As part of the department’s initiative to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities, an investment of R198,000 was made for the walking tractors, which is expected to create job opportunities and combat poverty. The handover in Matatiele marks the beginning of the pilot programme for 14 more walking tractors to be handed over to farmers by the department.

The MEC said, “Tractors are in high demand but very expensive, so we explored hand-held tillers. With these machines, it is easy to cover large tracts of land. We are piloting this programme, and I am happy that young people appreciate the tools. We hope communities across the province will embrace them.”

These department interventions are anticipated to boost food security in smaller communities and to encourage growth in rural small business sectors.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk