KZN farmers avert looming lockdown hunger crisis
"We are always looking for opportunities to bring about positive change and make a difference in our community"
KwaZulu-Natal farmers from various farming communities across the province responded last week to the desperate cries due to dwindling food supplies in local communities in their areas, following the nationwide lockdown.
Farmers from Mooi River, Ixopo, Highflats, Kokstad and Mount Currie all reacted swiftly by donating fresh and dry produce, seedlings and milk to surrounding rural communities.
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The farmers also partnered with local organisations, churches and local municipalities to provide essential supplies for over 4500 families.
Dairy farmers from Mooi River, Danone SA and the Upper Midlands Agricultural Transformation Initiative (uMATI), a non-profit organisation aimed at rapid transformation within the greater Mooi-Mpofana area, sought to assist the local relief and welfare agency called the Lighthouse Community Centre.
“We are always looking for opportunities to bring about positive change and make a difference in our community. We were able to provide Danone products to the Lighthouse Community Centre that will feed 1500 children daily,” said uMATI chairman and Danone farmer James Kean.
In the Ixopo area, farmers and partners identified the most vulnerable communities nearby. Working together, they sourced and put together food parcels which were then distributed door-to-door. Meanwhile, the neighbouring farming communities of Kokstad and Mount Currie also identified those in need in their communities.
This saw farmers donating 5000 bottles of milk, cabbages, tomatoes, maize, potatoes, fruit, as well as other fresh and dry produce which was collected, packaged and delivered door-to-door. This was also a joint effort together with various partners. Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque commended the efforts of these farmers during the lockdown period.
“The selflessness, rapid organisation and collaboration of these farmers is truly outstanding and pays testament to the generosity and strength of the relationships the farmers have with their local authorities and local communities. We are incredibly proud of the work these farmers are doing for those in need and look forward to seeing more projects like this for our nation’s benefit as a whole,” said Ms La Marque.
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