“In alignment with the objectives of the 2023–24 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the session sought to broaden the region’s economic participation and reverse the growing unemployment trend,” the municipality said in a statement.
The difficulties that small-scale farmers encounter were at the centre of the discussion, which gave local farmers a platform to propose approaches for future interventions by the municipality that would alleviate shortcomings, which include a lack of resources, land availability, greenhouses, and irrigation systems.
Addressing the farmers, Mayor Dube placed significant emphasis on the pivotal role that the youth play or should play in the agricultural sector.
“We acknowledge the struggles faced by street vendors in acquiring work permits and encouraged them to make visits to the municipal LED Office to seek information and assistance on compliance matters,” he said.
The Speaker of Council, Cllr. uMntwana T.M. Zulu used the platform to encourage farmers to expand their operations by penetrating the commercial market, where they can sell larger quantities to increase their profit margins.
The session concluded with Mayor Dube proposing collaboration between the municipality and key players to ensure tangible progress in the region’s agricultural development.
Mayor Dube concluded by invoking the spirit of unity with the well-known quote umuntu ngumuntu ngabantuand encouraged farmers to participate in the fresh produce market on December 3.
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