KSD wool farmers received wool sheep shearing facilities in order to assist them to develop their business and make revenue. These facilities were constructed and handed over by the provincial Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform. Recently, the department together with KSD municipality handed over 5 shearing facilities at ward 17. The construction of these facilities comes as a response to KSD community aspirations as contained in the KSD Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP). KSD is leading in the OR Tambo district in terms of sheep population. The whole OR Tambo has a number of 1500 000 sheep and 750 000 of that number comes from KSD. The municipality has 148 Wool Growers Associations with 22 shearing facilities. The department has already committed more than R10 million in its budget since 2015/16 to 2018/18 financial years for the construction of these facilities. Chairperson of Wool Growers Association, Mr. Owen Ntshakaza thanked government for providing support in community initiatives “The wool growing business has a great impact in addressing challenges of unemployment as it creates revenue for people for them to support their families.” He concluded by requesting for intervention on stealing of wool at shearing facilities as it becomes a loss to the community. Speaking at the handing over at ward 17, KSD Portfolio Head, Cllr Nyaniso Nelani appreciated the wool growers commitment to take initiative to reduce poverty that is hitting the communities and that these facilities are utilized, they are not white elephant. “KSD Municipality together with its stakeholders have plan of developing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which will also cater for a certain part of wool processing. This will curb transportation and packaging cost incurred by the farmers.” he said He further urged communities to avoid the loss by sending their produce to the reputable dealers.
King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
