PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Mpondoland Cannabis Belt Association is well-positioned to lead the province's cannabis industry after it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA).
This historic alliance, formalized at the Lusikisiki Resource Centre this week, aims to bolster the commercial prospects of Mpondoland's cannabis sector, focusing on the conservation, protection, and commercialisation of local cannabis landrace strains.
These strains, which are grown using traditional knowledge, hold potential for medicinal, recreational, and industrial uses.
According to Navy Simukonda, Executive for Integrated Programmes Management at the ECRDA, the Mpondo people, "with their deep-rooted knowledge and experience in cannabis cultivation, are well-positioned to lead the province's cannabis industry."
He added that the partnership will lead to job creation, economic growth, and increased investment in the region.
Vuyisile Dlamini, chairperson of the Mpondoland Cannabis Belt Association, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, noting that the support from the ECRDA and other government agencies is crucial in helping local farmers understand and capitalize on the cannabis sector's commercial potential.
The Mpondoland Cannabis Belt Association represents several municipalities, including Ntabankulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Ingquza Hill, Port St John's, and Nyandeni.
The initiative is supported by key government entities, such as the Technology Innovation Agency, Small Enterprise Development Agency, the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, Agricultural Research Council, Walter Sisulu University, and Nelson Mandela University.
Local government support from municipalities like Ingquza Hill and OR Tambo District further underscores the collective effort to develop this sector.
The ECRDA said its involvement ensures that the cannabis sector in Mpondoland will be sustainable, competitive, and beneficial to the broader community.
