……36 members form Cooperative get E1.2 million from RDF
BY OWETHU DLAMINI
NKAMANZI– Excitement as RDF created business opportunities for the people of Nkamanzi.
Ululating whistles accompanied by dances was the order of the day on Wednesday at Nkamanzi under the Ndzingeni Constituency when the residents welcomed a herd of 47 cows plus livestock medication and feed to start a feedlot business under the Rural Development Fund (RDF).
The first-of-its kind feedlot in the area will see the residents of Nkamanzi trying their luck in the meat industry during the festive season – a program that is expected to generate an income for many families here.
Already, some established meat companies have shown interest in working with the new kids on the block.
This publication has established that the project, which is government sponsored, has cost E1.2 million.
Mphumelelo Ginindza, Bucopho of Nkamanzi, said the residents benefited from RDF after they formed the Buhlebetfu Cooperative which has 36 members.
He said after forming the cooperative, the members then applied for the funding in which the business plan was to start a feed lot.
They stated in their proposal that the feedlot would become a great opportunity in bringing business to the community.
In response, Ginindza disclosed that government, through RDF program, approved the application hence the cooperative received the cattle.
In addition, the cooperative also received livestock veterinary equipment for the cattle plus cow feed.
Ginindza explained that the cow feed will help the farmers produce best beef or cows that will compete in the market.
Ginindza also mentioned that the residents of the Nkamanzi community took the initiative of building the feedlot.
“The members of the community are honestly excited and happy about this project as they had been waiting for the initiation of it for a while. As we speak, they are already on-site watching over the cattle and feeding them,” said Ginindza.
According to Science Direct, a feedlot business looks into growing and/or fattening cattle until they reach slaughter weight.
