The MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Honorable Zoleka Capa cordially invites members of the media to the announcement of a major overhaul of the Magwa Tea Estate and introduction of a three-member team to run the operations of the estate.
The department will outline a turn-around plan that is aimed at reviving the estate to its former glory of being the cornerstone of job creation and socio-economic development in Pondoland area.
The three-member team, which comprises officials from the department, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and Ngquza Hill Municipality, will oversee the implementation of the plan and run the administration of the estate.
The MEC will also announce major financial injections that will benefit the greater Pondoland area including Mkhambathi and revival of Eastern Pondoland Sugar Cane project, and an amount of R47 million has been set aside for this purpose.
The department’s approach in developing the area is to work together with the OR Tambo District Municipality, Ingquza Hill Local Municipality as well as engaging Departments of Economic Affairs and Local Government and Traditional Affairs to come up with strategies and resources to boast the socio-economic status of that area.
In the Magwa Tea Estate plant, the department has begun to developing the communities living there by providing solar-powered electricity and further engagements with Eskom are underway to expand the project.
The department also aims to curb the child labour at Magwa by engaging youths through a back to school campaign that will see them obtaining skills, which is part of the department’s Memorandum of Understanding with Construction-Education and Training Authority (CETA).
Members of the media will be offered time to engage with the Hon. MEC for clarities and further questions after the event.
Details of the event:
Date: 8 June, Wednesday
Venue: Magwa Tea Estate, Lusikisiki
Time: 09h00
Enquiries:
Ayabulela Ngoqo
Cell: 071 6033 235
MEC invites media to the announcement of Magwa Tea Estate turn-around plan
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