Co-op requests ripen after farm supplies donated

Two eMfekayi-based agricultural co-operatives on Thursday reaped the rewards of a request they sowed ‘a while back’ when they received a donation of much-needed farm supplies.

This as uMkhanyakude District Municipality’s uMhlosinga Development Agency welcomed the handover of farming supplies worth R10-million, including two tractors, made by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).

Jubilation sprouted on Fikile Msweli’s face as she, on behalf of the co-op Mqiya Projects, which she chairs, welcomed the donations.

“We are very happy because it has been a while since we made this request and I can assure you, within two to three years we will, out of our own pockets, buy another tractor to show how serious we are about working,” said a near speechless Msweli.

Her co-op, which she said has been in existence for over 10 years, farms vegetables such as beans, mielies, cabbages and onions, among others.

Inyosibuzi Co-operative’s Simphiwe Gazu echoed Msweli in her gratitude and commitment to grow their respective organisations.

“A lot will happen here in Mtubatuba and we want locals to buy our produce. We assure you that these tractors and other supplies will be put to good use,” said Gazu.

Inyosibuzi came to existence in 2015 and it also plants vegetables, which include soya beans.

Cogta MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi said such a donation is vital because food production can play a role in attracting investors and job creation.

Sithole-Moloi said these co-ops should grow until they are able to process their own harvests and own their own market.

The MEC said the donation would hopefully boost the local economy.

“Eventually locals should rely on these co-ops for their supply of vegetables,” said Sithole-Moloi, adding that the Department of Agriculture has been roped in to assist with sourcing other markets outside Mtubatuba for the two co-ops.

Applauding both the department and agency, uMkhanyakude Mayor Siphile Mdaka said it is important that such interventions are sustained and monitored.

He advised the co-ops’ members to note that it would be the markets that would inform them which produce is required.

“It is time we make tangible changes to people’s lives and I believe this is one way to do so,” Mdaka said.

The development agency will provide support to the co-ops for 12 months and thereafter they are expected to continue to work independently.

The agency’s CEO Thembisile Khumalo said this support will include providing fuel for the tractors, their general maintenance and the transportation of harvested produce to markets.

“These are major assets and their usage must be optimised. We want to capacitate these co-ops until they are fully fledged,” said Khumalo.

HAVE YOUR SAY