A sweet harvest for sugarcane growers of Qoloqolo
The MEC for KZN Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) Cyril Xaba in partnership with the South African Sugar Association (SASA), officially launched the R14 Million Sugarcane project in the area of Qoloqolo in the uMzumbe local Municipality. This project is the Department’s heed to the call of the people of Qoloqolo which they made to MEC Xaba during his visit to the area in 2014. MEC Xaba realised at that time, that the area was rich in sugarcane as a commodity and most of the plantations where owned and controlled by the community-based cooperatives.
This prompted Government to seek solutions for interventions for the support of these small-cane growers. The R14 Million funding from KZN DARD will see the fencing of 70 km’s of communal land, Ratoon management of 1207 hectares, nine land reform projects, cane expansion of 102 hectares of land and five small-scale grower cooperatives. MEC Cyril Xaba was impressed and inspired by these small-scale growers whilst visiting one of the community owned sugarcane plantation. He said “this is what I constantly advocate about to all farmers in the Province, working together for the betterment of the lives of the people of this area.
This is a clear sign that together, we can really do more.” Mr. Zebron Phewa of Sizweleni Cooperative couldn’t hold back the tears of joy as the MEC arrived to view the work they are implementing on their land and said “this is the happiest day of my life, I’m used to farming directly from my pocket, which hindered my growth and further impacted on the livelihood of my family, but now Government has heard our cries and they are here to answer.” The progress and unity that the MEC saw here lead him to further commit to avail funds of up to R55 Million for the growth of this project. He reminded the community that Agriculture is a science and a business and with Government support, the expansion and development of a progressive value chain in this area by these farmers, is ensured.
MEC for KZN Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Cyril Xaba together with Mr Norman Cele a Project beneficiary and South African Sugar Association General Manager Mr Anwhar Madhanall engrossed in a demonstration by Mr Gift Nyawose of Sizwelemi Ratoon Management MEC for KZN Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Cyril Xaba together South African Sugar Association Vice Chairman Mr Suresh Naidoo, assisting members of the Sizweleni Community to plough sugar cane
For more information, please contact:
Lelethu Manentsa
Cell: 071 492 5716
E-mail: lelethu01@gmail.com
