In a move that promises to improve the economy and create jobs in Mkhambathini, MEC for Finance, Belinda Scott, in partnership with Departments of Sport and Recreation, Agriculture and Rural Development, Gold Circle and KwaZulu-Natal Rural Horse Riding Association, officially handed over a new horse facility, called Coastal Horse Care Unit which was immediately renamed today as Emahhashini Training Centre.
The facility, based in Cato Ridge in the boarder of Mkhambathini Municipality, was officially handed over today to Coastal Horse Care Unit after finishing the final construction phase. Apart from its original objective, namely to protect horses and donkeys from abuse and alleviate suffering of these animals, it is also going to focus on training local people in jobs such as farriers (those who make iron horse shoes and care for their hoofs, jockeys and in saddle making, among other things. It promises to help stimulate various types of businesses in the area of horse care and racing.
MEC Scott, who oversees the Gaming and Betting industry in the province, said, “One of the jobs I was given when I took over as MEC for Finance is gaming and betting. This initiative is part of that. When you are talking about rural horses, you are not just talking about racing, but more about livelihoods.
“We are in the process of working on a bill that will formalise rural horse racing. The bill is currently before the provincial legislature. We need to create sustainable partnerships to ensure the development of this sport which also is a business. We jointly need to change perceptions around this industry. There is a lot that this industry is doing to improve the economy of this province.
Thobekile Maphumulo, Mayor of Mkhambathini Municipality, said she was proud of this initiative. “It is going to benefit the local community in terms of jobs, skills and more information on horse racing and riding industry. We hope that with this project, there are a number of events that are going to flow from it and improve the economy of this municipality,” she said.
Mbuyiselwa Mkhize, Secretary of KwaZulu-Natal Rural Horse Riding Association they were worried about insufficient regulation in the industry.
“We are, however, glad that MEC Scott, Gold Circle and the Department of Sport and Recreation have already started working with us. We are even more encouraged to see such an initiative as Coastal Horse Care as it will improve sport and economy of this area,” said Mkhize.
Chairperson of Gold Circle, Dr Phumla Mnganga, they were excited by the 10 years of effort that has gone into the horse care unit as well as the passion shown by the leadership of Coastal Care Unit.
“We will continue to support this project. We also wish that all stakeholders involved in this industry can get involved and get this project to improve the economy of this area. We are glad that government has also joined in, and for this project to be sustainable, it needs everyone to be involved,” Mnganga said.
The Department of Sport and Recreation head, Rohini Naidoo, said they would like to see tourism and economic development booming through rural horse racing.
The new name of this facility is called Emahhashini Training Centre which was unilaterally agreed to by all stakeholders present at the hand-over ceremony.
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