Nkandla, KZN – For the hardworking farmers of the Mahlathini community in Nkandla, keeping livestock healthy just got a major boost. The KwaZulu-Natal government has officially handed over a much-needed dip tank, empowering local farmers to fight livestock diseases, protect their herds, and grow their livelihoods.
The handover, led by KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, is part of the province’s Integrated Service Delivery Programme—aimed at uplifting rural communities through practical support and infrastructure.
“This dip tank is not just a facility—it’s a tool for economic growth and disease prevention,” said MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa. “It will allow farmers to properly treat their cattle, reduce disease outbreaks, and manage their herds more effectively.”
For many rural farmers, a healthy cow means more than just food—it’s a source of income, dignity, and intergenerational wealth. With livestock playing a central role in the region’s economy and culture, the dip tank is a step toward professionalising animal husbandry and encouraging farmers to view agriculture as a business.
Premier Ntuli echoed this sentiment, urging livestock owners to tap into auction sales and broader markets to increase their earnings.
“Farming is a business. We want to see rural farmers moving beyond survival and into prosperity,” Ntuli told the community during the event.
More Than Livestock: A Vision for Rural Revival
The government delegation, known as MECs Cluster A, didn’t stop at livestock. The team, which included Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Mtomuhle Khawula and other senior officials, also visited the Ntingwe Tea Estate—once a jewel in the region’s agricultural crown.
The estate, known internationally for producing some of the world’s finest teas, now needs R37 million for full revival. Recognised by global tea connoisseurs like Taylors of Harrogate, the estate is managed under the Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA), with Jerry Mfusi currently serving as acting CEO.
“With proper investment and support, Ntingwe Tea can become a symbol of rural excellence and global export potential,” said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
Hope in Action
From dipping tanks to tea fields, the government’s message is clear: rural communities matter, and they are key to the province’s future. With real investment in infrastructure, tools, and skills, Nkandla’s farmers are now better equipped to secure their animals, support their families, and step confidently into the mainstream agricultural economy.
