development
18 May 2007
To boost agricultural economy and job creation, MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu will
launch the first Gauteng Provincial Agricultural hub in Metsweding on 22 May
2007.
Coming less than four months after Premier Shilowa's announcement, during
the opening of the Provincial Legislature on 19 February 2007, this
agricultural centre is expected to, amongst others, spearhead production of
quality agricultural products for local, national and international markets.
With agriculture being amongst a few sectors that are still labour intensive,
the agricultural hubs are expected to contribute significantly to job
creation.
Presenting the state of the Province address at the Legislature, Premier
Shilowa announced, amongst others, that "the Gauteng Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Environment will be developing agricultural hubs to settle
emerging black farmers and to help them grow their enterprises. The launch of
the first hub is planned to take place during the first quarter of the next
financial year in Metsweding. Working with the Gauteng Provincial Land Reform
Office, we aim to settle around 50 farmers per annum in these agricultural
hubs."
The launch of this urban agriculture nucleus will take place as
follows:
Date: 22 May 2007
Time: 09h30
Venue: Phumula Centre, Bronkhorspruit, Metsweding.
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Gauteng
Provincial Government
18 May 2007
