BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – For farmers in Makhewu and surrounding communities, the opening of a new dip tank brings more than improved livestock infrastructure—it offers renewed hope for healthier animals, better production and stronger opportunities to earn a living from farming.
The E400 000 Makhewu Dip Tank Number 462, under Lugongolweni Inkhundla, was officially opened on August 21, 2026, as government renewed its call for farmers to treat livestock farming as a business and explore opportunities beyond traditional cattle production.
The facility was officially opened by the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Chawuka, who was represented by the Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Vincent Dlamini. The project was completed in collaboration with Micro Projects.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Dlamini encouraged farmers to make full use of government veterinary services available at Mphisi Farm, noting that healthy animals are essential for improving livestock production and the quality of products reaching the market.
“Farmers must take advantage of the government veterinary services rendered at Mphisi Farm for better livestock produce,” Dlamini said.
He also called on farmers to take ownership of the new facility by ensuring that it is properly maintained and remains available to serve future generations of livestock farmers.
Beyond maintaining the dip tank, Dlamini challenged farmers to change the way they view livestock farming, urging them to focus on income generation rather than simply increasing the number of animals in their kraals.
“As farmers, we must venture into livestock that will generate income when competing with others in the market. We must also explore such unfamiliar livestock produce as goat milk and the like,” he said.
Dlamini said farmers should also be willing to diversify their enterprises and identify livestock products that could open doors to new markets.
“Farmers must not only find pleasure in the number of cattle they possess, but must farm to generate income due to the value of their livestock,” he said.
His call comes at a time when rural farmers are increasingly being encouraged to move from subsistence production towards commercial agriculture, where livestock can provide sustainable household income and contribute to the wider rural economy.
Meanwhile, Maphungwane Chief Maliwa Maziya highlighted some of the difficulties experienced by farmers in the area, particularly the shortage of grazing land and stock theft.
Chief Maziya said these challenges continue to make livestock farming difficult for some farmers, but acknowledged the important contribution of veterinary assistants in helping communities protect and improve their livestock.
“We appreciate the effective role played by veterinary assistants in curbing these hindrances,” he said.
The opening of Makhewu Dip Tank is expected to bring veterinary services closer to farmers while supporting better animal health and livestock management in the area.
The E400 000 investment also represents an important step in strengthening agricultural infrastructure at community level, giving farmers a facility they can use to protect their livestock and improve productivity.
Farmers were urged to safeguard the facility, maintain it collectively and make proper use of government veterinary services.
As Makhewu farmers begin using the new dip tank, the message from government is clear: livestock farming should not only be about owning cattle, but about building productive, profitable and sustainable agricultural businesses.
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