Mphoko happy with Maleme farm progress

VICE-PRESIDENT Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday commended Maleme farmers for their continuous community empowerment projects, saying they were helping to uplift people's lives and ensuring development in the region.

The Vice-President was touring the farm for the first time after he had to intervene to solve a dispute that had caused turmoil in the small community in Matobo, Matabeleland South, last year, after a senior officer who works in the President's Department — Mr Rodney Mashingaidze — wanted to take over the farm.

The farm houses Shalom Campsite and Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre. During the tour, VP Mphoko was shown 50 pedigree jersey cows, which were brought in from South Africa for the community.

"Last time when I was here it was to solve a land dispute after which the owners promised that they have a number of projects which they were working on. I am happy that today they have shown me this massive project, where they brought this special breed of dairy cows which were crossed with the locals' cows in a bid to increase milk productivity in the country.

"I understand by the end of the year they expect to have brought in 150 cows and what makes this even more positive is that it comes at a time when we are talking of restocking the national herd hence this will help in both empowering the community and also in achieving a national goal," said VP Mphoko.

He revealed that as the Government they noted the impact climate change was having hence they had instructed the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate to work towards ensuring that water is harnessed in every possible water body in the country.

"I can tell you that Minister Oppah Muchinguri is very dedicated towards this project, we want that, in the long run, every possible water source is utilised as this goes a long way in even assisting the growth of our national herd," said the Vice-President.

Speaking on behalf of the owners of the farm, Mr Peter Cunningham revealed that they had invested an initial $1 million towards the project, a figure he said they expected would rise as more people join in.

He said their aim was that they get 10 000 cows into the country, which they would distribute equally in Matabeleland North and South.

"We want to add value to especially the dairy cows in the region, where we ensure that communities get continuous money as they breed their cattle. These pedigree jersey cows are part of the initial 150 which we are bringing in from South Africa. All these are registered with the South Africa herd book.

"As we go on we will assist the locals to set up milking palours, where they will be taking their crossed cows to be milked daily and then given money generated from the milk on a weekly basis. For now we have invested $1 million for this project but we expect the figure to increase as we import more cows," said Mr Cunningham.

He said they were not only targeting Matobo community but were focusing on the entire Matabeleland region.

"To add on to this we have also brought 30 000 chicken layers, these being the parent birds. The model which we want to achieve is such that communities have various income generating schemes not just relying on one project," he said.

Three local chiefs — Nyangazonke, Masuku and Mathema joined a determined lobby of villagers who campaigned against the farm take-over.

They said the farm was benefiting at least 800 families, with Mr Cunningham being credited for assisting locals with various projects, including chicken breeding and teaching them modern farming methods.