Durban - Zama Sokhabase, an eThekwini councillor and chairperson of the community services committee, has called on the business sector and local communities to support rural women in agricultural production.
She was speaking at an eThekwini event to mark the International Day of Rural Women, which was held in KwaMnamatha in ward 103 on Saturday. The day is usually commemorated on October 15.
Sokhabase said these women played a critical role in the rural economy of the city and the province.
In response to the statement, city residents who commented on the municipality’s Facebook page called on Sokhabase and other political leaders to lead by example – by being the first to support these groups and other NGOs doing work in communities.
"These women participate in crop production, livestock production, and various farming activities that support the informal economy," Sokhabase had said.
She said organisations such as Bongumusa Widows, a non-profit, required support to continue the good work they were doing in communities.
One resident said city officials should be the first to show the support Sokhabase was calling for.
“It's nice, but these officials don't buy from local vendors – they go to malls. But paying attention to our people's movement is highly appreciated.”
Another said: “My experience with our NPO, which has operated for 20 years in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, is that no one is seriously interested in growing vegetables. What people want is real, sustainable, well-paying jobs. This is where the focus should be – attracting business investors to a well-run, world-class city.”