Khosi Vho Tshimange Mmbi, the deputy secretary of Contralesa in the Vhembe region, has urged the board members of the newly launched Vhembe Agricultural Veterans Association (VAVA) to use their expertise and skills to empower rural communities. Mmbi spoke during the launch of the organisation at the University of Venda on Friday, 16 August.
The organisation's newly elected chairperson, Mr Mpfariseni Netshikovhela, said that the structure was an initiative by retirees from various agriculture-related departments to offer assistance and share the knowledge they had acquired throughout their careers.
Stakeholders at the launch included representatives from Univen, Madzivhandila College of Agriculture, the Vhembe Department of Agriculture, the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), and Contralesa. "We have a big role to play, and together we can advance this district in terms of agriculture," said Netshikovhela.
Speaking at the launch, Khosi Vho Mmbi called on the veterans to use their skills for the benefit of rural communities. "As Contralesa, our traditional leaders have land that could be used for agriculture and help develop the local economy. Please make time to meet as there is a need for a forum that would foster a good working relationship among us," she said.
The VDM's head of economic development and planning, agriculture development, Mr Nkhangwe Makhavhu, congratulated the retirees on initiating such a programme, noting that they will play a crucial role in adding value to agricultural development.
"This is a significant structure, composed of no ordinary people. Many of them are highly skilled and some held very high managerial positions. We have so much in common, and we feel there is a need for a workshop for a day or two where we can sit down with them and streamline roles and responsibilities. We also encourage them to join the Vhembe Multi-stakeholders Agriculture Forum, where we deliberate on agricultural issues," said Makhavhu.