KwaZulu-Natal MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa has called on investors to invest in uMkhanyakude District as the next breadbasket of the country.

Speaking at the Business & Investment Gala Dinner on Thursday 22 October 2026 at uMfolozi Hotel Casino Convention Resort in eMpangeni, the MEC said the district with about 210 000 cattle needs its own feed factory, needs marula & macadamia factories, and tomorrow 23 October is launching Cotton in Jozini - a niche, drought-tolerant, high-value crop that's guaranteed of off-take markets globally.

"We are no longer the dumping ground. We are a District of Opportunity,” she said, emphasising that traditional leaders who govern 2.8 million hectares are key to One Plan, One Budget.