Christmas came early for livestock and crop farmers of Imbali Unit 14 on 20 November 2023 in Pietermaritzburg, as the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) presented its multifaceted agricultural development plan devised to grow a thriving economy.

MEC Super Zuma held his first meeting with farmers in Ward 41 over a week ago, where challenges hindering progress were discussed at length. 

In response, DARD has introduced a livestock programme devised for genetic improvement. Beef bulls were handed over to the Msunduzi Livestock Association for this purpose. The Department provided farmers with machinery including tractors, which will be used at the Willowfountain grazing camp. Several households received seedlings, garden tools and extension services under the One Home One Garden Programme.

MEC Super Zuma said the province was facing high levels of poverty and unemployment, undesirable consequences of the past oppression.

“We are here in Msunduzi to end all this through agriculture and we are building a legacy for our children,” said MEC Zuma.

MEC Zuma further raised concern over stock theft in the province, saying the government was working towards having a special identification mark for each District which would make recovery easier for farmers. 

The Msunduzi Livestock Association chairperson, Simphiwe Miya, expressed indebtedness to the Department saying local farmers were faced with constant challenges as their livestock was often sold at a loss. However, now that the Department had provided bulls for genetic improvement, farmers were guaranteed a profit. 

“The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has proven that they care about us. We extend our gratitude to MEC Zuma. Uyindoda uhulumeni,” said Miya. 

Umgungundlovu District Mayor, Councillor Muziwokuthula Zuma, praised the Department for its dedication to the District Development Programme which had brought change to countless KZN families. 

He urged Imbali residents to work hand in hand with the department saying that MEC Super Zuma had proven that the community and their needs were a priority as he had returned with interventions ten days after the first meeting with farmers and the community.  

“We are working towards the betterment of the lives of our people but this also requires you as the community, to commit yourselves and to leave no room for laziness. 

Phambili ngezolimo, phambili ngokutshala, phambili ngemfuyo, phansi ngobuvila,” said Councillor Zuma. 

Pietermaritzburg Mayor, Councillor Mzi Thebolla, said the day was a special one for the residents of Imbali. 

“If we want our lives to change, it is important that we work together. It is our collective responsibility to end poverty and work towards food security and this we can achieve. We are a responsible government and we are grateful for MEC Super Zuma’s dedication and hard work,” said Thebolla.

The KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has ongoing communal investment infrastructure programmes under Msunduzi Local Municipality. 

Two dip tanks - Khoti and KwaNube, are under construction. A new service provider has been appointed for the Empushini dip tank and another for the Zayeka cattle crush pen.