Local farmers get title deed and vehicles

GEORGE NEWS - Local farmers eventually reached the light at the end of the tunnel when they received title deeds to farmland as well as equipment on Sunday afternoon, 18 September.

During the official handover at Thembalethu Stadium in George, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural development, Mcebisi Skwatsha, told George Herald: "Today is better than yesterday, tomorrow will be better than today."

In attendance were Brakkerkloof Farmers, Mossel Bay Black Farmers Association (Mafu), Lasarus Game Farm, Mossel Bay Small-scale Farmers and Thembalethu Farmers.

Mafu received the title deed of their agricultural land, as well as a bakkie, while Thembalethu Farmers received a new tractor. Brakkerkloof Farms also went home with a new vehicle.

Thembalethu Farmers chairperson, Mhlozayo Gulwa, welcomed the deputy minister and emphasised that working together as farmers is very important.

Nomncedisi Tyhalithi, a farmer from Zone 6 in Silver Town, told George Herald she started a vegetable garden in 2004 to provide for her family. She then saw a gap in the food market, and is now selling her fresh vegetables in her neighbourhood with the help of her family.

Mafu farmers representatives Vuyiswa Skoen, Nico Lerm and Sonette Lerm at the new bakkie they received.

Nomncedisi Tyhalithi (left), a local farmer from Thembalethu, sharing her story with Garden Route TV presenter Bonelwa Marali.

Nico Lerm of Mafu said he believes in diversity among the staff and ascribed the success of Mafu farmers to their own diversity.

They recently invited President Cyril Ramaphosa to their farm and hope he will come. They also looked forward to sharing their game farm's beauty with Skwatsha as well.

Skwatsha said the department is also supporting farmers in the West Coast region and Riversdale area. He said farmers responded when they were invited to apply for help during Covid in 2020 and this is now paying off.

MAFU farmers receiving their title deed.