The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, the Mbizana Local Municipality and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), joined other countries around the world in commemorating World Food Day on 16 October 2015.
World Food Day is celebrated annually around the world in honour of the founding date of the FAO of the United Nations. The main objective of World Food Day is to create awareness around issues of global food insecurity. The theme for this year is: Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty.
The Minister, Hon. Senzeni Zokwana of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and his counterpart, Ms Bathabile Dlamini of the Department of Social Development, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, General Bheki Cele, MEC of Agriculture in Eastern Cape, Mlibo Qoboshiyane stood in solidarity with the community of Mbongweni in the fight against hunger and malnutrition and poverty.
The Minister and his delegation visited the Mbongweni Maize Project, which is run by 29 women and 30 men. They also visited Mbandana Poultry Project which is a family-run business. More importantly, they donated food parcels to less privileged households.
Furthermore, Minister Zokwana and General Cele and the provincial leadership as well as the local leadership unveiled a food mountain which symbolises more food in the world to feed people. They also participated in a march symbolic of alliance against hunger.
The DAFF, DRDAR with generous help from the State Owned Enterprises such as the Agricultural Research Council, the National Agricultural Marketing Council, Perishable Products Export Control Board amongst others and corporates such as Shoprite, ZZ2, Pioneer Foods, Oceana and Tiger Brand were able to donate food parcels to identified households in Mbongweni.
FAO, represented by Dr Tobias Takavarasha, donated an amount to the value of R90 000 to Siyasonke Community Project, the Mapetshana Agricultural Supplies and the Ndunge Soya Cow Project. The Agricultural Research also donated soya beans and ground nuts beans.
The department is committed to ensuring national food security and the eradication of hunger.
For further information, please contact:
Makenosi Maroo
Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Cell: 072 475 2956
E-mail: MakenosiM@daff.gov.za
