About 400 hectares of Summerfield and Rondedraai plantations, were handed over to the Fodo Traditional Council.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony this week, Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said
“this is the first such handover in KwaZulu-Natal under the seventh administration.”
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the future of these plantations lies not only in timber, but in honey, charcoal, furniture, and community-run businesses “that’s real empowerment” he said.
In addition, the Mzimkhulu Municipality has set aside R500,000 to help youth start plantation-based projects, including honey harvesting.
Mputhumi Mpabanga, Executive Mayor of Umzimkhulu, and Singh also planted a tree.
Singh said “the tree we planted today is symbolic, as it grows, so must this community. Together, we can make forestry work for the people.”
Picture: Supplied