Umzimvubu Local Municipality Nurtures Small-Scale Farmers for Rural Prosperity

• Umzimvubu Local Municipality’s commitment to rural community development and local business growth shines through a dynamic two-day mayoral service delivery programme.
• Mayor Cllr. Zukiswa Ndevu and local leaders explore the thriving world of small-scale rural farming, supported by government initiatives.
• Farmer mentorship programs empower locals to become successful commercial farmers, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability.
• Entrepreneurs like Mrs. Cekeshe exemplify the transformative impact of this support, fostering economic growth in a community grappling with water scarcity.

In a heartwarming endeavor to enrich the lives of rural communities and bolster local businesses, Umzimvubu Local Municipality has embarked on a two-day mayoral service delivery programme. During these visits, Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu, accompanied by other municipal leaders, embarked on a mission to showcase the remarkable achievements of small-scale rural farmers who are reaping the rewards of government assistance.

Nestled within the Umzimvubu Local Municipality, the Farmer Mentorship Program is the driving force behind this transformation. This visionary initiative is carefully designed to educate and train small local and rural farmers, equipping them with the skills to flourish as thriving commercial farmers.

As Mayor Ndevu puts it eloquently, “We find ourselves at the remarkable Cekeshe family farm, which has blossomed into a bustling commercial enterprise. Today, they proudly supply their spinach to major retailers like Spar, Boxer stores, and local shops. We passionately urge these retailers to prioritize these local gems over external suppliers, ensuring our community reaps the benefits. As the municipality, our role extends from mentoring farm owners to providing seedlings and fertilizers. We are visiting these projects to ensure they blossom. We also emphasize Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMM) development to foster self-reliance. Our distribution of 5000 spinach seedlings, 2500 cabbage seedlings, fertilizers, and community engagement has already started reaping rich rewards. Unemployed young adults who’ve graduated high school are now finding income and purpose in these ventures. The municipality is on this journey to empower our people, reducing their reliance on government assistance.”

Mrs. Cekeshe, the proud owner of Ahlulumile Amandungwana, a flourishing local commercial farm, stands as a living testament to the success of Umzimvubu Local Municipality’s farmer mentorship program. Overflowing with gratitude, she recounts the inception of her venture, stating, “This project took root back in 2020 but truly blossomed when I officially registered it with SANAM. My husband’s unwavering love for farming inspired me to turn this into a full-fledged business. I involved my entire family, with my husband and children playing vital roles. Within our village, we’ve provided employment opportunities for unemployed youth. While we have ample land, water scarcity did force us to scale back. The municipality’s unwavering support, from providing seeds and seedlings to offering essential resources like manure and pesticides, has been instrumental in our growth.”

Cekeshe, with a gleam of hope in her eyes, fervently expresses that her project could become an even greater boon for the community if they could overcome their water shortage.

The Ward Councilor of Ward 16, Cllr Bukeka Khehle Salukazana who joined the mayor’s visit to the village, couldn’t help but sing praises for Mrs. Cekeshe’s remarkable initiative. “Our municipal mission is to nurture projects in their infancy, and it’s evident that Mrs. Cekeshe embarked on this journey with a visionary spirit. She’s overcome water scarcity challenges and continues to uplift numerous families. Many other projects are still in their developmental stages, facing hurdles, especially concerning water. Nonetheless, we are determined to address these water issues, paving the way for these projects to flourish,” noted Cllr Bukeka Khehle, underlining the municipality’s relentless commitment to progress.