Sabelani farmers left stranded
The project consists of 17 unemployed women, with men volunteering, whose main aim is to reduce the rate of unemployment and poverty in the area through agricultural activities, such as planting vegetables.
The Sabelani Vegetable Project is at a loss on how to move forward with their farming project in Wesselton’s eMadamini.
The project, begun in 1999, is at a standstill with rich land just waiting to be ploughed.
The co-operative, headed by chairman Ms Merriam Mgoduka, is in desperate need of assistance as the project is in need of revitalisation.
The fence erected by the National Department of Agriculture in the 90s has rusted with wires falling apart, opening gaps for livestock to come in and graze on the vegetation.
The project only runs in the summer, as there is no water throughout the year with the country going through a severe drought in recent months.
The project consists of 17 unemployed women, with men volunteering, whose main aim is to reduce the rate of unemployment and poverty in the area through agricultural activities, such as planting vegetables.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLA), Sabelani was advised to plant dry beans and potatoes since they do not need to be irrigated every day like other vegetables. This saw them get dry bean seed, fertilisation and mechanisation under the Masibuyele Emasimini programme.
The main challenge is the water to irrigate the plants, leading to members not being able to plant crops with DARDLA suggesting a borehole should be installed.
Until this happens, the project will be on hold and the livelihood of Sabelani uncertain.
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