The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, under the leadership of MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, recently visited the Church of the Holy Ghost in Hammarsdale to promote the department’s One Home One Garden programme.
The department said since taking office, MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa has significantly expanded the programme beyond residential homes to include schools, clinics and other public institutions. These initiatives, says the department, are supported by the department’s ambitious seed multiplication programme, which is produced by agricultural research institutions throughout the province.
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Church’s Agricultural Initiatives Praised
The Church of the Holy Ghost operates several agricultural projects, including vegetable cultivation and animal production. During her meeting with church leadership, the MEC praised the congregation’s efforts to combat poverty through agricultural activities and their soup kitchen, which serves indigent families.
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“We have a number of research institutions that produce about 10 million seeds a year, which enables us to help boost food production and address food security for many families. Churches can play a significant role in alleviating poverty through agricultural initiatives. This and other churches make significant contributions to food security,” said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
Department Commits to Supporting Faith-based Organisations
The MEC emphasised the department’s commitment to supporting faith-based organisations in their agricultural endeavours.
“We are committed to working with churches, providing services such as mechanisation [as well as] extension officers. I encourage churches to establish projects that promote self-sustainability while creating opportunities for their followers,” she added.
The department said this initiative represents a strategic expansion of the One Home One Garden programme, recognising the vital role that community institutions play in achieving food security and poverty alleviation across KwaZulu-Natal.
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