EAST LONDON – The Eastern Cape, African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) held an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at East London International Convention Centre(EL ICC)on the 28th of July 2023 to appoint new Executive and additional of AFASA in the province province. To ensure long term stability for farmers they have partnered with the Eastern Cape Development Cooperation (ECDC) and assured them that any amount of money applied for by a farmer they will only pay 50% and the rest will be a grant courtesy of the government.
Hon. MEC of Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrian Reform (DRDAR) Nonkqubela Pieters emphasized that she will make sure that these farmers are not affected by social ills, and they are under process of ensuring that the blackouts do not affect the production from the farmers.
Newly provincial Executive and additional members of EC AFASA were successfully appointed in the AGM after qualifying with 361 members from the five districts of the Eastern Cape.
Elections for leaderships went well with Lundi Delano Kama securing as the chairperson for the AFASA.
Kama mentioned that,”with the relations that we have built with the departments, we plan to carry on with the strategies that were used over the years and focus more on the contract we have with the Republic of China.”
The conduct for choosing a youth leader was strict however Nosipho Vuthela was seen as the perfect fit for the position. Vuthela has achieved a lot in her career and now she is the champion for vegetables with AFASA.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our country, we need food everyday I believe that I will bring an impact in the organization,” Vuthela newly youth leader of AFASA Eastern Cape.
EC AFASA newly appointed executive;
Chairperson: Mr Lundi Delano Kama
Deputy chairperson: Mr Michael Mbalo
Secretary: Mrs Thobeka Mdakana
Deputy secretary: Ms Nandipha Sodwele
Treasure: Mr Mhlobo Mbane
Commodity chair wool: Mr Xolisa Bomela
With the new leaders in charge, we believe that farmers will be well taken care of and we believe that the food security of the country is in safe hands.
