Cannabis no longer carries the negative stigma it once did thanks to intensive scientific research debunking the “old housewives tales” surrounding the plant. However, after considerable delays in the final steps of legalisation, will Northern KwaZulu-Natal be harvesting the rewards of the herb in the foreseeable future?
Discussing the necessity for changes in cannabis legalities, Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Nomalungelo Gina said that the cannabis sector held tremendous potential for development across small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) located in poverty struck rural areas.
“Government estimates that the cultivation and commercialisation of cannabis production in South Africa can generate an estimated R28 billion and could create between 10 000 to 25 000 jobs across the sector. Focusing on value chains from cultivation and agro-processing to sales, will increase benefits and job creation,” said Gina.
This follows the Deputy Minister who spoke at the Agriculture and Land Summit in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, 30 November 2022, where she emphasised that the rural economy, agriculture and agro-processing were at the heart of driving the countryside economy.
“Although Bergville has fertile land for various crops, it has a unique climate that is favourable to the growing of cannabis. We are here to nudge you as people of Bergville to focus more in particular on the growing of cannabis, and the agro-processing of cannabis for markets both domestic and abroad,” stated Gina.
Moreover, the aim of the summit was to identify gaps and explore opportunities in the agricultural sector value chain within the district and the province.
The summit was also aimed at promoting and developing the agricultural sector within the municipality for both commercial and small-holder farmers, as well as promoting youth and women participation in the agricultural sector.
Gina further noted that the Bergville processing plant in Winterton which was built by the Industrial Development Corporation had setbacks which the government and stakeholders were currently trying to resolve for both owners and the affected communities.
“UKhahlamba and the region of Bergville are sleeping giants in terms of economic prosperity. It is a region full of great history and memorials for tourism. Located in the Drakensberg Mountains close to Lesotho and QwaQwa in the Free State, the municipality must use the value proposition of tourism to create local economic development and job creation.”
Furthermore, she encouraged cooperation between white and black farmers. “Our white farmers, with so much experience, are requested to impart skills to the emerging black farmers through hand-holding exercises. It can only be through sharing of experiences and cooperation that we can build the local economy together, especially the agricultural economy,” emphasised the Deputy Minister.
With Bergville’s future looking bright thanks to weed, what are your thoughts? Don’t be shy, let us know in the comment section below.
Comments 1
Would really like more about this