June 2021.

A collaborative programme in the Nama Khoi area has been launched to provide support to SMMEs in the local agricultural economy, to counteract the impact of basic food items, which directly impacts residents in the area. Beneficiaries of the programme have received funding, business support and equipment to help boost production.

The programme has been implemented in response to a recent household affordability study that showed that residents in the Northern Cape, especially in Springbok, are struggling to cover the cost of a basket of basic foodstuffs. The study showed that core foods, in this Northern Cape community, cost more than in Durban, Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg.

“Agriculture is a key sector of the Namaqualand economy, however, the protracted drought, coupled with the effects of COVID-19 has made it difficult for emerging farmers to expand their businesses,” explained Cheryl Persensie, Economic Development Manager at Kangnas Wind Farm.

An Agri-Campaign, which attracted local agri-entrepreneuers, ran over two months, in partnership with Kangnas Wind Farm, Radio NFM, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and Step-Up Foundation.

The campaign culminated in the successful selection of two SMME’s, namely Saclova General Services Pty Ltd and Rooipoort Saal Boerdery Pty Ltd, who are receiving financial and non-financial support, for a full 12 month period, funded by Kangas Wind Farm, as part of its Enterprise Development initiatives.

The Wind Farm will continue to work alongside its collaborative partners, on this programme, to ensure the agri-entrepreneurs obtain the essential support focussed on financial record-keeping, business analysis and planning, market development, market readiness.

“Our vision is to strive for success and to be able to plough back into our community to serve them and make a difference in our farmers’ lives,” said Arenda Saal, Director of Saclova, which has plans to increase local employment and its agricultural output, to supply products to local farmers to plant their own fodder crops.

The second beneficiary, Rooipoort Saal Boerdery, has plans in place to increase its vegetable cultivation to supply local residents.

Notes:
• The study found that the cost of the household food basket continued to be a concern.
• The enterprise development contribution of agribusinesses, especially to rural societies and communities in our country, is significant.
• The study found that last year September, in Springbok an average household food basket was R3 989.84.