The Eastern Cape Provincial Government through its Department of Agriculture has brought renewed hope to the people of Chamama Forest in Cofimvaba, following the official handover of a spring water project and a fully equipped shearing shed by Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe.
The R521,000 spring water project has ended years of water shortages in the area, providing clean drinking water and improving livelihoods. According to project chairperson Mzuxolile Griffiths, the taps have brought immense relief, especially for women and the elderly who previously endured long, difficult journeys to fetch water.
Now, even disabled people can fetch water because the taps are close to their homes. We are very excited because not only can we use the water for drinking and cooking, but we are also able to irrigate our gardens more frequently,” Griffiths said.
The project, which created 29 jobs for local youth forms part of the Department s broader initiative that delivered 10 spring water projects across five districts in the 2024/25 financial year, benefiting 1,891 households and creating 496 jobs.
In addition to water relief, farmers in the area celebrated the opening of the R1.6 million Chamama Shearing Shed. Chairperson Wayitile Tshawuzana described the investment as a turning point for woolgrowers.
This day feels like we are born again. Our hopes of producing good quality wool are revived. We were struggling to shear our sheep, but now we are overjoyed because of this support,” he said.
The 53-member association, which has strong female representation, began with just 350 sheep but has since grown to shear 6,794 animals. In the 2024 season alone, it produced 78 bales of wool, generating R179,400 in sales through BKB.
MEC Kontsiwe emphasised that both projects were part of government s commitment to sustainable rural development.
Water is life, and I am happy that some members of the community are using it to irrigate their gardens. The new shearing shed will help woolgrowers increase their profits and improve wool quality. We urge the community to protect this investment so that future generations can also benefit,” she said.
These initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening food security as well as supporting rural economies in the province.
