RESIDENTS of Ulundi, northern KZN are sticking to the teachings of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, which they believe will help them succeed.
They said that Buthelezi taught them that they could end poverty in deep rural areas through agriculture. They said the late former IFP leader also taught them that as they have no factories in Ulundi or a big city with many stores, they needed to rely on soil and livestock to survive.
So, a number of residents have come together to form agricultural co-operatives to make a living. To support them, Ulundi Municipality handed over 240 goats to 10 co-operatives in Nsabekhuluma Village on Wednesday, 18 October.
One of the beneficiaries, Nompumelelo Buthelezi (33) said she's happy they received the donation as it will boost their small farming business.
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"In 2020 when we realised that it was hard to find work, we came together with most of my neighbours and formed a cooperative to start goat farming. We bought 10 goats, and the business has since grown. We now have about 50 goats and the ones we received from the municipality will be a valuable addition," she said.
Another beneficiary, Sicelo Mabizela, said they're grateful that the municipality remembered them.
"We came together because we saw that we couldn't find work, but we have land to use. The late Buthelezi taught us not to die of poverty when we have land that we can use to eradicate poverty. Due to drought and shortage of water, we decided to go for livestock which is in demand," said Sicelo.
Ulundi Mayor Wilson Ntshangase said Buthelezi taught them to care for the people they govern and that's exactly what they're doing.
"We decided to help the farmers as goats can be a very booming business. Goats are in demand not only here in our country, but even abroad. We see potential that if the beneficiaries can grow this business, they can even supply other countries in future," said Wilson.
