At least 40 West Rand farmers attended a business training and networking session at the Women Against Women and Child Abuse (WAWA) centre on National Women’s Day (Monday, August 9).
Portia Mahlobo, a representative of the iThemba Project, an organisation that facilitated the training for the men and women, said they were equipped with skills to farm better in the West Rand region and improve food security in communities.
This was also an opportunity to explore challenges they’re facing in the industry, especially dealing with the effects of Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions.
“We’ve been blessed to work together with our wonderful stakeholders such as WAWA, Ubuntu Project, Advanta Seeds and The Green Foundation as we work towards creating food systems that are transparent, inclusive and benefit everyone, including the consumers,” Mahlobo said.
WAWA centre manager Enrique Bhana said food security is so important during these times, and WAWA has a huge responsibility towards their beneficiaries and the communities they’re catering to.
“We celebrated our Women’s Day in an unusual way by hosting and empowering our farmers on the West Rand. We looked at plant and soil science, and ways these farmers can be helped by strengthening the economy while they grow their business enterprises,” said Bhana.
This was an opportunity for farmers to delve into matters they’re commonly challenged by.
Mahlobo said, “There is a wise saying, ‘If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people’, so we’re excited about the journey ahead of us on the West Rand.”
