Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti was deployed to his current position because he is one of the architects of rural development; this was proclaimed by his predecessor MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Mbulelo Sogoni on Friday.
Addressing a question from the media on why Nkwinti was deployed to the ministry of rural development in particular, Sogoni said President Jacob Zuma “wanted to ensure that the architects (Eastern Cape leadership) of the programme (rural development) translate it into action.” “He (Nkwinti) is understood to be very passionate about working in rural development,” Sogoni said.
Explaining his philosophy about rural development, land reform and agriculture, Nkwinti said he felt “very strongly” that there was a link between agriculture and rural development as well as land reform. Nkwinti said agriculture would be “limited” if people did not have a decision on how the land was used and distributed hence he felt that there was a need to “strengthen the system” of land reform. He has always felt that people who were given land through land reform process were not given the necessary support but he was now “confident that my concern will be addressed.”
However, Nkwinti warned that in order for the rural development to work and succeed there was a need for integration of services, where national, provincial and local government worked with traditional leaders and communities in a bid to improve lives.
He explained that during his tenure as the MEC for Agriculture he worked with all spheres of government and communities; hence he was convinced that he can spearhead the rural development concept. Rural development is a transversal quest. It is not about agriculture but the economy, social infrastructure and facilities to bring forth better life for all. What is good for the urban areas is good for rural areas. It is strange when young kids only see a theatre when they go to the city,” Nkwinti said.
The Minister said theatre was crafting a character of an individual and it is link to social living. Nkwinti assured the MEC that they would work closely in a bid to develop lives of rural people while MEC Sogoni assured the Minister that the department would continue implementing the six pegs policy, he said Nkwinti was leaving a department that has “no bones or skeletons in the closet.”
“We cannot fail with this infrastructure (which was) largely put in place by the Minister (Nkwinti).” Sogoni went on to say although the Eastern Cape might feel it has lost but the whole country has gained in the skills that Nkwinti was bringing. Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet praised Nkwinti for his contribution in the fight against poverty, adding that she had learnt lot of things from him.
For more information contact:
Y Matsheketwa
Cell: 078 218 7370
Thozi Manyisana
Cell: 073 263 3754
Issued by: Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 May 2009
