Lessons learned at "rural village"

The following article was published in the Daily Dispatch on 12 October 2005

Eastern Cape to learn from rural KZN village's success

EASTERN Cape representatives will be able to learn from a rural sustainability blueprint that has been successfully operating in KwaZulu-Natal since the 1960s, Economic Affairs MEC Andre de Wet said.

Speaking after a visit to Kwasizabantu in KZN, De Wet said that the concept of sustainable rural villages was a key priority in stimulating rural development in the province.

The visit to Kwasizabantu led to an agreement being reached for people from this province to go and learn various aspects of the village's success.

"Kwasizabantu can provide an insight and training in such things as hydroponic agriculture, commercial baking, ceramics, and weaving," De Wet said.

He said the village also made aluminum window frames and roof trusses as well as being the source and bottling plant for Aquelle spring water.

De Wet said that Kwasizabantu served as a training and empowerment facility for rural community members who were encouraged to return to their places of origin and use their acquired skills to benefit the entire community. - DDR