WILLOWVALE– The Nqabarha community gathered in Lubhelu Village at Nqabara in Willowvale on 13 October 2025 for a cattle handover ceremony and community engagement programme, marking a significant milestone in the region’s agricultural development.
Hosted by the Nqabarha Co-operative in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Mbhashe Local Municipality and Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture the event highlighted the transformative power of public-private partnerships in boosting rural livelihoods.
The Nqabarha Farm, a flagship agricultural initiative in the region, secured funding worth R350 000 from the ECDC’s Imvaba Cooperative Fund. These funds have been used to acquire approximately twenty cattle(20) that were sponsored by ECDC, veterinary supplies and essential farming equipment aimed at advancing livestock production in the area.
Taking the podium Mbhashe Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Samkelo Janda applauded the growing footprint of the programme. “I am truly pleased to see how this initiative is being strengthened. What we are working towards in Mbhashe is ensuring that such programmes exist in every area so that we can see visible and measurable results,” said Cllr Janda.
Mayor further added, “It is encouraging to now hear that this initiative is active in Xhorha, Lurhwayizo, Nqabarha and Mboya.”
Delivering the keynote address, MEC for Eastern Cape Department Economic Development Enviroment Affairs and Tourism Nonkqubela Pieters emphasised the critical role of skills development and innovation in achieving sustainable growth.
“As government, we are prioritising skills development because no economy can grow if people do not have the necessary skills. When we invest in people, they are able to use the natural resources at their disposal to create opportunities,” said MEC Peters. She also underscored the importance of embracing modern agricultural technologies.
“There are irrigation systems now that you can control from your phone while sitting at home. Developers are creating devices to help track your cattle’s location. We must protect our environment and ensure we live in clean and sustainable surroundings.”
Furthmore Veterinarian Nande Dukwe, a resident from Mpume location, provided practical guidance on animal health and encouraged farmers to seek veterinary support to improve livestock quality. “I’m committed to sharing my skills and training our youth on proper vaccination and animal care,” said Dukwe.
In addition one of the members of Nqabarha Farm Co-operative, Sindisa Dunga, expressed his appreciation for the support received.
“These cattle will help us to accelerate the transformation of the agricultural economy in rural areas. It will enable the Farm to expand its offering beyond just supporting local, emerging farmers and community members, but also service external markets like abattoirs and feedlots. This will further open up trading opportunities for local CO-OPS and households who will supply maize for the production of animal feed,” emphasized Dunga.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of unity and shared purpose among stakeholders, reinforcing a collective vision for agricultural advancement, youth empowerment and sustainable environmental practices in the Mbhashe region.
Photographs: supplied
