In a move for increased footprint and reaching impoverished poverty wards in the country, the National Development Agency (NDA) established a satellite office in the Sekhukhune District. In the past 5 years, the NDA has disbursed over R2.5 million in funds to civil society organisations in the food security, early childhood development (ECD) and gender-based violence sectors. The purpose of this funding was to boost job creation initiatives, improve livelihoods for beneficiaries and to help fight the scourge of gender-based violence.
Through partnerships with Hope Worldwide South Africa, KFC and Future Life, additional financial and non-financial resources were channelled to 20 ECD centres in the Sekhukhune District.
“One of the key mandates of the NDA is to act as a conduit of funding from government and development funding organisations. Due to our limited funding, we work diligently to mobilise funds for CSOs with other organisations that share our mission to eradicate poverty. Poverty levels in Limpopo are high, particularly in rural areas, and the NDA alone cannot meet the demand. Our funding in this area has benefitted over 15 organisations”, says Ms Gillian Mahange, Limpopo Provincial Manager.
Dinalafase Primary Agricultural Cooperative Limited, located in Maruleng Village is run by seven female members who are focused on poultry and crop production. They sell eggs, chickens, chicken meat and a variety of seasonal vegetable crops to local markets after having been allocated land by the Marota Marulaneng Traditional Council. To expand on their existing operations, the NDA granted them R170 325,10 to purchase 600 additional chicken layers, feed, medication, a pressure pump and generator to enable business continuity, even in instances where power is unavailable. Other funders include the Department of Social Development, Department of Agriculture (DoA) and Sekhukhune District Municipality.
In line with its mandade of strengthening the institutional capacity and governance of CSOs to ensure their long-term sustainability, the NDA provided Capacity Building to Dinalafase Primary Agricultural Cooperative and 91 others throughout the province in Basic Bookkeeping and Financial Management, Resource Mobilisation, Project Management, Governance and Poultry Farming; in collaboration with the South African Poultry Association and the Department of Agriculture.
“We are in a position now to contribute to the local socio-economic development by providing affordable eggs to our communities and reducing the distance for them to get to markets, contributing towards food security. Our members also draw income that allows them to support their households. During peak seasons, we source temporary workers within the community”, says Mme Lydia Malatjie, a member of the Cooperative.
The Cooperative is regaining stability and wishes to expand their operation, after the recent adverse weather conditions, by purchasing a delivery vehicle, shade nets to protect the crops, egg grading machine and additional security. In the future, they also want to utilise their full 5-hectares of land and explore agri-processing and commercial farming opportunities.
“This Cooperative has demonstrated resilience and commitment despite environmental and operational challenges. With the additional infrastructure, they will be able to create additional jobs and upscale their current poultry and crop production, thereby contributing positively to the development of Marulaneng Village and surrounding communities” says Ms Mahange.
