Mantepebotse Agricultural Project tackles unemployment and poverty

DIKGALAOPENG

In the heart of Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), a group of dedicated women has taken a bold step towards creating a sustainable future for their community, fighting poverty with established agricultural project. 

The project, Mantepebotse Arts Centre, which is a primary cooperative dealing with agriculture, is part of the Ipopeng Cultural Group, founded by Mme Nthwaleng Tlaka in Dikgalaopeng Village outside Groblersdal.

Ipopeng Cultural Group programmes have been a beacon of hope for many, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area while also venturing into agriculture to generate income and create employment opportunities.

As Mme Tlaka proudly explains: “Ipopeng Cultural Group is not only for arts and culture and heritage. As part of our sustainability plan, we have Mantepebotse Arts Centre, which is dealing with agriculture. This innovative approach has enabled the group to diversify its activities and create a sustainable source of income for its members,” she said.

The group’s agricultural project, established by Mme Tlaka and other members, is part of their commitment to community development, mainly to empower young people.

With a team of 35 women, including youth volunteers, the project is planting and selling vegetables as a sustaining programme.

“We felt like we need to establish a cooperative that will provide a sustainable source of income and create employment for women and youth,” Tlaka said.

However, Tlaka indicated that the group is facing significant challenges that are hindering their progress.

Despite the challenges they face, the group remains determined to make a difference. As they await the implementation of the Petra Programme for youth in agriculture, they have taken matters into their own hands.

“As we are still waiting for the Petra Program for youth in agriculture, Ipopeng Cultural Group is planting and selling vegetables as a sustaining programme,” Tlaka explained.

They are appealing to the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM), and the relevant sector departments in Limpopo Province to assist them with fencing and water supply.

“We are appealing to the Sekhukhune District and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality as well as the sector departments to help us with fencing and water supply to be able to give youth work opportunities,” Mme Tlaka urged.