R60m boost transforms rural farming future for Jozini community

In a significant development for rural agriculture, KwaZulu-Natal’s Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa has handed over R60 million worth of crucial infrastructure to farming communities in Jozini, marking a transformative moment for agricultural development in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The substantial investment comprises two major projects designed to address long-standing challenges faced by local farmers. The first initiative provides R7 million worth of fencing materials and poles to six agricultural cooperatives, securing over 56 kilometres of farming land that will benefit 403 cooperative members.

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From Flood Risks to Secure Farming

The fencing project addresses a critical safety issue that has plagued local farmers for years. Previously, farmers were forced to cultivate crops along the banks of the Pongolapoort (Jozini) Dam, where unpredictable floods and water releases regularly destroyed their vegetable harvests.

“Working with the department, the farmers cleared a new, safe place for their gardening services, which will be fenced to ease their challenges,” explained MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa during the handover ceremony at Mlawu area.

Local farmer Solekile Ndlovu expressed relief about the project’s completion, noting “the safety concerns they faced from wildlife would be a thing of the past.” Fellow farmer Bheki Tembe echoed this sentiment, saying, “We relayed a message to the MEC about our struggles with our gardens not being fenced. Today, she is delivering.”

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Irrigation Infrastructure Gets Major Upgrade

The larger portion of the investment, R53 million, has been allocated to the Makhathini Irrigation Scheme, focusing on subsurface drainage, pump maintenance and canal improvements. This project aims to provide farmers with a reliable water supply system essential for sustainable vegetable and crop production.

“The uMkhanyakude District is the breadbasket of the province and we need to ensure projects in Makhathini Irrigation Scheme with 4 500 hectares of land are used optimally and are productive,” emphasised kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

The MEC highlighted that these project deliveries demonstrate her department’s dedication to keeping promises made to rural communities. She also called for restructuring vegetable and crop arrangements to better align with all cooperatives operating under the farming scheme.