Nguni cattle handover to youth projects in Majuba District

18 June 2010

The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development has handed over Nguni cattle to youth projects at Springbok Sportsground in Dannhauser in Majuba District on 18 June 2010. The handing over was also in line with marking the Youth Month and advancing youth development in the province.

Three youth projects were awarded with Nguni cattle after an application process which took into account compliance with the new policy guidelines on indigenous livestock. Terms and conditions of the new policy stipulate that the cattle should only be given to livestock associations with resources like water, grazing land and fencing that can accommodate them.

The youth projects are affiliated to the Amajuba Livestock Association and the distribution is as follows:

* Siyanqobazwelethu Youth Project in Braakwater Farm, Utrecht: 25 cows and one bull
* Siyakhula Youth Project in Nyanyadu Farm: 10 cows and one bull
* Ndlulubheke Youth Project in Annandale Farm: 10 cows and one bull.

Youth beneficiary Xolani Mngani of Siyanqoba Youth Project expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries and also shared his experience and passion for agriculture. He said despite growing up in a township he left the urban life and headed for the nearest farm in Braakwater outside Newcastle where he met a mentor which ignited his passion for agriculture. He said mentorship gave him an opportunity to gain more knowledge in crop and animal production. He also encouraged young people to look into agriculture and seize opportunities to establish themselves.

MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development emphasised her department’s commitment to developing young people in the province. She outlined the vast opportunities that are available in the Agricultural sector but was quick to point out that the skills are scarce. She told young people that the department is offering bursaries for young people to rectify the situation. “The heroes and heroines of 16 June 1976 sacrificed their lives fighting for education, therefore you have opportunities that they never had, make good use of them,” said Johnson.

MEC Johnson called on the youth the take good care of the cattle and increases their breed. She urged the beneficiaries to work closely with state veterinarians and commercial farmers to stay abreast of good animal husbandry practices.

Enquiries:
Ncumisa Mafunda
Tel: 033 343 8063
Cell: 079 515 7187

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
18 June 2010