The National Development Agency NDA is joining the global community in commemorating the United Nations World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty days that speak directly to the agencys mandate to contribute towards the eradication of poverty in the country.
The month of October, which marks Social Development Month, seeks to review and strengthen social and development intervention programmes that mitigate challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Key to the commemorations is showcasing the role of civil society organisations in leading programmes that benefit communities, harnessing their skills and creating jobs.
The NDA said that a crucial aspect of this is the recognition of the importance of collaborative partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society organisations to yield results on progressive rural economic activities.
This year, World Food Day, marked annually on 16 October, takes place under the theme Hand in hand for better food and a better future. The theme underscores the need for collective action across sectors and generations to build a peaceful, sustainable, and food-secure world.
As part of its contribution, the NDA, which is an agency of the Department of Social Development, is supporting several initiatives that demonstrate the power of local action. One such project is the Tshilimagana Agricultural Cooperative in the Vhembe District, Limpopo, which has been engaged in crop farming since 2010.
With NDA grant funding, the cooperative has expanded into livestock farming, creating 64 permanent jobs, with employment rising to over 100 during peak seasons. The project supplies Tiger Brands with tomatoes to produce All Joy Tomato Sauce.
The NDA also highlighted the upcoming International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on 17 October, held under the theme: Ending social and institutional maltreatment by ensuring respect and effective support for families.
Through a partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the agency has bolstered operations at the Ivutomi Agricultural and Poultry Primary Cooperative in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
Funding support has enabled the construction of a dam for water storage, the installation of irrigation systems, electricity, an office, perimeter fencing, and the purchase of agricultural inputs and equipment.
The cooperative is also hosting 24 students from a nearby Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET college, providing them with much-needed practical skills in agriculture.