Eastern Cape Agriculture Delivers Vital Water Infrastructure and Support to Nqanqarhu Farmers Through Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme

Nqanqarhu – The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has brought much-needed hope to rural farmers in Nqanqarhu by handing over key water projects, production tools, and support items. This move, part of the Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme, aims to boost food security at home level and make better use of farm land. Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe led the event, where locals shared their joy over easier access to clean water and farming help. The programme shows how working together can fight poverty and build stronger communities in areas hit hard by dry spells and poor services.

Farmers who once walked far for water now have taps close by, thanks to new spring systems. This simple change means more time for growing food and less worry about daily needs. With extra seeds and tools, these groups can grow more and even sell some, helping their families and neighbours.

New Water Schemes Bring Relief to Hundreds of Households

The highlight was the official opening of the Sigoga and Saqhuthe village spring-water schemes. These setups provide clean water for homes and fields, with 26 new water points reaching 205 households. Before this, people like Ntombizanele Sonkwenye from Sigoga Village had to walk “long and dangerous distances” to fetch water, putting kids at risk in high-crime times.

“The areas where we previously fetched water were overgrown and dangerous, creating fear, especially when sending our children during these times of high crime. The government has now provided us with water straight from the mountain. Today we are drinking clean, healthy water. We are truly overjoyed and grateful for this support,” Sonkwenye said. She added that watering crops was tough when even basic needs took so much effort.

MEC Kontsiwe explained how the programme ties water access to better farming. “The programme aims to bring people together to work their gardens, produce food and fight poverty with government support. The new spring water infrastructure ensures that people will no longer face the challenge of fetching irrigation water from distant locations, which is critical in areas where rainfall is scarce. The happiness of the community here is deeply encouraging to us,” she said during the handover this week.
These water points not only help with drinking and cooking but also let farmers irrigate small plots, growing more veggies in dry seasons. The schemes use natural springs, making them low-cost and eco-friendly, fitting the programme’s goal of lasting change.

Production Inputs and Tools Empower Local Farmers

To link water access with growing food, the department gave production inputs to 120 people. This includes drought-resistant seeds, fertilisers, and gardening tools to help fight hunger and cut poverty. Simthembile Folotyi from Upper Tsitsana Village shared how this will change things.

“The seedlings, fertilisers and tools we received will not only assist us in fighting poverty but will also help us grow and develop. We are thankful to the department for the assistance, which will enable us to produce diverse vegetables to fight hunger and poverty,” Folotyi said.

The inputs aim to lower food insecurity and help small farmers group their produce for sale. By growing more, these communities can eat better and earn some cash, building stronger local markets. The programme promotes working together, with groups sharing tools and tips to make the most of the help.
Kontsiwe noted that the Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme draws from the spirit of Ubuntu, encouraging people to join hands in using land well. It supports household food security by giving tools and know-how for small gardens, helping families in rural spots where shops are far and jobs few.

Boost for Women-Led Businesses with Sewing Machines

During the same visit, Kontsiwe handed over 32 industrial sewing machines to 16 women-led groups in Lower Tsitsana Village. These enterprises, spread across three local municipalities in the Joe Gqabi District, will use the machines to make clothes and other items, creating jobs and income.

This part of the programme focuses on economic growth, helping women start or grow small businesses. By linking farming support with skills like sewing, the department aims to build rounded community strength, where people can farm for food and make goods for sale.

How the Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme Works

The Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme is a government effort to get more out of farm land and fight hunger at home. It gives seeds, tools, and water help to small farmers, encouraging groups to work together. Inspired by Ubuntu, it brings people to garden, share harvests, and beat poverty as a team.
In the Eastern Cape, the programme has rolled out in many rural spots, handing out drought-resistant seeds, planting materials, and farm inputs. It also provides training on better farming ways, like saving water and using natural fertilisers, to make sure crops grow even in tough weather.

By focusing on community ties, the programme builds lasting change. Groups like those in Sigoga and Saqhuthe now involve young people facing issues like drug use, giving them work in gardens to stay positive and productive. “We are also engaging local youth struggling with substance abuse, encouraging them to join us so we can combat poverty together,” Sonkwenye shared.

🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes TonyYengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴

Download Here:

Direct PDF File Here:

https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues

Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content,  Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info: info@centralnews.co.za

Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za

Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487

Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za

Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube