Durban - A landmark rural development Initiative, the brainchild of President Jacob Zuma, has been launched at the Mnyakanya High School- KwaNxamalala, in Nkandla.
In 2000, Zuma urged local communities to start an agricultural project which produces staple diet crops, maize, sorghum and dry beans.
On Sunday, the President after meeting with the traditional leaders, made a firm commitment to support the Nkandla and Mlalazi Rural Development Community initiative.
The main aim of the project is to fight hunger and malnutrition which has gripped the communities.
The initiative has been established within 11 AmaKhosi areas under the jurisdiction of Nkandla and uMlalazi local municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.
The project covers 550 hectares of land which is utilised for purely agricultural cropping activities, particularly food crops.
The participants own the pieces of land that will be combined together, ploughed and planted in a one-block system at a standard size of 50 hectare per area.
The Nkandla and Mlalazi project seeks to encourage support and increase community participation in agriculture particularly in ensuring food security, job creation, community development and rural development. It is supported by both government and the private sector.
Zuma donated two tractors to the community, while a further nine with implements were sponsored by businessmen, including tycoon Patrice Motsepe.
The provincial Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development will provide training and mentorship support to participants of the initiative.
The launch also drew a lot of attention from business people who demonstrated a lot of zeal to help and empower rural communities.
