THOHOYANDOU – “The Vhembe Macadamia Farmers Agricultural Cooperative is a true economic empowerment to the emerging farmers and it will inject R78 million into the economy of Limpopo in seven years. After 10 years, the project will generate R1,2 billion and this clearly indicates that there is a bright future for macadamia farmers in the Vhembe district.”

This was said by the Chairperson of the Vhembe Macadamia Farmers Agricultural Cooperative (VMFAC), Mr Nkhelebeni Nndwammbi, during the feedback meeting of the structure, which was held at the Thohoyandou Showgrounds last Sat-urday.

VMFAC is an economic empowerment project, aimed at improving the production standard of emerging macadamia farmers, which was launched by the MEC for Economic Development, Mr Thaba Mufamadi, on April 7 this year.

The project is a brainchild of Trade and Investment Limpopo and the Department of Agriculture, which conducted research and recommended that there is a great market potential for macadamia farming in the Vhembe district. The project has 228 registered members who, when combined, are sharing 1214 hec-tares of land of macadamia farming at their respective villages.

Nndwammbi said the Limpopo Trade and Investment (LTI) expected them to utilize a maximum 1 000 hectares in 12 months, but his structure has gone beyond the expectations of the LTI by utilizing 1241 hec-tares in only five months.

“This clearly indicates that the macadamia farmers are working very hard because they are eager to contribute to the development of the economy of this country. Some farmers have started producing fruit and our organization has already identified a potential and reliable market for them. Macadamia farming is a ‘surface goldmine’ because the trees can bring a lot of income while having a long lifespan of more than 65 years. We also urge other small macadamia farmers, who have not yet registered, to come and join us because there are benefits, which include subsidized agricultural input like tractors, seeds, manure and pesticides. We also train our members in basic bookkeeping skills and other necessary farming skills so that they can handle their financial activities professionally…,” said Nndwammbi

Dr Alidzulwi Naledzani, the facilitating officer who is responsible for the strategic plan of the VMFAC said he is presently engaged in talks with reputable funders to finance the local macadamia farmers.

“We are on a drive to encourage our members to acquire title deeds for their farms, so that it would be easier for them to get assistance from the funders. Some commercial banks are also willing to assist us financially, but we are still negotiating with them on several aspects. We also encourage traditional leaders to work hand in hand with the farmers in land ac-quisition because the project is of vital importance to all South Africans…,” said Dr. Naledzani

One of the macadamia farmers who attended the meeting, Musanda Vho-Mmbulaheni Mashau (69), from Tshilaphala, told Mirror that he is impressed by the cooperation of the local farmers and he hopes the unity will bring positive results in the economy of South Africa.

“I call upon other macadamia farmers who still think that they can make it on their own, to come up so that we may share ideas and develop our economy. The more we unite, the simpler our job will be. Farming is our collective responsibility, and I believe that we can change the lives of all South Africans through our contributions,” he said.