The cousins from Nobumba Village in Peddie started the Bayeni Poultry Cooperative, which sells broiler chickens to nearby villages and the town of Makhanda, using their monthly R350 SRD grant.
The cousins had to find a long-term solution to put bread on the table when they lost their employment as a result of the COVID-19, according to Bayeni chairperson Phumlisa Ngabase (26).
Ngabase says, “Our vision was to get up and do something for ourselves”.
The cousins used their own-made mud bricks to construct a chicken house as they attempted to turn their situation around.
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), which provided them with a plucker machine, water tanks, 150 day-old chicks, 10 bags of feed, and other supplies, also provided assistance.
Along with the donations, DRDAR also gave the youngsters training.
“DRDAR officials gave us information packs about the different stages of growing chickens and the types of feed to use at each stage,” Ngabase says.
Members of the cooperative also received information about registering a cooperative and applying for assistance from the department.
“We are constantly in touch with our extension officer for advice,” said Ngabase.
“The assistance we have received from the department has minimised our challenges, and we are starting to see profits.”
According to Ngabase, they chose the agricultural industry since it provides young people with countless opportunities.
MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform in the Eastern Cape The Bayeni Poultry Cooperative, according to Nonkqubela Pieters, has done commendable job.
“They have changed R350 monthly grants into an investment.”
MEC Pieter further states that 17 other youth initiatives in Peddie recently received donations from the DRDAR of 400 chicks and 15 bags of feed, 2,400 vegetable seeds, 10 wheelbarrows, 20 bags of pig feed, garden tools, and a plucker machine.
New farmers who are interested in receiving similar support should call 043 602 5006/7 or visit www.drdar.gov.za