This National Event focused on the development of the Rural Economy and the empowerment of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
The programme aimed to Strengthen coordination between economic inclusion and land reform ,expand market access, credit pathways, and enterprise support for rural women, youth and persons with disabilities;Connect rural communities to agricultural value chains and land-based opportunities; Localise South Africa’s G20 EWWG priorities, including the Care Economy, Financial Inclusion, and efforts to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF); and Ensure that rural voices contribute meaningfully to national and G20 policy processes.
During the gathering, Minister Chikunga engaged extensively with women, encouraging them to take all necessary steps to protect themselves and to ensure they do not become victims of gender-based violence.
The event also provided a platform for women to showcase and sell products they have produced, offering them valuable exposure and economic opportunities.
Among the distinguished guests accompanying the Minister were:Ms Nokuzola Capa, Deputy Minister of Agriculture; Ms Kone Gugushe, CEO of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation; Ms Linda Nongongo, representing Tools of Financial Management; The Honourable Cllr Mzi Zuma, Mayor of uMgungundlovu District Municipality;The Honourable Cllr Mandla Zondi, Mayor of uMshwathi Municipality; Mayors and Councillors from local municipalities under the uMgungundlovu District and AmaKhosi under uMgungundlovu District
The Mayor of uMshwathi Municipality expressed his appreciation for hosting such a significant national programme in uMshwathi. He further conveyed his support for the ongoing empowerment of women and the advancement of persons living with disabilities
