By Sivuyisiwe Hombile
The Mtshanyana Development Trust is making a meaningful impact in the rural communities surrounding Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape through its Agricultural Skills Development Project, funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF). Based in the Chris Hani District Municipality under the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, the project focuses on equipping young people with practical agricultural skills while promoting food security, entrepreneurship, and sustainable rural development.
Launched following the signing of the contract on 22 February 2024 and commencing in September 2024, the project will run until October 2026 with a total budget of R42 million. A total of 200 learners have been enrolled across three nationally recognised NQF Level 2 programmes: Plant Production, Animal Production, and New Venture Creation.
The project’s vision is to build competent agricultural practitioners while supporting local economic development through skills transfer, mentorship and collaboration. Through a combination of practical training and infrastructure investment, the initiative aims to create opportunities for rural youth and strengthen community livelihoods.
“Through this project, we are not only providing agricultural training, but we are also restoring hope and creating sustainable opportunities for young people in rural communities. Our goal is to empower learners with practical skills in plant production, animal production, and entrepreneurship so they can actively contribute to food security, economic growth, and the development of their communities,” said Zweliyaduma Matanzima.
Significant infrastructure developments have already been completed on site. These include the refurbishment of a community hall into office and training spaces, construction of three classroom blocks, installation of two mobile classrooms, ablution facilities, borehole water systems, irrigation infrastructure, greenhouses, and a pack-house for post-harvest handling. In addition, 20 hectares of farmland has been equipped with perimeter fencing together with tractors, a sheep sheering shed and an animal dip to support hands-on agricultural training.
NSF beneficiary Amahle Mandyoli.
Rural economic development begins with empowering communities to use the land productively and sustainably, through plant and animal production, Mtshanyane Development Trust is not only creating opportunities for food security and income generation, but also restoring dignity and hope among rural youth and farming communities. Agriculture remains one of the most powerful tools to drive inclusive growth, skills development and long-term self-reliance in rural areas.
The project is already changing lives. Beneficiary learner Amahle Mandyoli said the programme has given him practical knowledge and renewed hope for the future.
“This programme has taught me how to prepare soil for planting and understand the full farming process. I now see a future where I can grow and sell my own agricultural products and create opportunities for myself and my community,” said Mandyoli.
By combining education, infrastructure development, and community empowerment, the Mtshanyana Development Trust continues to position agriculture as a powerful driver of economic growth and sustainable development in rural Eastern Cape communities.
