National Women Coordinators Forum in Mbombela Strengthens Empowerment Initiatives Across South Africa

A two day National Women Coordinators Forum held in Mbombela has been praised as a major success after bringing together delegates from Departments of Agriculture across Gauteng, Limpopo, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape. The forum, led by South Africa’s national Department of Agriculture, focused on empowering women and persons with disabilities through sustainable development initiatives and community support programmes. Delegates used the opportunity to engage directly with grassroots projects that continue to make a meaningful difference in local communities. The gathering highlighted the importance of collaboration between provinces in addressing social and economic challenges faced by vulnerable groups. It also reinforced government efforts to create more inclusive agricultural and development programmes that can improve livelihoods and expand opportunities for women and persons with disabilities across the country.

The forum was designed to strengthen empowerment initiatives in all nine provinces while creating a platform for provinces to exchange ideas, challenges and practical solutions. Representatives discussed ongoing interventions aimed at improving the lives of women and persons with disabilities, especially in rural communities where access to economic opportunities remains limited. Delegates examined ways to improve support systems for small projects that often struggle with funding, infrastructure and market access. The workshop also allowed officials to share best practices from their provinces, giving participants valuable insights into programmes that have already shown positive results. By encouraging collaboration and information sharing, the forum created a stronger network of support among provinces working toward similar goals.

One of the key highlights of the first day was the visit to community projects that demonstrate the real impact of empowerment programmes on the ground. Delegates visited the Tentele Disability Centre in Pienaar, a small farming initiative that supports more than 100 beneficiaries living with disabilities. The project serves as an important source of food, support and dignity for members of the community who often face barriers to employment and economic participation. Officials were able to observe how the centre uses agriculture as a tool for empowerment while creating opportunities for self sustainability among people with disabilities. The visit also gave delegates a chance to interact directly with beneficiaries and understand the daily challenges they face, helping government representatives better understand where additional support may be needed.

The Tentele Disability Centre impressed many delegates because of its ability to create meaningful change despite operating on a relatively small scale. Community driven projects such as this continue to play an important role in fighting poverty and exclusion in vulnerable communities. Delegates noted that the project demonstrates how targeted support and proper coordination can transform lives while giving people with disabilities a stronger sense of independence. The centre’s success also highlighted the importance of investing in local agricultural projects that directly benefit disadvantaged groups. Participants at the forum emphasized that projects like Tentele deserve continued support because they not only provide food security but also create social inclusion and empowerment opportunities for people who are often overlooked.

Another important visit during the forum took delegates to Mara Farm near KaNyamazane, managed by Mr Sibusiso Mogale. During the visit, Mr Mogale shared detailed insights into the farm’s operations and explained how the project contributes to the local economy. Mara Farm has become an example of how agriculture can create employment opportunities while also supporting skills development among young people. One of the standout aspects of the project is its commitment to accommodating tertiary students who require practical on the job training. This approach helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real world agricultural experience, preparing students for future careers in the sector while strengthening the country’s agricultural workforce.

Delegates welcomed the opportunity to learn from Mara Farm’s model because it combines economic growth with education and community development. The farm’s role in hosting tertiary students was viewed as particularly important at a time when many young graduates struggle to gain practical industry experience. By offering hands on exposure to farming operations, the project contributes to building a new generation of skilled agricultural professionals. Officials also discussed the importance of encouraging partnerships between educational institutions and farming enterprises to improve employment prospects for young people. The visit demonstrated that agricultural projects can serve multiple purposes at once, including food production, job creation, skills development and community upliftment.

Throughout the two day workshop, discussions focused heavily on how provinces can improve coordination and strengthen support systems for empowerment initiatives. Delegates explored ways to increase access to resources, improve training opportunities and create more sustainable development programmes for women and persons with disabilities. Many participants agreed that empowerment should go beyond short term assistance and focus on long term economic participation and independence. Officials also discussed the importance of monitoring projects regularly to ensure they remain effective and continue to meet community needs. The exchange of ideas between provinces created a valuable learning environment where delegates could identify successful strategies that may be replicated in other parts of the country.

The success of the National Women Coordinators Forum in Mbombela reflects the growing commitment to inclusive development within South Africa’s agricultural sector. By bringing together delegates from multiple provinces and exposing them to successful community projects, the forum created an important platform for collaboration, learning and action. The visits to Tentele Disability Centre and Mara Farm showed how local initiatives can transform lives when communities receive the right support and guidance. Delegates left the workshop with new ideas, stronger partnerships and a clearer understanding of the challenges facing women and persons with disabilities in different provinces. The forum ultimately reinforced the importance of continued investment in empowerment programmes that promote dignity, economic participation and sustainable community development across South Africa.