MMC Mpho Phalatse urges Joburg residents to take an interest in farming

The MMC for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg Dr Mpho Phalatse is calling on Johannesburg residents to take an interest in farming.

The MMC said Johannesburg residents could learn to grow their own food through the newly launched  Urban Agricultural initiative.

“Food security is a problem in Johannesburg. There are people who go to bed hungry so we teach people how to feed themselves and how to grow their own food,” said Phalatse.

“Some people then become interested in the commercial side of farming and so we also have to go into the business of farming. There are food expos. We go from one region to the next and the aim is to showcase what we do. There’s also an opportunity for these people to network amongst themselves.”

However, the MMC is aware of the challenges many agricultural entrepreneurs are facing in the city. She added that the City was committed to helping the community with the necessary support they needed.

“Getting access to land in farming remains a challenge. Not all land is owned by the City. Some land in the city is privately owned. We need to educate people more on how to approach spheres of government if you need land.

“In Johannesburg, we have Joburg Property Company (JPC), they are the custodian of the land. Anybody who wants to purchase or lease land would need to do it through JPC. Most people aren’t aware of that.”

Phalatse said lack of resources could be a deterrent to some people who were interested in farming or were already in farming.

“Some people own farms but they do not have fencing around their farming communities, some don’t have boreholes. They are asking the government to assist them.

“Government is not going to buy resources for farmers but what it will rather do is to connect them with funders we have on our database.”

The MMC also called on residents to visit opportunity centres in their communities for information

“If people want to start their own businesses, they should interact with different departments within the City… They should seek whatever assistance they desire whether to apply for funding, how to put together a business plan and how to help your business grow.”

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