Issued by the Department of Agriculture Communications
10 March 2026
For Immediate Release
Jubilation filled the air at Qhimirha Village in Sterkpruit, in the Joe Gqabi District, as Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe handed over a multi-purpose shed, a spring water project, and a tractor with its implements to local farmers.
The initiative forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to ensure that farmers have the necessary tools to develop their agricultural enterprises and transition towards commercial farming.
Speaking during the handover, MEC Kontsiwe urged community members and farmers to safeguard government investments.
“We are here to ensure that you have the necessary tools to elevate your businesses so that you can become commercial farmers. I urge you to protect the investments made by government so that they serve their intended purpose – which is to develop yourselves and grow economic activity in your community. These investments are provided to ensure that your lives are better than yesterday,” Kontsiwe said.
During the visit, the MEC also toured a local farm owned by former mineworker Mncedisi Ncephe. After being retrenched from the gold mines, Ncephe returned home and started a crop-farming enterprise that now has more than 100 hectares under production.
The MEC expressed admiration for the progress made at the Makarabha Mixed Farming project. Ncephe explained that after losing his job in the mining sector, he decided to focus on agriculture and has since expanded production to more than 100 hectares.
Through Markarhaba Mixed Farming in Qobosheane Village, Ncephe produces vegetables such as potatoes, pumpkins, sorghum, butternut and green beans, as well as grains including wheat and maize. His produce is sold at various outlets across the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
“I would like to thank the government for its support. This tractor will help grow the business. I want to ensure that all the fields that are currently lying fallow are planted. When I returned home from the mines, I realised that many of our fields were not being utilised. I then sourced unused land in my village and started farming. I have also employed local people to help ensure that families have food on the table,” Ncephe said.
The department has also supported the project with a water tank, vegetable seeds, fertiliser, a water pump and ongoing technical advice.
The shed handed over is one of ten constructed by the department during the 2025/26 financial year in the district. These facilities are aimed at improving the aggregation of wool from communal farmers, enabling them to access formal markets and improve their income.
The wool production project has 23 members – 13 men and 10 women – who collectively own a flock of more than 800 sheep.
According to the project’s chairperson, Zwelinzima Ntambam, the new facility will significantly improve wool quality and working conditions.
“We used to struggle during shearing season because the old structure was in poor condition and our wool often got damaged. We are relieved that the department has supported us with this shed, which will improve the quality of our wool,” Ntambam said.
Ntambam also thanked the department for the provision of water.
The new shed includes ablution facilities, a plunge dip with an evaporation pan, shearing equipment with sorting tables, bins, a cable press and a weighing scale.
Farmers send their wool to Gqeberha, where it is marketed through wool broker BKB, which assists farmers in selling their wool internationally. Weaners and culled sheep are sold through local abattoirs and marketing agents.
The spring water project has also brought relief to residents of Qhimirha Village. More than 500 households now have access to clean drinking water through 29 water points installed for domestic use and irrigation. In addition, a tap has been installed at Qhimirha Primary School.
During the implementation of the project, at least 51 job opportunities were created. Of these, 48 were filled by women, with approximately 55% of the beneficiaries being young people. Only three men were employed during the project.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Atule Joka – 071 688 4231
Ms Abongile Booi – 072 637 5141
