PROJECTS

MPOFANA AGRI-PARKS AND RAPID AGRARIAN SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION (RASET) PROGRAMMES

Supporting the Department of Rural Development & Land Reform, the Department of Agriculture and the uMgungundlovu District Development Agency in re-establishing selected Land Reform farms into production in order for black farmers to directly supply the National Schools Nutrition Programme through the establishment of agri-hubs and centralised logistics and support facilities.

Active participation on the Agri-Park committee in respect of:

• Farm evaluations
• Farmer selection and mentorship.
• Crop, plant and animal husbandry guidance.
• Overall business / land tenure / labour relations guidance.

EDUCATION FORUM

UMATI is endeavouring to consolidate all training initiatives within the area, under the umbrella body of an Education Forum and has:

• Identified high demand training needs.
• Secured Bursaries from its members for targeted learners.
• Is putting in place a two year training plan which will strengthen training organisations within the area and create a solid and holistic platform to meet the training needs of the developmental objectives.
• Placed several tertiary students on farms to be able to achieve effective practical experience.

DAIRY FARMING PROJECTS

Sengani - A Sustainable Commercial Dairy Company has been established to empower developing farmers and communities. UMATI is actively seeking new entrants to become partners in Sengani, who will continue to offer support in growing the new dairy opportunities.

UMATI is also planning the development of a dairy training farm.
Mr Themba Ngcobo has now established himself as dairy farmer, through the direct support and mentorship of UMATI

THENDELA COMMUNITY PROJECT

The establishment of a community managed, trout fishing industry and heritage destination at the world famous Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, World Heritage Site, situated at the Kamberg Nature Reserve.

UMATI is providing support to the community participants in terms of establishing legal entities to contract with Ezemvelo, in the leasing and operations of these key economic opportunities. Local community beef farmers are being supported in their quest for expansion of grazing.

MPOFANA WATER SECURITY AND EXPANSION PROJECT

Mpofana Irrigation Project (MIP) a company funded by UMATI commercial farmers, is forging ahead with the planning and fundraising for two dams at sites have that have been identified to strengthen the existing water supply in the Mpofana catchment (Mooi River river):

SITE 1. Hlatikulu Dam, situated on the Hlatikhula river site is above the confluence of the Hlatikhulu River and the Little Mooi River. This site has the potential storage capacity of 15 million cubic meters of water.

SITE 2: Kamberg Dam, situated on the Little Mooi river in the Kamberg valley,which has the potential to store eight million cubic meters of water.

UMATI RURAL FARMERS FACILITATION

UMATI members are actively involved in:

UMATI is endeavouring to consolidate all training initiatives within the area, under the umbrella body of an Education Forum and has:

• Identified high demand training needs.
• Secured Bursaries from its members for targeted learners.
• Is putting in place a two year training plan which will strengthen training organisations within the area and create a solid and holistic platform to meet the training needs of the developmental objectives.
• Placed several tertiary students on farms to be able to achieve effective practical experience.

SMALLER OFF-STREAM DAMS

A number of dams are being planned on Community Property Associations (CPA) farms. This additional water security will not only provide reliable potable water to new families within the Municipality, it will also increase the irrigation potential of the area by an additional 1 500 Ha, translating into 1 400 new jobs and a 500 Ha of black owned irrigation.