Caption: Mpumalanga DARDLEA MEC, Khethiwe Moeketsi, speaking during the Indaba
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Leaders from across South Africa gathered at Indaba Lemo Green Park in Bloemfontein for the National Integrated Rural Development Indaba with one shared goal to make sure rural communities are no longer left behind.
The Indaba brought together government, traditional and Khoisan institutions, business, academia, organised labour, and civil society to strengthen collaboration on building inclusive, productive and sustainable rural areas.
Mpumalanga was part of the conversation, reaffirming its commitment to placing rural development at the centre of the province’s economic growth, food security, service delivery, and social transformation agenda.
Mpumalanga MEC for DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Khethiwe Moeketsi, was one of the speakers during the Indaba. MEC Moeketsi said the engagements reaffirmed what many rural leaders have long said: real progress starts when people on the ground have access to roads, markets, water, and opportunities.
“ As we conclude the Indaba, we remain committed to translating the discussions and resolutions into practical implementation that delivers meaningful change in the lives of our people.
“ We continue to prioritise rural infrastructure development, agricultural growth, support for SMMEs(Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises) and cooperatives, youth and women empowerment, and improved access to basic services and economic opportunities,” said MEC Moeketsi.
The MEC cited the need to work together, in the quest to continue building vibrant and resilient rural communities because when rural communities rise, the nation rises.
The Indaba ended with a renewed pledge to work across sectors and across government spheres to ensure that rural development moves from policy papers into homes, fields, and small businesses across the country.
Other distinguished speakers during the event included South African Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, amongst others.
