By Sikhulile Dlamini
SITEKI – People of Lugongolweni Inkhundla yesterday (Wednesday, June 12, 2024) witnessed a hand-over of three projects under the Regional Development Fund (RDF) through the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development.
These projects cost over E3 million and they include a procured tractor loader backhoe (TLB) for Matsetsa 1 Multipurpose, a chicken shed with chicks, medication and feed for Lamvusi Multipurpose and a tractor with farm implements for Sibovini Farmers.
Towards the project realisation, Matsetsa 1 Multipurpose contributed E188 386.70 as 10 percent which was both in cash and in kind. Matsetsa 1 Multipurpose Chairman Elias Gwebu highlighted that it was difficult to contribute the money, but they had to make sacrifices for the success of obtaining the TLB.
“Despite the challenges, getting the TLB has changed our lives by generating income for our families and assisting in food security through farming. We are grateful to the RDF and to our Inkhundla for such an initiative,” Gwebu said.
Chairperson of Sibovini Farmers, Sindi Gina stated that they started this association with a membership of 14 people for feeding their families. However, they were informed about the RDF and they saw it fit to apply so that they could make an income-generating project. She further said that this had benefited the Sibovini community, as it has created jobs for some.
“We have hired three people through this association which are, the driver of the tractor, security guard and office clerk. They have been able to feed their families through this project,” Gina said.
Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini graced the event and he applauded KaLanga Chief Jozane Maziya and Lugongolweni Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Souza for their great leadership in assisting the community to develop. He pointed out how the people of Lugongolweni were seen to be developing due to their leaders’ commitment in assisting them.
