MEC Zikalala to engage with emerging entrepreneurs such as SMMES & Co-Operatives in Ladysmith on Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (RASET) Programme
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Mr Sihle Zikalala, will tomorrow (22nd May 2018) meet with small scale farmers in the form of SMMEs and SMMEs where they would be addressed on the implementation of the government driven initiative aimed at promoting active economic participation by rural and township communities in the production and distribution of agricultural products under the banner of Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (RASET).
Mr Zikalala announced during his Budget Policy Speech last week that his Department had set aside R57 million for the activation of the RASET programme which is expected to unleash considerable business opportunities for emerging farmers in the lucrative food production value chain.
“Our District Development Agencies have been allocated a revolving facility which will enable them to pay farmers who supply various cultivars of fresh produce and other related agricultural products for the RASET programme. Tomorrow’s engagement is aimed explaining to our people how they can benefit from this programme which is part of Operation Vula initiated to mobile the historically excluded communities towards seizing business opportunities through diverse sectors of the economy – with government departments serving as primary markets,” said Zikalala.
Members of the media are therefore invited to attend this important function to be held as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
Time: 09h30
Venue: Ladysmith town hall, Alfred Duma Municipality
Enquiries:
Bongani Tembe
Cell: 082 327 2600
Tel: 033 328 8000
