Honorable Cllr W.M. Ntshangase, the esteemed Mayor of Ulundi, has undertaken a remarkable initiative that involves the distribution of 240 goats to uplift the community. In a thoughtful gesture, he allocated 10 goats to each of the 24 wards within Ulundi, indicating a profound commitment to the welfare of the region. This initiative has seen substantial financial investment, with close to R1 million being dedicated to its success.
Mayor Ntshangase emphasized that these goats are not just livestock for traditional farming; they hold a significant role in cultural rituals and practices, making them a great business venture for the cooperatives. These goats are expected to provide economic benefits to the cooperatives and a good start in goat farming and means of sustainability within the community and thus improve the local economy of Ulundi in particular.
To ensure that the beneficiaries do not merely divide the goats among themselves, the Mayor’s office took a strategic approach. They facilitated the creation of cooperatives with more than 12 members each, supplying each cooperative with one male goat and nine female goats. This approach promotes breeding and multiplication, with regular monitoring to ensure the growth of their livestock. Goats are particularly suitable for this program as they have the capability to give birth twice a year, making them an economically viable choice to boost the rural community’s economy.
In an effort to further support local farmers, the Ulundi Municipality has collaborated with the Zululand District Municipality to provide essential water resources for cow dips. This partnership extends to assisting cow farmers, as they aim to ensure that all 116 cow dips have access to water. The municipality plans to equip each dipping station with two JoJo tanks to meet this critical need. Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers in sourcing dip chemicals, the municipality intends to engage the Department of Agriculture for assistance. This strategic move will help alleviate the financial burden on farmers, as they often have to travel long distances to acquire these essential chemicals.
Mayor Ntshangase also offered valuable advice to the cooperatives, encouraging them to put their training to good use. All cooperatives have received training on how to effectively manage their farming businesses, a crucial step in maintaining and expanding their ventures. The Mayor emphasized that this initiative is not a one-time effort but rather part of an ongoing commitment to grow the local economy and empower the community to achieve self-sufficiency.
The Ulundi Mayor’s dedication to improving the lives of rural communities through innovative agricultural and cultural preservation initiatives highlights the potential for local governments to drive positive change and foster economic growth. With these strategic steps, Ulundi is poised for a brighter, more prosperous future.
