The Newcastle Municipality is determined to drive development within the area. This ambition is evident as the Municipality’s Local Economic Development and Tourism Directorate, alongside various stakeholders, has spearheaded a transformative initiative aimed at revitalising the agriculture sector through the Beef and Dairy Farming Programme.

The programme, which forms part of the broader Agriculture Incubation Programme, seeks to bolster economic growth within the Newcastle jurisdiction while also addressing critical issues such as unemployment and poverty alleviation through enhanced food security.
“The genesis of this programme can be traced back to a group of small-scale dairy farmers who approached the Newcastle Municipality for support in accessing markets. Their appeal prompted the municipality to convene the first Beef and Dairy Farming Programme meeting, where a clear need for intervention in both beef and dairy sectors was identified. This marked the beginning of a series of strategic steps aimed at empowering local farmers,” stated the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit.
The Municipality highlighted that a key feature of the programme is its collaborative approach. Understanding the importance of engaging stakeholders from various sectors, the Newcastle Municipality has established a Project Steering Committee (PSC).
“This committee comprises representatives from key entities including local municipalities within the Amajuba District, financial institutions, farmer associations, agricultural training institutes, and government departments such as the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Youth Development Agency,” explained the Municipality’s Communications Unit.
Currently, the programme is in its pilot phase, with a selected group of farmers undergoing a skills audit and receiving specialised training in beef farming. This pilot study will later extend to include dairy farming, to equip more farmers with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in these sectors.
“The establishment of the Project Steering Committee underscores our commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth. By harnessing the expertise and resources of our diverse stakeholders, we aim to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers and the community at large,” said Newcastle’s Mayor, Cllr. Xolani Dube.
Moving forward, the Communications Unit highlighted that the programme remains open to collaboration with all local municipalities within the Amajuba District, ensuring a collective effort towards agricultural prosperity. As more farmers are incorporated into the programme, the Communications Unit pointed out that the Newcastle Municipality anticipates a significant impact on job creation, poverty reduction, and overall economic development in the region.
With further developments on the cards for the region, what are your thoughts on all of this? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 4
Another Vrede Dairy Farm Project in the making? Asking on behalf of a friend………….
Maybe another cash cow…(pun intended)
The Amajuba District Municipality has already mothballed a Amajuba Beef Corridor project about 15 years ago. Lots of money and effort was put into the feasibility, with ZERO result or response. Incompetent people who don’t have any experience or expertise were entrusted with something that required strategic planning for sustainable development. I worked with The late Dr Gugu Zondi and we worked on Cooperative Development projects which are currently working 15 years on. Beef farms require dedication, expertise and business sense. Magic does not work in attaining progress. Hard work and an aptitude is the beginning of anything.
To who and how was this goverment funded pilot project marketed ? Why do we always hear of these type of projects after they are launched ?