INKOSI Phiwayinkosi Biyela has called on residents to take responsibility for their livelihoods.

“Freedom does not mean people should fold their arms and wait for the government to hand out to survive,” he said.
iNkosi Biyela of the uBuka Traditional Authority Council made these remarks during a handover of three agricultural tractors, a tipper truck, a grader, a TLB, a waste compactor truck and a roller to various cooperatives under Mthonjaneni Municipality last week.

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Materials for SMMEs were also provided.

Speaking on behalf of amaKhosi, he said they were delighted with the municipality’s gesture.
“When they announced this, we thought they were just politicking, as in most cases politicians used to give people false hope.

“To us, this is our dream come true. We want to urge residents to take agriculture seriously. We want them to go back to their roots and do what they used to do before we attained freedom. Farming was part of our lives. “Food is expensive these days. There is no life without farming.

“As amaKhosi, we are committed to ensuring these tractors are used accordingly, and every individual who requires the assistance of a tractor gets it without fail. We commit ourselves to having a clear plan, which would ensure people do not fight over these tractors,” he said.

Mthonjaneni Mayor Mbangiseni Biyela added, “We bought new plant items, local economic development materials, and early childhood support material for deserving beneficiaries. This is our strategic effort to strengthen service delivery capacity, promote local entrepreneurship, and support early learning initiatives within the community.”

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The mayor said the plant machinery would assist the municipality in rehabilitating rural and access roads.

“These tractors will assist locals, especially those involved in farming. This would help to fight hunger and make a living through farming,” he said.

King Cetshwayo District Mayor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini noted that poor road conditions often caused breakdowns, especially after heavy rains, and was grateful for the donation.

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