WARD is about the future of our children
By Thozi kaManyisana
The creation of the Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (WARD) has assisted many female farmers to become formidable commercial farmers that have signed contracts with big companies in the sector.
This was revealed by the National WARD Deputy President Nomvula Maya during the elections of the new provincial WARD committee at the Bhisho Showgrounds in Bhisho attended by all the districts from the province.
“When WARD was formed in 2006, I had nothing even the dress I wore on that day was borrowed but today I am commercial farmer who is going to give R10 000 to one of the working women today in this event.
“WARD did not give me any money but it has skilled me to become the woman I am today. The love, hope, determination and caring for each other we are preaching through WARD can take you a long way,” she said.
Maya, who is from Free State province said she was farming with soya beans, maize, pigs, goats and poultry, adding that she had a contract with a National chicken selling company, Goldi – “when you see Goldi chicken, buy them they might be mine.”
Bongiwe Kali, WARD National secretary called on women to “stand for what we want, which is our dignity by ensuring we are economic vibrant.”
Long-service WARD Provincial secretary Nozuko Kunyuzwa who has held the position since 2014 said it was “not easy to be a leader but this is not about us ,but the future of our children.
I want to tell those that will be elected, there road is not plain sailing but never throw a towel. Women should not be in a competition but should complement each other.”
Maya said women in the leadership of WARD in the Eastern Cape, which was elected by the delegates from all districts, should be “resilient”and remember that WARD was “started” in this province by the late Nowongile Molo therefore they must fly the Eastern Cape flag high
The women at the helm of WARD in this current term are
Busisiwe Mgangxala Peter – Chairperson,
Deputy Chair – Thobeka Rosani Ntoyi,
Secretary -Zoliwe Nombewu
Deputy Secretary – Aviwe Makhambi-Zweni
Treasury – Nomachule Ngwane