In keeping up with her promise to the Mkhondo Women in Agriculture and Rural Development, the MEC for Mpumalanga DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Khethiwe Moeketsi, has delivered 4750lt water tanks to be distributed amongst 19 municipal wards under the Mkhondo Local Municipality.
Caption: MEC Moeketsi(right) planting seeds during the ceremony
According to DARDLEA the MEC was honouring a promise she made during the Taking the Legislature to the People feedback session held in Mkhondo two weeks ago. The donation is reportedly earmarked for sustainable food security in the area.
“ Delivering the 4750lt water tanks is part of the Women Empowerment in Food Security initiative, which aims to empower women in agriculture and promote food security as Women’s Month draws to an end.
Caption: The water tanks donated by DARDLEA
“ The beneficiaries include women in Amsterdam, wherein MEC Moeketsi also encouraged them to plant trees to help mitigate the effects of climate change. The local women are involved in mixed farming activities,” said DARLEA.
Additionally, a water tank and Smart Agriculture Boxes were donated to Alfa and Omega Private School, which offers agriculture as a subject.
“ The day’s activities included a stop over and a walkabout at the newly built One Stop Centre block of offices near Eziphunzini, where DARDLEA offices are now based,” said DARDLEA.
One of the beneficiaries from Eziphunzini Section in Ward 13, Buyisile Dlamini, in said the donation by the MEC and DARDLEA will play a pivotal role in benefiting the elderly and orphans in her community.
“ We are very grateful to receive this donation because it will also allow us to assist during funerals. We will also be able to sell our produce and use the money to reinvest in our projects. We hope that this gesture will encourage other women in the community to join us,” said Dlamini.
Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included; Mkhondo Executive Mayor, Inkosi Mthethwa from the Madabukela Royal House and Headmen from Mahlaphahlapha and Ogenyaneni Traditional Houses, amongst others.
