RBIDZ optimistic about reviving the agri-sector

Now more than ever looking after communities is not only regarded as a sociable requirement but a driving force to create sustainable communities that will also contribute towards the reconstruction of the economy. Agriculture in the country has a pivotal role to play in building a sustainable economy whilst in the process reducing food insecurities, reducing inequalities by increasing household income and employment opportunities.

It is in this reasoning that the RBIDZ took a strategic approach of working closely with the communities in developing various agricultural projects aimed at contributing towards the reconstruction of the economy as well as enforcing the sense of nurturing natural resources within communities. A strategic approach which started in 2018 calling for expression of interests by agribusinesses has resulted in various communities being actively involved in the agricultural space with the support of the RBIDZ that took it upon itself to support the identified cooperatives with much needed equipment to improve the ground work that they had already started aimed at closing the gaps caused by unemployment and food insecurities within rural communities.

It is pleasing to highlight that the recent oversight visit, made by the RBIDZ Chairperson of the Social and Ethics Board Committee, Mr Elphas Mbatha as well as the Acting Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Zodwa Zikalala that was part of monitoring and evaluation proved that the adoption of the agri-businesses was one best decision that RBIDZ had considered; more so since the support from the RBIDZ surpassed the expectations of the team. The RBIDZ committed to further monitor the projects closely whilst also assisting with identifying other partnerships to assist with other needs.

The progress status and commendations confirmed that the projects in which the RBIDZ invested over R2million worth of equipment have a potential of growing into big agribusinesses that will create vast employment opportunities within the communities that they operate in as well as develop the passion for agriculture and farming skills amongst communities.

The CSI Agribusiness support correspondingly considered six (6) cooperatives based in various parts of the Zululand regions namely; Mzingazi, Mtubatuba, Eshowe, Mange, Hlabisa, and reaching as far as Mahlabathini. The cooperatives were assisted with much needed infrastructure and farming equipment, such as, tractors, boreholes, irrigation systems, fencing, garden tools and chemicals, which prior to the intervention, limited their capacity and potential to expand their produce to supply to other markets.

The programme required extensive resources and expertise, and the RBIDZ spared none to come through for the cooperatives. The cooperatives supply market-ready produce such as mealies, butternuts, cabbages, green peppers, onions, sweet potatoes and grains such as beans to different markets at a small scale in local markets, feeding or schools’ nutrition programme and communities to generate income.

The alignment to support agribusinesses is further enforced by one of the RBIDZ’s focus sectors being AgroProcessing, which refers to the subset of the manufacturing sector that processes raw materials and intermediate products derived from the agricultural sector. Given the foregoing sentiment, the RBIDZ is optimistic in reviving the agrisector by developing the land, mentoring more small-holder farmers and creating linkages with investors, formal markets, as well as creating commercialisation pathways for them in South Africa and beyond.

Forging ahead as youth achieve their study goals through the RBIDZ Study Assistance Programme

The young professionals and RBIDZ beneficiaries recently shared their jubilation and how the RBIDZ Study Assistance shaped their future for the better.[/button] The three amongst seven students who benefited from the Study Assistance programme were counted in at the 2021 virtual graduations at the various  tertiary institutions after attaining their well deserved qualifications.

The attainment for the young hopefuls marked the start of a new exciting journey, where they will relay their skills and knowledge to the working environment whilst they continue to develop themselves as they seize new opportunities. The academic results and chosen career paths are sure to work in their favour as they are categorised amongst those that are scarce in the market thus broadening opportunities in the future.

The other study beneficiaries are on their way to complete their studies in the 2021 academic year and will further add on the achievements of the community development projects that RBIDZ supports through Corporate Social Investment. The achievements accomplished thus far have been motivation enough for the RBIDZ to avail yet another study assistance opportunity for the 2021 intake of new beneficiaries who are in need of financial assistance to further their tertiary studies.

This assistance caters for all the students’ needs until completion of their studies. The opportunity couldn’t have come at any better time given the destruction caused by the pandemic which has left many families losing jobs as a result of companies closing down and shedding employment. The RBIDZ believes that the future of the country and workforce is in education and it is the efforts made by all of us that will bring change to the lives of our people.

Xolile Mbambo- MUT- National Diploma in Accounting

“I would like to convey my appreciation to the RBIDZ for having awarded me with the study opportunity. The bursary did not only lighten me and my grandmother’s financial burden, but it motivated me to work even harder to prove that I am capable and I can succeed in the field of Accounting. This has inspired me to break boundaries, go for opportunities because I now realise that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. I hope one day I will be able to help those after me to achieve their goals just as the RBIDZ has helped me realise mine”.

Thabani Mkhwanazi- DUT Bachelor of the Built Environment on Geomatics

“I remember working so hard for the achievements I have today. Because of the RBIDZ Study Assistance, I had so much hope and confidence that I would make it despite the hindrances life entailed, I have pushed myself to complete my degree in a record time, and with good marks. Thank you RBIDZ for investing in students like myself and in our education. Continuing my studies wouldn’t be easier without the support from sponsors like yourself, you made it possible. Today I am honoured to have achieved my dream because of the RBIDZ’.

Fakazi Mthembu – UWC – Bachelor of Applied Geology

“Transitioning into tertiary requires a number of resources. For high-achievers, bursaries and impactful organisations such as the RBIDZ are always willing to assist. Holding this mind-set from high school helped me achieve excellent marks which provided me with the confidence that I will pursue the career I want with the assistance from RBIDZ. I have learnt that achievements speak for themselves, but certain personal traits are also desirable to make it out there, and the time spent in tertiary has groomed me into a responsible young man who is more optimistic and ready to be trained as a future Geologist.”