MEC urges youth to fight poverty
'I am pleased to see that there are young people who are willing to feed the nation'
KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Themba Mthembu has appealed to young people to use their energy to tackle the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequalities head-on.
Mthembu was speaking to the media at Somopho, where he was visiting the farm of young farmer and a local entrepreneur Lungani Mthembu from Somopho Royal Family.
‘If what we see here is anything to go by, then more young people need to get involved in projects that will alleviate poverty, rather than being spectators.
‘I am pleased to see that there are young people who are willing to feed the nation. We commit ourselves to supporting all young farmers like Lungani and help them go bigger in their businesses.
‘My message to the youth of our province, is to take agriculture very seriously, as it is a business that will always be there. No matter how the world may change, people will always need food,’ said Mthembu.
Lungani is one of the few young farmers from the City of uMhlathuze who are passionate about agriculture and small business development.
On his farm he grows vegetables and supplies them to local fresh produce markets.
Lungani (27) is CEO of Uwanca Green Projects and Chairperson of Mnisiwemvula Cooperative Limited.
‘Farming is the only thing that comes to mind when I see rain falling down, and I thank the God that in this area we have been blessed with rain.
‘Ever since the city officials led by Speaker Mfundo Mthenjana went to the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church iNkosi uNyazi Lwezulu while he was at Gibisila Temple, near eSikhaleni to ask for rain, there has been an big improvement.
Mthembu also serves on the City of uMhlathuze Mayoral Advisory Panel on Economic Growth, Economic Transformation and Job Creation, specialising on agriculture, green economy and small business development.
Mthembu also founded an environmental organisation called Green Senate South Africa.
City Mayor Cllr Mdu Mhlongo also heaped praise on Lungani, saying ‘he is an example of the kind of young people we want in this beautiful city of ours.’
The Head of Somopho Traditional Authority iNkosi Shilo Mthembu also commended the young farmer for being a partaker, rather than being a spectator in the fight against poverty.
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