Dear Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development,


In the past few years the community of Lumani A/A (Gxwalubomvu Custorm Feed) was extremely excited to receive then Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Hon. Gugile Nkwinti who was there for the official opening of the custom feed.

The project has managed to bring about change amongst the emerging farmers though there were challenges from inception. The three spheres of government were able to eliminate some of the challenges by bringing in the desired improvements. Whilst the communities were beginning to embrace the project the problem around feed shortage remained prevalent. As a result more or less than 40 cattle have died during the lifespan of the project. But it needs to be emphasized that wherever government delivers sufficient feed its all smiles to the beneficiaries.

Recently we have received information that the employees have not received their salaries for the month of October 2019. The National Agricultural Marketing Council has advised us that this is a national problem caused by non-availability of funds. We are told that the department did not budget for both feed and personnel for 2019/20 f/y as NAMC was never meant to manage projects.

As community members we are extremely disturbed to hear the sad news and we are asking ourselves at lot of questions without answers.

Is it possible for our government (pioneer of participatory democracy) to take such a decision (not to fund the NRMDP sites) without engaging the affected communities / beneficiaries?

Is it possible for our government fresh from bruising elections to be shedding work opportunities without engaging contracted workers?

Is it possible for our government to drop us (poor communities) like this though we were beginning to witness service delivery on our door steps?

It is my sincere appeal to the Committee to ensure that there is sufficient participation of the affected communities regarding the future of the programme. If it was the error on the part of NAMC to implement the project that can not be a reason to punish poor communities.

As the surrounding communities we remain committed to this project. Our request to our government has been the fencing of the mealie fields currently producing maize meal, assistance with a tractor, mixer, bailer, hammer mill and the necessary implements so that we are able to produce our own feed and run the project without dependence from government.

NB: Please note that the same content has been forwarded to the Office of the National Minister and is handled by Mr Andile Hawes; Deputy Director General. He has promised to investigate how the sites were established from then Dpt of LR & RD. That will be followed by a site visit but there are no timelines.

I have also spoke to Dr Ngetu and Ms Masoma; Agri - business Development Senior Manager; NAMC who indicated that it seems as if the current Minister has blocked the funding for the programme. But discussions are on-going with the Director General on the matter.

Relief sought:

1. Immediate payment of the salaries of employees.
2. Immediate delivery of sufficient feed.
3. Complete construction of the facilities.
4. Continued support of the programme until hander - over to the communities.

It is against this background that your good office is kindly requested to visit the community so that we can be able to share our best experiences as well as challenges and proposals.

The intention is for the Committee to save the projects in our rural and poor province.

We therefore appeal to the Committee to continue supporting the projects through its oversight responsibility by ensuring that a sustainable solution is found.

Awaiting your positive response.


Regards

Sakhumzi Njotini (Mr)

Cell Number: 071 685 0437

12 Malin Street
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