Boost for emerging farmers to rejuvenate the economy
Published: February 17, 2023<< BACK TO NEWS
More than 30 urban agriculture and livestock emerging farmers received a major boost from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on Thursday, 16 February 2023, when the City handed over much needed agriculture equipment in support of their businesses.
In line with the City’s vision to support urban agriculture projects in a strategic effort to rejuvenate the City’s economy and improve food security, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Cllr Luxolo Namette said the City was following up on commitments made during the farmers engagements sessions which took place in November, to fully support all farmers in NMBM.
During the hand-over event, which was held at the City Hall in Gqeberha, MMC Namette was joined by Human Settlements and Infrastructure and Engineering MMC’s, Cllr Tukela Zumani and Cllr Dries van der Westhuizen who educated the farmers about the ongoing drought crisis and the City’s work in relation to farming land.
A total of 35 businesses received the equipment, with 30 food garden projects and five livestock production businesses supported.
MMC Namette said: "The farmers engagement sessions were a great success, through the sessions we identified specific issues that we need to address if we want this sector to grow extensively and boost employment opportunities. We are excited and hopeful as 35 of our emerging farmers received the necessary support as they will now work the land. We are spreading love during this month of love and bringing these gifts that include water tanks, seeds, garden tools, weed killer, meat processing equipment, building material and tillers.”
The ecstatic recipients are from Joe Slovo, Algoa Park, New Brighton, Booysen Park, Greenbushes, Kariega and Rocklands among other areas.
MMC Namette said the City would hand over more equipment across the City.
"We know other people will ask for the criteria that was used for these farmers to benefit but we want to make it clear that this is just the first phase. Farmers who also want to benefit from this great initiative are more than welcome to visit our EDTA offices in Kwantu Towers, on the 7th floor where they can enquire, and they will be advised. However, we want to emphasise that farmers need to take their work seriously and register as companies or cooperatives. We want to see a return in investment. Through agriculture we can fight poverty and unemployment,” added Namette.
Mzantsi Agri Business Cooperatives Chairman, Treasure Ntoto said the support from the City would go a long way in boosting the emerging farmers’ projects.
"Today we are very happy because of this wonderful gesture. It is much needed support that will see us build on what we already have. Our dream is to operate on a larger scale, like nationally and we hope this partnership we have formed with NMBM will assist us in achieving such goals,” said Ntoto.
Ends.
Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office.
Top stories
NMBM READY FOR SUMMER CUSTOMARY INITIATION SEASON November 12, 2026
Following the successful training of Traditional Surgeons and Assistants (Iingcibi namaKhankatha) organised by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Initiation Forum, in collaboration with the Department of Health, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality...
POLITICAL PARTIES URGED TO REMOVE 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION POSTERS November 12, 2026
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is calling on all political parties and independent candidates who contested the 2026 Local Government Elections to remove all their election campaign posters and related election material from public spaces acro...