MEC Joemat-Pettersson to plant seed of disability empowerment

10 November 2004

The Northern Cape¹s MEC for Agriculture and Land Reform Tina Joemat-Pettersson will be planting her seed of disability economic empowerment through a R321 000 contribution towards Calvinia¹s Help Mekaar farm that is managed by 10 persons with disabilities. In signifying that disability is not inability, the MEC will handover farm infrastructure and implements such as a tractor and ploughs at a ceremony to be held at the Help Mekaar farm tomorrow at 11h00. The farm lies in the heart of the picturesque northwestern Northern Cape town.

Commenting on tomorrow¹s occasion, MEC Joemat-Pettersson said it is evident that province is making significant strides in creating an Œera of economic inclusion¹ for persons with disability by eliminating Œdisability apartheid.¹ ³It is also heartening to note the manner in which the Department¹s all-important Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) that is aimed at on-and-off farm development is benefiting persons with disability,¹¹ said the MEC joyfully.

The 26,55 ha farm was purchased through a land redistribution sub-programme of the Department of Land Affair¹s last year. Lucerne and a variety of fresh vegetables are being cultivated as a means of creating sustainable livelihoods and enhancing food security among persons living with a range of disabilities.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform

Enquiries: Thabo Mothibi; Tmothibi@grand.ncape.gov.za mobile: 083 255 8840