Resilient perseverance ensures success of Mtingwevu joint agricultural development initiative
The joint agricultural development initiative by AfriForum, Saai, the office of Nkosi Zweloxolo Stokwe and the Adopt-A-Village Rural Food Security Initiative has reached an important milestone with the successful cultivation and transplanting of vegetable seedlings in the Mtingwevu community. This follows the training of members of the Mtingwevu community in October 2025, in collaboration with Stark Ayres and Hygrotech, on the cultivation of seedlings.
After the initial training, community members encountered several challenges relating to water management, exposure to the sun, and root development issues. However, these challenges did not discourage the community from continuing with the initiative. Lessons were learned from the challenges, and a focus on better cultivation practices led to healthy seedlings that could be successfully planted in gardens. The success born of resilient perseverance has strengthened self-confidence and motivation within the community.
“I was deeply moved and very impressed by the dedication of the community members. Despite the challenges, a late start and the approaching autumn, they delivered excellent work and regularly reported on their progress. It makes me proud to see our people working with such passion and perseverance. We value the partnership that, through training and ongoing mentorship, enables community members to grow their own seedlings – which can not only put food on families’ tables but also secure an income for them,” says Nkosazana (Princess) Noma Stokwe of the AmaQwathi cultural community.
“Development and community self-reliance are not created overnight. Any community initiative brings challenges, but the important lesson is that failures do not have to be the end of the road – they provide the opportunity to learn, adapt and move forward with greater focus. The improvement we are experiencing shows what is possible when people seize opportunities, take responsibility and persevere,” says Nantes Kelder, National Project Coordinator for Intercultural relations and cooperation at AfriForum.
“The improvement of food security and the support of small-scale farmers on their journey towards commercialisation is among the most important work that Saai does together with our network partners. Where fertile soil, willing people, expertise and financial support come together with respect, pressing problems are addressed and new horizons are opened. It is a privilege for Saai to be involved in this important initiative,” says Leon Lourens, Development Coordinator at Saai.
This first modest success of the joint initiative confirms the importance of good relationships and cooperation between cultural communities and stakeholders, practical training, sustained support, adaptability and perseverance in improving rural food security and strengthening community self-reliance. AfriForum and Saai are involved in the initiative through their agricultural development incubator, Resilient Regenerative Agricultural Initiative (RRAIN).
