In a significant step toward strengthening local economic development and supporting emerging farmers, the Umzimvubu Local Municipality, in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Foundation Agency (SEDFA), officially handed over a new tractor and a bakkie, worth 5 million, to a local cooperative led by Mr Madoda Maphasa and Mrs Nomaphelo Maphasa during the official handover held at Godola village Ward 15.
The cooperative is developing farmers whose work has shown great potential in contributing to food security, job creation, and agricultural growth within the community. The cooperation has six (06) permanent employees and seasonally employs fifteen (15) community members. The equipment is expected to enhance the farmer s production capacity, improve mobility, and support the expansion of farming operations.
The municipality s commitment to enabling sustainable livelihoods through targeted support to small-scale agricultural enterprises.
This handover represents more than as equipment, it is an investment in our local economy, our food systems, and our people. When our farmers succeed, our communities thrive. As the Municipality through our Local Economic Development, we facilitated the application for them and ensured that they are thoroughly prepared to compile their application”, said mayor Cllr Zukiswa Ndevu.
SEDFA representatives highlighted the importance of practical support in empowering farmers to overcome challenges such as limited access to machinery, transportation constraints, and the high cost of operational inputs.
Our goal is to ensure that emerging farmers have the tools they need to transition into commercial viability. By working with the municipality, we can be able to deliver meaningful and lasting impact”, said Mr Mvano Jakalashe SEDFA representative. The new tractor will significantly ease land preparation, planting, and harvesting processes, while the bakkie will enable timely delivery of produce to local markets and improve operational efficiency.
Expressing gratitude, Mr Madoda Maphasa said the equipment would transform the scale and quality of their production. This support means everything. It gives me the opportunity to grow our cooperative, create jobs, and provide for more households in our community.”
The initiative forms part of the municipality s broader strategy to stimulate economic development, promote agricultural sustainability, and empower small enterprises across the Umzimvubu jurisdiction.
