formal exchange of keys and livestock. It represented a commitment to ensuring rural communities have the means to thrive. This follows last month’s handover to Queen Nonzuzo Sigcawu at Nqadu Great Place, showing a consistent effort by the MEC to empower traditional leaders across the province.
“This campaign is about more than farming—it’s about restoring dignity and fighting poverty,” said MEC Kontsiwe. “We hope women and youth will appreciate this campaign and lead the charge in transforming their communities”.
Community Reactions
Excitement rippled through the community as locals envisioned a future with more food on the table and more skills in the hands of young people. Queen Matanzima emphasized that the investment would not only secure food but also empower women with practical sewing skills to generate income.
Residents believe the fencing of land promised by the department will further safeguard production. “This is a turning point,” one elder commented after the ceremony, “because the land has always been here, but now we have the means to make it work for everyone.”
