In the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing the government’s plan for land expropriation, the mayor of Ekurhuleni has announced that in the upcoming financial year 80 farms will be released to commercial farmers.
This is also for the purpose of development of small farmers.
Mayor Mzwandile Masina made this announcement during the State of the City Address on Tuesday, March 27.
“Our agriculture strategy is underpinned by a policy of availing land, providing seeds and implements as well as support for market access especially for emerging farmers.”
He also said that the metro has committed R12-b to procure from 2 000 local entrepreneurs.
“We are certain many local entrepreneurs will benefit and have also aligned our EPWP Policy to ensure that no less than 30 per cent of projects value are localised to the ward and/or area where the projects are implemented to ensure that local labourers are employed and local businesses are supported,” said Masina.
“With the aim of encouraging entrepreneurship and assisting with technical expertise for young people to build sustainable and profitable businesses cooperatives, to date 102 contractors have been allocated work amounting to R102-m.”
