NOLUVO MGIJIMA
AFTER many years of planting cannabis without proper documents, Malombo Dlamini of the rural village of Sigidi in Mbizana has been promised assistance. Dlamini started producing sweet potatoes and later saw a demand to grow cannabis. Planting cannabis without proper documents was a challenge for him as he was warned several times by the police to legalise his cannabis farm.
On Wednesday, October 15, he was given the green light by the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. This was during the launch of a planting season programme in the district of Alfred Nzo. The purpose of the programme was to launch cropping season, empower farmers and demonstrate agricultural progress on the farming of sweet potatoes.
It was also aimed at strengthening food security and boosting the local economy. Key objectives of the launch included marking the official start of the 2025/26 cropping season in the district, highlighting the district commitment to farmer support and rural development, showcasing the sweet potato value chain as a high potential crop in the district and strengthening partnerships with farmers, traditional leaders and government entities.
Banele Qwayede, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality Mayoral Committee chairperson for Planning and Economic Development, said that a number of local communities were farming informally and the municipality would assist them to formalise their farms, including Dlamini.
“We are excited about the potential of the cannabis industry to create jobs and help in economic growth in our community, and we will assist them with every document they need,” said Alfred Nzo District Municipality mayor Vukile Mhlelembana.
