In a major step towards strengthening local economic development and fighting poverty, Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, handed over essential agricultural and industrial equipment to women- and youth-led enterprises in Matatiele. The event, held in Zwelitsha village, marked the official rollout of a pilot programme aimed at improving access to production tools for emerging farmers and rural entrepreneurs. Two hand-held tractors, 30 industrial sewing machines, a pottery wheel, and a free-standing slab roller were some of the resources presented to beneficiaries.
The hand-held tractors, form part of a broader provincial initiative in which the Department of Agriculture has procured 14 machines to support developing farmers across all districts. The tractors are expected to enhance food production, stimulate job creation, and improve livelihoods especially for youth, women, and people living with disabilities. MEC Kontsiwe praised the growing interest of young people in agriculture, expressing confidence that the tools would help expand farming operations across the province.
Tractors are in high demand but often too expensive for many farmers. These hand-held tillers offer an efficient and affordable alternative. We are piloting this innovation, and I am encouraged by how young farmers are embracing it,” she said. She added that programmes such as Ilima Lokulima are vital in supporting household and community food gardens as part of the province s efforts to eradicate poverty.
Beneficiary, 28-year-old Luvo Mxhakaza of Shiya s and Son Enterprise, welcomed the tractor, saying it would transform his farming operations. Mxhakaza, who cultivates vegetables on a 4-hectare plot, currently employs three seasonal workers. This machine will make planting and weeding much easier. I ve been using spades and forks all along, which is time-consuming. This support has inspired me to expand my production,” he said.
Furthermore, the Department has invested R504 224 for machines, pottery wheel and a free-standing slab roller in the clothing, textile, and craft sectors across the Alfred Nzo District. Ntombizodwa Lithole of Mthimkhulu Enterprise expressed gratitude for the industrial and overlocker machines she received, saying they would help her meet growing customer demand. The empowerment initiative is part of the department s broader strategy to boost grain, vegetable, livestock, clothing, and textile production sectors critical for rural development and employment creation.
