by Olwetu Batyi | Nov 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
Magwa to be Sustainable in 2024 – MEC
By Thozi kaManyisana
MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nonkqubela Pieters proclaimed that by the year 2024
Magwa Tea Enterprise (MET) will reach break even point and reduce its over-reliance on government
support.
Addressing journalists after she led harvesting of 1443 hectares of tea and touring Magwa processing
factory, MEC said government was “making inroads” in the MET turnaround process.
“Government is not throwing away money by investing here, we have created employment opportunities
in an economically depressed region. Through this development, Magwa has created sustainable
livelihoods, supporting multitudes of families. Indeed we are making inroads though we are not yet where
we want it to be. By 2024, the enterprise will break-even, and it will be sustainable,” she said.
The main objective of the turnaround is repositioning the Magwa-Majola Development Corridor within
Lusikisiki and Port St Johns area as a thriving sub-local economic hub in the Wild Coast Region.
We are currently engaging prospective investors and I’m confident that the enterprise will be able to
make profit when there is private sector capital injected on tea production, tourism and high-value
commodities. The eco-tourism enterprise will also be the mainstay to unlock the tourism potential of the
region.
The company has diversified its products and markets, and this product and market diversification, has
positioned Magwa brand in the same platform as its competitors and introducing Magwa Rooibos
stimulated product demand within local markets. Magwa and Majola Tea in Black and Rooibos is available
in more than 50 retail stores in the province and KZN.
Over and above this diversification, conglomerates such as Unilever, Joekels and National Brands buy tea
in bulk from Magwa and Majola. Eastern Cape government approved the procurement of locally
produced tea so that government departments municipalities and public entities buy it. The procurement
of locally produced tea products is critical in improving Magwa profit margins, reduce over-reliance on
provincial fiscus and stabilising the socio-economic outlook of the Ingquza Hill and Port St. Johns local
municipalities (these two local municipalities are ranked among the poorest in South Africa).
To this end the MET has created employment opportunities totalling 957 employees (481 permanent and
476 seasonal workers, predominantly women and young people).
General Manager of MET, Mr Chuma Velani announced that the Majola Tea Estate has been awarded an
organic tea certificate by ECOCERT (an international certification body), which will open doors for niche
and export markets for Majola Tea.
In line with the strategic direction of achieving the highest level of sustainability, MET has achieved the
pinnacle of environmental sustainability by reaching ‘Sustainable Agriculture’ status certified for product
and farms, he added.
“Being one of the leaders in the tea market over the years, Magwa has embarked on an aggressive path
in its marketing approach to ensure an advantage over its competitors as a single origin product,” he said.
He said by 2024 in the tea production and processing they expected to employ about 2500 employees
while other value crops and tourism planned for the MET might take the employment numbers to 5000.
One of the longest serving employees in Magwa, Nontshumayelo Vonqongo, who started in 1989 as a
casual worker and is now a permanent Section Manager hailed the estate as a “great job creator in this
region.”
“Working here has changed our lives. It has made me a better person as I have built a house for my family,
out of the money I earn from Magwa”, she said.
Workers representative from Majola Tea Estate, Nofikile Tungani, said “We thank government for
assisting us, we would not be here if it was not for government support”.
In thanking the good working relationship between management and staff, MEC Pieters said the
Enterprise is the “pride of the province and government will assist it until it is sustainable.
“These Estates will never fail but will continue to prosper” she concluded.
The MEC’s visit, which included tea tasting ended up with her viewing the famous Magwa Falls.
by Olwetu Batyi | Oct 27, 2021 | Uncategorized
Farmers should not abuse assets provided by government
By Thozi kaManyisana
The farmers should “stop abusing” the assets they are given by government for their progress and growth, said Rowan Kapank from Boplaas farm in Louterwaters.
Kapank was speaking during the official handover of two tractors and its implements to benefit 18 farms in the Koukamma Local Municipality by the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Nonkqubela Pieters.
Pieters also handed over 600 bags of fertilizers to Kapank who is hailed as “one of the best producers of potatoes” by Potato SA as well as Xenephon Grootboom who produces various vegetables
“As farmers , we must look after the assets we receive from government because they are meant to take us forward. There’s a tendency among people to abuse government sponsored assets because they did not pay for them.
I really appreciate this intervention because it gives us strength to progress and produce more,” said Kapank .
Potato SA mentor Terence Brown told the MEC that he has “evidence that Kapank was one the top 10″ producers in the country and he has an agreement to produce potatoes in 10ha of land with their support.
Chairperson of Koukamma Farmer Production Unit, which is managing mechanization brought by government Johnny Kettledas said the tractors “are a boost on what we are trying to achieve.
“We promise to work hand in glove as farmers and we are pleased that you are always assisting us,” he added.
The MEC visited the JD Rovon a deciduous fruit farm as well as Kapank and State farms that produce vegetables
She said the aim of government is to change people’s lives and ensure that farmers actively participate in the mainstream economy “
“As government we are assisting farmers and let us work together to make better livelihoods, this realised through partnerships and your commitment as you work the land
“When I come back here, I want to hear that, there are more farmers who have graduated from emerging to commercial level . I am glad government has been able to assist you to produce what I see here,” she said.
by Olwetu Batyi | Oct 26, 2021 | Uncategorized
MEC gives farmers a steppingstone
By Thozi kaManyisana
Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonkqubela Pieters recently crisscrossed the Blue Crane Municipality to hand over tractors, production implements, bulls and production inputs to farmers in the area.
Pieters started off in the Klipfontein where she handed over two tractors with a trailer, lurcene bales, rakes as well as seeds and fertilizer that will be shared by four different farms, namely Sonder Farm, Lenethal Farm, Nuweruf Farm and Elensdrif Farm.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Phakamile Vellem of Elensdrif Farm thanked the department for the support.
“We are very happy as we receive these tools that will assist us to produce more feed (lurcene).
Your visit to us is very significant so that you can see for yourself what we are doing.
Our aim is to move forward and become commercial hence the assistance will be very helpful in our bid, ”said Vellem.
He further told the MEC how helpful the department’s extension officials have been to them.
Pieters said she was happy to see that farms leased from the government were being utilized, saying there was a tendency of acquiring state farms only to convert them to party destinations instead of their initial purpose.
“ We are here to handover these tools to in order to enable you to do more and realise your fullest potential.
Government isn’t a business entity but ours is to level the playing fields so you can also compete fairly with other businesses,” she said.
From Klipfontein Pieters then moved to Constant Commonage in Somerset East to hand over two Bonsmara bulls to the seven-member commonage.
“We are very excited as these farmers because we will now produce quality cattle that give us good profits from the market,” said the chairperson, Siphetho Mfabana.
Pieters said the bulls were part of the department’s Livestock Improvement Scheme meant to change the quality of the farmers’ livestock and emerging farmers stood to benefit the most from the program
by Olwetu Batyi | Oct 25, 2021 | Uncategorized
MEC awards farmers
By Thozi kaManyisana
Nokwanda Booi never expected to walk away with a top prize when she entered the Mbhashe Municipality Ram Competition which is sponsored by the municipality, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and private sector partners.
Today, the 49-year-old woman farmer was awarded by DRDAR MEC Nonkqubela Pieters with a superior quality Dohne Merino Ram, a trophy, animal feed and medication after she clichéd top honours at the competition. Being the only woman in the male dominated competition did not deter Booi from entering the competition.
“It was my first time entering the competition and I didn’t expect to win – let alone walking away with a trophy among men. Being involved in sheep farming has changed my life a lot and I’m able to send my children to school and provide for them,” said Booi who started farming in 2016.
The annual competition, which is supported by DRDAR, Mbhashe Local Municipality and private sector partners AfriVet, Zoetis, Talitha, BKB, Umtiza, was initiated by the farmers to encourage one another to buy high quality breed rams.
MEC Pieters said: “These farmers know the importance of having quality rams to improve their flock and we commend them for that – others should follow suit and government will assist them.”
“We are encouraging you to continue with what you are doing,” she said.
Mayor Samkelo Janda thanked the MEC for gracing the event, adding that the Municipality was “working together with the department in livestock development programme.
“What is encouraging about our farmers here is that they don’t wait for government but they buy their own rams. This competition is encouraging other farmers to invest in quality rams instead of waiting for government. The quality rams you see here are an initiative of farmers and they are here to showcase them.
“We want agricultural activities to take a centre stage in our economic development as this Municipality,” he said.
Chairperson of the Mbhashe Farmers Association Phillip Qokweni said the relationship between DRDAR and Municipality is commendable and “we would be ungrateful people if we don’t mention that because it taking us to higher levels. “
He said the cropping programme where DRDAR is assisting farmers to plant maize was also assisting with feed for the sheep.
Other winners who received Dohne Merino rams from the MEC included Buyile Phukuza in the lamb category, Zukile Mpukane in the Merino category, Mthobeli Zokufa in Mutton Merino category as well as Khulasande Holoshe who came 2nd in Dohne Merino category won by Booi.
Two more Dohne Merino rams will be given to cooperatives that will be chosen by DRDAR Mbhashe officials.
MEC Pieters also used the event to pay tribute to the late Dutywa-based businessman, Mthetheleli Ngumbela describing him as a national builder who “so passi
by Olwetu Batyi | Oct 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
MEC Pieters boosts Amahlathi farmers
By Thozi kaManyisana
Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters handed over production inputs, feed, irrigation material, chicks and piglets to excited farmers in the Amahlathi Local Municipality.
The MEC handed over 300 broiler chicks and 100 bags of broiler feed to Nqobindlala Poultry Project from Masincedane Village in Keiskammahoek, 90 bags of pig feed to Gayika Traditional Authority in Mkhubiso A/A in Keiskammahoek, 10 piglets and 30 bags of feed to Ngqaram Co-op of Kubusi Village in Stutterheim whilst Lang Draai farm from Carthcart 3 bags lurcene seeds and 13 bags of fertilizers
An irrigation equipment as well as 13 bags of maize, 10 bags of Lurcene and 10 bags of grass seeds were handover to the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme.
Livestock farmers, who received livestock in Amahlathi Local Municipality from DRDAR this year were also honored at the event.
These farmers included Flat Field farm who received 10 Bonsmara heifers and its bull and Olive Groove farm that received two South Devon bulls both from Carthcart as well as Impangele Farm from Bolo in Stutterheim that received a Bonsmara bull.
Speaking during the handover event held at the Mkhubiso hall, MEC said the farmers were “very important in the society because as producers they support an important basic need like food security . When everyone has a plate of food they thank a farmer”
“I want to say to the youth – as government creates an enabling environment for your to actively participate in development in your own area . Grab the opportunity and change your lives. Government is here to assist you.
“Agriculture is business. No matter how small you produce, treat it like business,” she said.
She pleaded with the community to work the land, adding that “no garden should look like a grazing land. “
Farmer and religious leader Siviwe Ngam declared that: “today is the transformation of mass destruction in our minds into tools of mass production.”
“Let’s build the nation together so that our youth can follow us,” he added.
Giving message of support, community leader Mxolisi Venkile said the MEC’s visit to our area “ which is rich and fertile, will give us power to produce more .”
“We cannot live without agricultural activities because food security is very important. We are urging people to start working their household gardens and working together with government we’ll achieve more,” said Venkile.
Chairperson of farmers’ association Nolisti Ngcukana who received 300 chicks said the support given by DRDAR is “very good.”
“I have been able built a brick house because of the support we received from the department since 2007. Those who have not yet seen the value of agriculture, they should join us,” said Ngcukana revealing that she was supported with a poultry structure by DRDAR with a capacity for 300 chicks.
The beneficiaries praise the Department for the “excellent support we are getting, the support from your officials is commendable.”
“We take our hats off for the officials ,” said Thembekile Jonas of Ngqaram Co-op that received 10 piglets and 30 bags of feed.
by Olwetu Batyi | Oct 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
Massive drive to create jobs
By Thozi kaManyisana
The government of the Eastern Cape is on a massive job creation drive by ensuring that agricultural projects are supported to become economically viable through creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
This was said by Premier Oscar Mabuyane who joined the Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Nonkqubela Pieters during a pineapple harvest at Tarfield farm in Ngqushwa where she also handed over two tractors to pineapple farmers.
“We want to have a massive job creation , ensure that we are not creating seasonal jobs but fulltime jobs through value addition. The government is creating a conducive environment for economic growth hence we are making opportunities available for businesses to invest. This pineapple production programme is doing exactly that,’’ said Mabuyane.
DRDAR has invested about R2,2 million since the 2019/20 financial year for fencing, production inputs, a tractor and fuel. The invested made by the department translated to 69 temporary jobs, while a further 10 are employed on a permanent basis.
He said DRDAR has facilitated a market for the farmers as the harvest from these farms is sold to Summerpride Foods through an off-take agreement that ensures that the farmers have an established market.
In their first harvest the farm recorded a yield of 1 500 tons while in 2020 they harvested 2300 tons. In this year’s harvest, they are hoping for a yield of 3 000 tons.
“This is rural development at its best and I am excited to see the progress we are making in reviving programmes that were successful during the previous government.
“We need to attract investors to projects such as these. I am happy about the commitment and dedication shown by the pineapple farmers hence we need to multiply investment to these projects .
He said government has invested about R20m to at least six pineapple farms in Peddie where 182 hectares of land is currently under production and “working together with our partners, we will increase hectorage in pursuit of economic growth.”
“The baseline of total land under production for Pineapple in the province is 7 800 ha. Through the implementation of the Agriculture for Growth and Employment Programme, we will increase the land under production to 10 300 ha. This will lead to an increase in the baseline for jobs in pineapple production from 8 000 to 10609 and to an economic growth baseline of R1,45 billion,” Premier Mabuyane.
Founding member and supervisor at Tarfield farm Mlungiseleli Bala said they were “reaping good fruits” from the investment in the pineapple industry compared to when they use to plough maize.
“The pineapple is drought-resistant and we are now harvesting good yields despite the dry conditions. This development has changed people’s lives through job creation and ownership of the business,” Bala said.
Bala used to work for a pineapple-producing farm owned by the former Ciskei government’s development agency Ulimocor.
Chairperson of Tarfield Farm Zondiwe Maseti could not contain her joy about the revival of pineapple production in the Ngqushwa area.
“We had nothing when we started. It was out of love but government has elevated us to greater heights. When government says ‘get up, do something for yourself and aid will find you along the way’ is not an ignorant statement. We have seen that through our experience,” she said.
Summerpride fruit manager Pierre Tilnely said they were exporting the pineapple from the Ngqushwa farms to South America, Russia and Europe and they were excited about the investment made by the government in the area as it guarantees sustainability.
He said worldwide there was a massive demand for more pineapple fruit and the fruit from the Ngqushwa farmers was what the market needs.
