In a strong show of support for agriculture and rural development, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) officially launched the 2025/26 Agri-Park Cropping Season at Sigidi Village, Ward 28, under the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality.
The event, held under the theme “Building the Economy through Agriculture in the Year of Baphethuxolo Alfred Nzo”, brought together farmers, local leaders, government departments, and private stakeholders to celebrate the beginning of the new farming season and the ongoing transformation of the agricultural sector.
The program focused on several key goals:
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Marking the official start of the new cropping season
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Empowering farmers with support and knowledge
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Showcasing the sweet potato as a strategic, high-value crop for the region
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Strengthening food security and the local economy
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Promoting partnerships between government, traditional leadership, private sector, and farmers
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Raising awareness of the Agri-Park’s role in creating sustainable livelihoods
During his keynote address, the Executive Mayor of ANDM, Cllr. Vukile Mhlelembana, emphasized the importance of land use for income generation and poverty reduction. “As leaders, we must ensure that we assist farmers with available resources in developing their land,” he stated. He also called on educators to instill agricultural knowledge in learners, helping to foster a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs.
The Agri-Park initiative will support 24 farmers across the district’s four local municipalities in the 2025/26 financial year. Sweet potatoes were highlighted as a key crop with significant potential for value chain development and market access.
The event drew a wide range of participants, including local business owners showcasing their products, the Mayor of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, local councillors, officials from the Department of Agriculture, Alfred Nzo Development Agency (ANDA), ECDC, Animeds, Siyazisiza Trust, and community farmers.
Expected outcomes of the program include increased visibility of the Agri-Park initiative, enhanced job creation, improved livelihood opportunities, and a renewed focus on agriculture as a powerful tool for economic development in Alfred Nzo District.
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