LIMPOPO – The minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, expressed her gratitude and described the Masia Development Agency project at Masia village in Vhembe district as a splendid initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and unemployment through agricultural activities.
Didiza visited the Masia Development Agency last Tuesday and promised a re-visit with other senior management officials including the accounting officer who is the director-general of the department.
The agency is a structure of the traditional council, and thus far it has launched a skills development programme with the National Skills Funds (NSF).
This programme involves skills-teaching to 300 learners and is set to run for two years.
The visit provided some insight into the programme, among which the utilisation of 10 hectares that have been allocated for learners’ practical lessons, and to monitor progress.
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According to agency managing director Ipfi Masia, they planted chillies, cabbages, potatoes and sweet potatoes.
He said the project has tremendous growth potential and the agency seeks to replicate the project in 16 other villages under Masia.
“We want the project to a beacon for other areas so the communities can provide food security for themselves. The purpose of the minister’s visit was to invite her to be witness to the success of the project and to show her where we plan to go from there, as the future is looking bright and promising for our community,” Masia concluded.
