Small-Scale Grower Cane Development Project – a multi-million rand project introduced by Illovo Sugar South Africa to the local community on the South Coast has created over 860 sustainable jobs while empowering women to participate in the rural economy.
Last week, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thokozile Didiza visited the project site in Sezela where she witnessed the development of 3 000 hectares of cane on communal land by small-scale growers.
The National Treasury’s Job Fund contributed R63-million to this project which was then matched with another R63-million by Illovo Sugar.
Najwa Allie-Edries, head of the job fund commended Illovo Sugar for reducing barriers for emerging farmers.
The funding has allowed 119 local contractors to increase the supply of sugarcane to Illovo’s undersupplied Sezela factory by doubling the original 150 000 tonnes per annum.
“The contribution of black commercial farmers in the country’s agricultural economy was still low and these low levels of inclusion call for intervention from both the government and other stakeholders in driving inclusive growth,” said Minister Didiza.
“We need more public-spirited players like Illovo Sugar who are willing to work with government to leverage our resources in the commercialisation of black farmers, while we ensure that we give meaningful support to those who are beneficiaries of land reform,” she said.
Illovo Sugar’s managing director, Mamongae Mahlare, said the project shows the potential that exists for partnerships between businesses and their host communities on the one hand, and government on the other to reduce poverty and stimulate economic activity.
“We could not have achieved this level of success alone. The confidence of the job funds which met us halfway with concessional funding, and the support of other stakeholders including the SA Canegrowers’ Association and the South African Farmers’ Development Association have been integral to this revolutionary project.”
“In three years, the collaborative multi-stakeholder approach has resulted in 1 704 growers being given the opportunity to develop cane on their land.”
This project has created direct jobs in rural communities, implemented socioeconomic and enterprise development initiatives and allows communities to share farming and business skills.
“By leveraging on the built capabilities and securing a spot in the Illovo Sugar value chain, communities will earn upwards of R80-million in income annually,” added Ms Mahlare.
One of the small-scale growers Malangeni resident, Nomanesi Ngcobo had to take on her late husband’s role with sugarcane growing.
“The project came at a crucial time for us because the Malangeni area had run out of sugarcane and many growers were struggling. Sugarcane farming is our bread and butter – it allows us to pay for our children’s education.” she explained.
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