Nedbank is joining forces with the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) in a partnership that promises to accelerate rural entrepreneurship across the province.
At the heart of this collaboration lies the Women and Youth in Rural Entrepreneurship initiative (WYRE), a programme that has already touched the lives of more than 1 500 emerging farmers since its launch in 2021.
WYRE emerged during one of KwaZulu-Natal’s darkest periods. The Covid-19 pandemic had ravaged rural economies, and the July 2021 unrest left many communities struggling to rebuild. But from this devastation came opportunity and a determination to create something lasting.
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“Real transformation in agriculture requires more than once-off support,” explains Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu. “It requires partnership, accountability and a shared commitment to building viable businesses that strengthen households and rural economies.”
The numbers speak about WYRE’s impact: Participants have seen their income increase by 20% within just six months of joining the programme. Perhaps more significantly, there’s been a marked reduction in grant dependency in some of the province’s most economically vulnerable communities, a testament to the programme’s focus on creating sustainable, independent enterprises.
The Accelerator Advantage
With Nedbank now on board, WYRE is entering its most ambitious phase yet. The new Accelerator programme will deepen enterprise development through structured mentorship, leadership training and technical guidance designed to integrate emerging farmers into formal agricultural value chains.
Dr Nirmala Reddy, Nedbank’s Head of Enterprise Development, sees the partnership as more than just corporate social responsibility. “Nedbank is proud to partner with Kwanalu as part of our role in shaping an empowered and inclusive economy and society,” she says. For the bank, this represents “purpose-led transformation that transcends legislation aimed at building an equitable society.”
The formal launch of this accelerated phase took place on 11 March in the rural town of Impendle – a fitting venue for a programme that puts rural communities at the centre of agricultural transformation.
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Building Tomorrow’s Farmers
The Accelerator phase will work with a carefully selected cohort of emerging farmers, focusing on what La Marque calls “practical implementation, measurable growth and long-term sustainability.” This approach recognises that sustainable rural development isn’t about quick fixes – it’s about building foundations that will support communities for generations to come.
Through structured mentorship programmes, participants will learn not just how to farm more effectively, but how to run businesses that can compete in formal markets. Leadership development components ensure that today’s emerging farmers become tomorrow’s rural champions, equipped to lift up their communities and create opportunities for others.
To find out more or to become a part of the WYRE programme, contact WYRE Project Manager, Kathy Hurly on WYRE@kwanalu.co.za.
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