Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane has, on August 26, handed over farming equipment to the value of R900 000 to Mnyolo Heights Farm in Ugie, through the provincial government’s Isiqalo Youth Fund.
The farm is a 100% black female youth-owned vegetable and livestock production business, which is owned by Aneza Mandini (30).
Implements handed over included a tractor, fertiliser spreader and ripper, along with other equipment.
“I am very excited, happy and grateful for what is happening today because it is contributing to the vision I have always had of doing something towards ensuring food security and creating employment opportunities for many unemployed graduates, especially in the field of agriculture,” Mandini said during the handover.
“Over the years, I have been hiring tractors and other things to keep the farm going, without thinking about profit, but with the hope that one day my dream of being a fully-fledged farmer would be realised.
“Today, it is the realisation of that dream,” Mandini added.
Mandini, who is currently studying towards her PhD in agricultural science, took over the 165ha farm from her father.
“We are encouraged at seeing young farmers, like Mandini, who are committed to agriculture, as we want to place the Eastern Cape as the main contributor to food security.
“We are also buoyed by the contribution her farming business is making towards creating employment for other young people,” said Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane.
“It warms my heart that Aneza Mandini of Mnyolo Heights Farm is now a fullyfledged farmer who owns her equipment,” Mabuyane added.
The Isiqalo Youth Fund seeks to create a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs through provision of financial and non-financial support.
This is done to enable them to become active participants in the stimulation of the economy of the Eastern Cape.
