Health MEC makes surprise dagga bust in Dannhauser area
Simelane made a statement regarding the start of the multiplanting season, stating that it was time for people to stop viewing farming as a "dirty job for uneducated people."
Four bags of dagga seized from a taxi was the surprise ‘catch of the day’ for KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, who was in Dannhauser to help man a roadblock, visit an agricultural project, fix potholes and give advice on health concerns.
Simelane’s swing through the Dannhauser district started with a visit to the Phithiza Farming Agricultural Co-Operative, which grows soya beans and mealies. They employ 27 people.
During their engagement with the MEC, the farm operators expressed appreciation for the support they receive from the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD).
However, they did voice their concern about the intermittent water supply – which the MEC sought to take up there and then.
She asked local Mayor Bongani Radebe, as well as DARD officials, to intervene. The MEC went on to plant some soya and mealie seeds herself using agricultural implements and also the farm tractor. Commenting on the launch of the multi-planting season, Simelane said it was high time that people changed their attitudes about farming being a ‘dirty job for uneducated people’.
“That’s what many people seem to think. Through this planting season initiative we are launching in this district, we want to instil the view that there is gold in the soil. We want them to know that not only can they feed their families by planting crops, but they can grow their operations and end up trading as farmers.”
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