Mnquma Local Municipality executive mayor, Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa, attended an information day session hosted by the East Cape Nguni Club (ECNC) held at Nombanjana, Centane, on June 3, to reaffirm the municipality’s commitment and support for farming and other agricultural activities as one of the solutions in addressing the challenges of poverty and unemployment in our area.
Large numbers of livestock owners from the surrounding villages attended the event, where they learnt about the benefits of investing in this indigenous cattle breed, which according to the organisers, has evolved over centuries.
The Nguni breed has developed a strong resistance to tick-borne diseases and adverse weather phenomena, positioning it as a popular breed of choice among commercial and subsistence farmers.
The breed is also valued for its quality meat and milk production.
After listening to speeches and asking pertinent questions affecting their lives, local farmers won prizes ranging from handmade (Nguni hide) bags and briefcases, to animal medication which includes wound and disease treatment and multi-minerals.
Apart from Centane being considered as a fertile agricultural “green belt” which runs along the Wild Coast, the site of the Information Day was chosen by livestock farmer and additional member of the ECNC, Njongo Faleni.
The ECNC’s executive members are: Phumelele Kwayimani (chairperson), Lowell Scarr (deputy chairperson), Gordon Geddie (secretary), Andries du Preez (treasurer), Professor Theo Maqashalala, Njngo Faleni and Pat Hobbs.
