It was no ordinary Friday in Ugu District on the 3^rd of May 2024 as families opened doors to their new homes and Amakhosi gathered to receive bulls for the purpose of improving genetics of rural cattle. MEC for KZN Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Super Zuma, returned to hand over bulls to Amakhosi from seven traditional authorities and livestock infrastructure to farmers within Ugu and Harry Gwala Districts.

He visited a number of farming projects and these were proved with boreholes, fencing material, tractors and animal handling facilities. The MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mr Sipho Nkosi, was also in the area to hand over keys to brand new homes and to launch housing projects worth R424 million in KwaJali and KwaMachi. MEC Nkosi said 6 projects with 350 homes each would be complete in January and occupation would happen immediately after.

He introduced 6 contractors who have been appointed for the construction projects and urged them to work speedily as families had suffered long enough. “Our people deserve decent housing. We will start with those who are in desperate need and provide them with their homes. The provision of housing is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty,” said MEC Nkosi.

MEC Zuma said the provincial government had made great strides and would continue to improve the quality of life and economic wellbeing of farmers in the rural areas. He said the 14 bulls donated to Amakhosi was another step toward growing rural economies. “We have handed Amakhosi the bulls and they have in turn, committed to providing a combined 2000 hectares of land which we will use to implement some of our comprehensive programmes,” said MEC Zuma.

Inkosi Machi said he was appreciative of the continuous efforts made by the provincial government to uplift rural communities. Inkosi highlighted the expensive food prices and encouraged his people to start growing vegetables. “What our government has provided today will go a long away in preventing hunger. We have to multiply what has been given to us and grow our economy. Over and above the bulls, we have received farming implements, so let us work to make a profit,” said Inkosi Machi.