Fighting the scourge of poverty
In an effort to fight the scourge of poverty in the country the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti launched the “one household, one hectare” programme in October last year at Kenton-on-Sea, in the Ndlambe Local Municipality. The Minister handed over a 14 hectares of land and planting seeds to the Kenton-on-Sea Agri-business and Multi-purpose cooperative.
The Minister yesterday (Thursday) conducted a site inspection, where found beneficiaries harvesting crops, potatoes and pumpkins at the farm.
With the impact of drought I didn't expect positive result we are witnessing here today. We are really witnessing a beautiful thing. With this programme we are trying to transform rural economy. We are piloting the programme but we want to implement the programme across the country. We are dealing with hunger; we are creating the opportunity for the People. We are trying new things. We are not going to move with land reform forward if we are not bold enough.
“We want to make sure that we are bringing dignity to people living in rural areas. We are linking this initiative with the Agri-park indicated the minister. We are rekindling the class of black commercial farmers which was destroyed by the 1913 Natives’ Land Act.
We are also fighting the scourge of poverty. For us as a department it’s a chance for development. South African is a country which is comprised of the developed and undeveloped. Therefore this is the chance for us to develop. We are turning around the rural areas. Each beneficiary received a certificate to be used as collateral if they want the bank to assist them. The land or the certificate cannot be sold because the land belongs to the state” said the minister.
Chairperson of the Gorah Farm Agribusiness and Multipurpose Co-op, Mrs Milia Kani says the 14 ha is used to plant Maize, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, and Potato. She says the one household; one hectare project has afforded the households to a chance to make a living for themselves and their families. She says 20% from each household will go towards the growth of the farm and in the future they would like to include livestock.
The beneficiaries were able to secure Pick n Pay and PE fruit & Veg market where their produce will be sold. They will also sell their produce by themselves locally. The families say they would like for the young people of the households to get training on financial management, bookkeeping and animal husbandry.
"Our Constitution states that every citizen has the right to have access to sufficient food and water, and commits the state to supporting the progressive realization of the right to food" said the minister.
Enquiries:
Sivuyile Mangxamba
Acting Chief Director Communication Services
Tel: (012) 312 8881
Cell: 071 334 2915
