Pietermaritzburg - The Zulu Monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, has urged the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government to initiate programmes aimed at encouraging people to plough the land.
"By doing so, this will go a long way in feeding families and distributing nutritious food at low prices to those who battle to make ends meet in all the corners of the province," said King Zwelithini, officially opening the fourth session of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Thursday.
He said emerging farmers needed support from government in the form of seeds and farming infrastructure such as ploughs and tractors.
"I also wish that the government, especially the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, could convene a workshop for emerging farmers and those who are now commercial farmers can share and impart knowledge.
"This can help those who have just acquired their land to use it productively," he said.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive rural development strategy, linked to land and agrarian reform and food security, was listed as one of the top priorities on government's agenda when President Jacob Zuma delivered his State of the Nation Address last week.
King Zwelithini further said the provincial government owed its success in the past year to its partnership with community structures.
"It is important for the government to strengthen its relationship with the public. We recognize the role played by communities in bringing democracy and have no doubt that they will still play their huge role by working with government to fast track transformation in this province," he said.
Members of the public had the opportunity to watch the official opening and the King's address via a big screen outside the legislature building in Langalibalele Street.
Legislature speaker Neliswa Nkonyeni said the opening of the House marked the beginning of official business for the legislature for its fourth term.
Its first order of business will be to host the State of the Province Address by Premier Zweli Mkhize on 18 June at the Legislature Chamber.
"The State of the Province Address will set the tone of how our provincial government intends to deliver on its renewed mandate for the next five years," said Ms Nkonyeni.
