By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – Frustrated youth farmers from Qwaqwa have demanded urgent action from government, saying rural communities are tired of repeated promises with little visible development on the ground.
Speaking during the two-day Rural Development Indaba held in Bloemfontein from 7 to 8 May, youth farmer Ntlafatso Noe said delegates voiced growing concern over the lack of resources, infrastructure and skilled professionals needed to uplift rural communities.
“My personal takeaway from the commission was that communities felt it was repetitive, with promises being made but not delivered,” said Noe.
He said the ongoing migration of skilled people from rural areas to cities continued to cripple development in villages and small towns.
“The people with skills leave rural areas for urban centres where opportunities exist, while their own communities continue to suffer,” he said.
Noe, however, welcomed the opportunity for Free State farmers to directly engage government officials responsible for agricultural support in their districts.
Another delegate, Phillemon Moligoane, used the platform to raise concerns about stalled agricultural projects and challenges facing farmers in Qwaqwa.
Addressing delegates, Minister of Rural Development and Land Affairs Mzwanele Nyhontso said rural underdevelopment remained a historical, economic and moral crisis.
Nyhontso said apartheid deliberately deprived former homelands of infrastructure and economic opportunities, leaving rural communities trapped in poverty.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile called for stronger partnerships between government and the private sector to revive rural economies and reduce migration to overcrowded urban areas.
The indaba brought together government leaders, development stakeholders and rural communities to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening South Africa’s rural economy and creating opportunities for young farmers.
