NDZINGENI – Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development David Ngcamphalala and Minister of Agriculture Jabulani Mabuza have jointly launched a E1.1 million feedlot project at Ntsanjeni, Ndzingeni, in the Hhohho Region. The project has been funded through the Regional Development Fund and belongs to a 28-member local farmers’ cooperative.
According to the Government Twitter page, Ntsanjeni Farmers’ Cooperative will also receive a brand new truck that they will use to transport the livestock, as part of the grant. Currently, there are 103 cattle at the feedlot.
Speaking during the launch, Minister Ngcamphalala said, “What is interesting is that all 28 members of the association are unemployed farmers of this community. This then augurs well with the aspirations of the RDF, which is to alleviate poverty. However, they have been able to raise the mandatory 10 percent of the project which was both in cash and in kind.”
Minister Ngcamphalala noted that the Ministry emphasises on the need to prioritise income generating projects such as this one with the view to quicken the eradication of poverty at grassroots level. He vowed that they will continue as a Ministry to implore MPs, Regional Administrators, Regional Secretaries, Tinkhundla Committees, local chiefs, development committees, community development officers and the Microprojects Unit to work hard in ensuring that the fund effectively plays its role as a key vehicle in achieving the much cherished His Majesty’s vision for a developed Eswatini.
Echoing Minister Ngcamphalala’s words, Minister Mabuza said, “Government has always undertaken to foster development in communities by funding many developmental projects like feedlots, dipping tanks, schools and bridges, to name but a few. This has grown to be known as the Regional Development Fund. I am so excited to learn that this important facility has come into existence with the generous support of the RDF. The funds dedication and determination to support the livestock sector and the country’s economy has been demonstrated in a number of ways, amongst which is this feedlot facility today.”
Minister Mabuza promised that The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to support beef production and its value chain through provision of livestock production and veterinary services. He added that These services are available in all the four regions of the country and further encouraged farmers to seek training and advice on feedlotting, animal health, livestock marketing and other fields in beef production.
Ntsanjeni Chairman George Magongo also showed an appreciation of the project during the launch. He said, “As Ntsanjeni Farmers Cooperatives, we are so excited that today we reached this point. We are a relatively new cooperative formed in April last year. Our vision is to be the biggest feedlot in the country, and also open our own abattoir.”
Since 2015, the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development has provided grants valued at over E11.4 million to 27 projects under Ndzingeni Inkhundla through the Regional Development Fund.
