The OR Tambo District Municipality has invested R3.4m in the Lambasi Cutwini Cattle Breeding Project near Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, as part of efforts to support rural economic development. The project, established by rural farmers on 4,000ha of grazing land, aims to transform into a viable agricultural enterprise. The investment includes R2m for modern boundary fencing, R800,000 for horses, feed, and equipment, and R600,000 for the purchase of 60 heifers.
The project originated through the Rural Agricultural Finance Initiative (Rafi), involving rural district municipalities in the Eastern Cape. However, when the Rafi initiative was discontinued due to funding constraints, the OR Tambo District Municipality resolved to continue supporting the project and adapted the original model. The municipality subsequently purchased 60 heifers from Ntinga for donation to the co-operative, creating a foundation herd for the cattle breeding enterprise.
OR Tambo District Municipality mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana visited Lusikisiki to donate the herd of 60 breeding heifers to the rural farming co-operative. He emphasized the need to assist areas like Lusikisiki to realise their full tourism potential and grow the economy of rural communities. Ngqondwana promised to ensure a structure with 10 to 12 rooms would be built to assist the project members and help the co-operative craft a master plan to attract investors.
The district municipality's investment in the project includes the purchase of two Beefmaster bulls, which will help improve genetics among heifers. The breeding programme is designed to develop a productive, resilient herd capable of adapting to local conditions, while improving the quality and commercial potential of locally produced beef. Beefmaster is a medium-weight breed, making it comparatively economical to breed with, while offering fast growth and strong body conformation.
Cutwini Cattle Breeding Project chair Mxolisi Luthuli said getting the project off the ground had been a huge struggle, mainly due to a lack of funding. Some members had also passed away over the years before they could realise their dream. Luthuli expressed happiness that the cows had finally arrived, saying the project members rely on farming and livestock for their livelihoods.
Ngqondwana noted that tourism in the district was contributing little to the economy and that the district authority would have to step in and assist the community of Lambasi with crafting a business plan. The business plan would then be used to source further funding for the project and development of the area. He emphasized the importance of government investing money in areas like Lambasi to grow the economy.
The Lambasi Cutwini Cattle Breeding Project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. The project has the potential to become a model for other rural areas, demonstrating the importance of investing in agriculture and rural development.
Key points
- OR Tambo District Municipality invests R3.4m in Lambasi Cutwini Cattle Breeding Project
- Project aims to develop a productive, resilient herd and improve local economy
- District municipality to help co-operative craft a master plan to attract investors
