MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT TO BOOST RURAL AGRICULTURE WITH MAJOR EQUIPMENT DONATION

• Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu will visit Tsheseng Village in the Free State to hand over a tractor and potato planters valued at R1,147,056.90 to the MCVA Agriacomologitic Cooperative, funded by the National Development Agency (NDA).
• Established in 2013, the MCVA Cooperative addresses unemployment and food security issues in Tsheseng. The new equipment will enhance their potato planting operations, creating job opportunities for local youth throughout the agricultural production cycle.
• This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting rural development and sustainable agriculture, with the goal of boosting local economies and improving livelihoods in underserved communities.

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will visit Tsheseng Village in the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, Free State Province, on Thursday, 23 May, to deliver a significant boost to local agriculture. During her visit, Minister Zulu will hand over a tractor and potato planters valued at R1,147,056.90 to the MCVA Agriacomologitic Cooperative, an initiative funded by the National Development Agency (NDA).

MCVA Agriacomologitic Cooperative, established in 2013, is a registered agricultural cooperative with a mission to tackle unemployment and enhance rural food security in Tsheseng Village. The cooperative has successfully utilized the funds provided by the NDA to purchase a brand-new tractor, potato planters, and a harvester. This equipment is essential as they prepare for the upcoming potato planting season.

The impact of the MCVA project is far-reaching, with significant potential to generate job opportunities for the unemployed youth of Tsheseng and nearby villages. The cooperative’s activities span the entire production cycle, including land preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting, and packaging. Each stage of this process is expected to employ numerous individuals, thereby contributing to the local economy and enhancing food security in the region.

Minister Zulu’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting rural communities and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The provision of modern farming equipment is a crucial step in empowering cooperatives like MCVA to become self-sufficient and productive, ultimately improving the livelihoods of many families in the area.

The cooperative’s initiative aligns with broader national goals of reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth in rural regions. By investing in agricultural infrastructure and supporting local enterprises, the NDA and the Department of Social Development are playing a pivotal role in building resilient and prosperous communities.

The handover ceremony is anticipated to be a momentous occasion, marking a new chapter for MCVA and the residents of Tsheseng Village. It highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between government bodies and local organisations in driving positive change and creating sustainable development opportunities.