The KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr. Thamsanqa Ntuli, together with the MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, handed over two tractors to the AmaZulu King, Misuzulu KaZwelithini, which will be used for mechanization programmes in Nongoma and uPhongolo. The handover took place on Monday 29 May 2026 at the eMashobeni Royal Palace within the Pongola Local Municipality.

MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said this forms part of the Premier's call to turn rural plains into thriving green crop and vegetable fields and gardens. She said the handover of the two tractors which will be used by the King and agricultural cooperatives operating in Nongoma and Pongola will boost crop yields and address food insecurity.

"This is in response to the General Household Survey report, which revealed that Zululand is one of the leading districts whose households suffer extreme hunger. The tractors are part of a 24-fleet procured earlier this year to address food security through mechanisation and help indigent people, particularly those in rural areas," said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.