Members of ActionSA met with local farmers from Orlando East at the Orlando Communal Hall on September 16.

Before the meeting, ActionSA president Herman Mashaba, together with MMC candidate for finance Mpumi Edward, visited young farmer Ngcebo Nhlakanipho Zungu of Embheka Vermiculture, who started his farming journey from the bottom up.

Zungu turned his backyard into a livelihood that helped him overcome the harsh effects of youth unemployment.

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Mashaba noted that Zungu’s story is a powerful reminder of the talent, determination and potential that exists among young people.

“As ActionSA, we are committed to creating an economy where young South Africans have access to opportunities, support and markets, allowing them to become active participants in building our country’s future.

“A group of ActionSA MMCs for different portfolios has come together not only to bring ActionSA’s offers to the people, but to listen directly to our farmers and understand what support they need from the municipality,” Mashaba said.

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He added that the voices of local farmers, as well as their work, matter in the community and that Joburg’s farming sector deserves a city that works for them.

“The Joburg farming sector should support the livelihoods of these farmers and help them participate meaningfully in the economy, and this is what ActionSA is about: listening, taking action and delivering.”

ActionSA MMC for finance Mpumi Edward said these engagements are important because they enable the political party to understand the challenges that local farmers encounter daily.

“These engagements are about listening, understanding the challenges facing our agricultural communities, and exploring practical ways in which local government can support farmers, strengthen local economies and create opportunities for surrounding communities,” Edward said.