Development and improvement of livelihood in the Qamata area and its surroundings topped the agenda when Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Lubabalo Mabuyane , recently visited Qamata Great place paying a courtesy visit to Kumkani Dalimvula Mathanzima and the Kingdom of AbaThembu base Rhode.

The visit aimed at

conversing with the King and his Chiefs, on how to improve development in the area and thus improve the quality of life of the people.

The Provincial Government and the Kingdom agrees that there is a great need to resuscitate irrigation schemes in the area which were the cornerstone of the economic hub of Chris Hani District Municipality back then in the oldern days.

The Qamata, Ncorha and Bilatyi irrigation schemes have to be resuscitated to their former glory. Government have commenced with meaningful agricultural programs to revive the schemes, partnerships working together with communities in further developing and preservation of already earned assets is critical.

Further it was eminant that there is a need to ensure value chain of produce in terms of market supply within the Province to ensure sustainable approach in the local economic growth and creation of market supply for well established and developing companies or food stores.

Also agriculture remains the cornerstone of socio economic revival during the pandemic, as it is one of the pillars of socio economic development and priority in the Province said Premier Mabuyane.

The Premier called for peace,stability and unity in order to attract investors to the area, he condemned the destructive criminal activities that are looming in the area.

The Abathembu Kingdom commended the Premier for his humility, serventhood leadership and his ability to listen to the peoples needs, as he headed the call when invited by the kingdom without knowing what would be discussed. They ensured the Premier that the traditional leadership supports the government of the day and will continue to work together in improving livelihood of the people.

King Dalimvula Mathanzima reiterated the need the to revive the irrigation schemes in the area and creation of conducive environment for job creation.

The interaction between government and Abathembu was in a positive spirit and characterised by demonstration of willingness to partner in progressive developmental initiatives.