Media invite and statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Tomorrow on the 27th April, the Freedom Day, I will unveil a practical programme aimed at ensuring that COVID-19 do not create poverty stricken generations. Our position is very clear – freedom must not co-exist with poverty.
Poverty is more prevalent, deeper and more severe in rural and township areas across the province. With COVID-19, many businesses in the informal economy and operating in rural and township areas, have been severely affected. Such businesses are a source of income for millions of households.
We believe that the support for emerging entrepreneurs in this province is critical in responding to socio-economic challenges created by COVID-19. In this regard, the department’s resources are being allocated to accelerate the implementation of the Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation Programme (RASET).
We want to improve the value chain of food production and supply for underprivileged farmers and emerging agri-businesses. Through RASET, we are attending to structural barriers associated within existing value chains.
In response to COVID-19, our focus is on the co-ordination and facilitation of access to funding and access to markets. The department has distributed:
- 15 Isuzu trucks
- A total of 10 Toyota 4x4 bakkies
- A total of 10 – 2ton trailers
Public and some private markets have been secured and will be supplied weekly by emerging farmers.
In addition, we have successfully coordinated the procurement of perishable food through the 5 prioritized District Development Agencies (DDA) for 3 months. The agricultural products are valued at R44 Million.
We are also supporting DDAs with revolving funds of about R15 million to pay the emerging famers on time.
Members of the media are invited to join the MEC during the rollout of COVID-19 assistance programme:
Date: 27 April 2020
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ixobho, Development District Agency Offices (Harry Gwala District)
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
Nathi Olifant
Cell: 060 970 5113
