KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has urged organisations providing care for children, the elderly and people with disabilities to engage in self-sustainable agricultural activities. kaMadlopha-Mthethwa visited the eNduduzweni Health Care Centre for the Disabled in uMlazi, south of Durban, on the 25th February 2025, where she encouraged the centre to cultivate vegetables and ensure self-sufficiency in food production. The centre received seedling packs and production inputs, including hand hoes and watering cans. This initiative aims to address food insecurity. kaMadlopha-Mthethwa and her leadership team participated in cultivating the centre's land for a vegetable garden.
"Once we have distributed these packs, we expect the occupants of this centre to develop and make this centre self-sustainable in producing its own vegetables. Our agricultural advisory teams will provide guidance on farming, including the use of small spaces," said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
The second programme, held at the uMlazi Cinema Community Hall W Section, benefited 500 people with seedling packs.
The initiative to promote agriculture in the sprawling township of uMlazi, encouraged scores of people to utilise innovative ideas for planting in small spaces. "Agricultural innovation and urban farming, including vertical farming, are crucial in addressing food insecurity. With 282 million people or 20% of Africa's population facing food insecurity and undernutrition, it is imperative for policymakers and industry experts to develop strategies to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich," said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
The MEC also emphasised the importance of vaccinating pets. Following the deaths of three children bitten by rabid dogs in uMlazi last year, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa urged communities to protect the Department's Veterinary Services staff, whose vehicles have been hijacked while conducting vaccinations.
