The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development has handed over two Nguni goat projects and a livestock branding equipment to the community of Somsuku outside Ladysmith today.
The department bought 120 goats for Siyaqhubeka goat project and 68 goats for Khulakahle goat project. The projects were also assisted in putting up goat sheds and are exposed to veterinary extension services for advice on animal health. Project members have undergone a special training on project management which was done in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).
The main aim of these projects is to promote goat farming in the province as they lag behind other livestock breeds. According to the 2007/08 livestock census of communal livestock, there are 313 000 goats in KwaZulu-Natal and 1.1 million cattle. Goats are thus far mainly use for household consumption and ceremonial purposes. Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Lydia Johnson, said that government can only be able to bridge this gap through partnership with the communities. She commended the community of Somsuku for taking the initiative to breed goats and encouraged them to take the projects forward by taking good care of the animals.
Johnson also handed over branding equipment to Livestock Associations in the area, Ikusasa Lemfuyo and Siyaphambili livestock Association to encourage them to brand their cattle to curb stock theft. Livestock Association members were elated to receive the equipment and held a branding demonstration at the local dip tank. They profusely thanked the department for the support and attested to branding being very useful in livestock recovery. Johnson urged the people to make good use of the equipment and brand their cattle.
“As the department we are committed to supporting you in ensuring the well being of our livestock through animal disease control and we will embark on a campaign to educate people about Animal health” said Johnson. She said the department will in the near future also look at establishing Sale Yards in certain areas for sale of cattle.
She also spoke about the revival of the Nguni Cows Project. The department will only be giving out bulls to Livestock Associations and Cooperatives and has been training people in preparation for the new roll out.
Addressing the community on Agricultural issues, Johnson said the department is intensifying the One Home One Garden Campaign to fight hunger and malnutrition at a household level. She encouraged community members to join hands in fighting poverty by heeding the campaign call. She also mentioned that the department is looking at prioritising procurement of tractors this financial year for the cultivation of bigger pieces of land.
Enquiries:
Ncumisa Mafunda (Media Liaison Officer)
Tel: 033 343 8063
Fax: 033 343 8255
Cell: 079 515 7187
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
31 March 2010
Source: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://agriculture.kzntl.gov.za/portal/)
