BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
SICUNUSA- Montigny Investments continues to expand its Kusile Maswati Project, a forestry development initiative aimed at encouraging Emaswati participation in black wattle farming while promoting sustainable land use and rural economic growth.
The project, which is being implemented in areas such as Sicunusa, supports local farmers by providing black wattle seedlings, technical guidance, and opportunities for long-term investment in forestry. In addition to promoting sustainable forestry practices, the initiative has also created seasonal employment opportunities for community members during the planting season.
Several farmers in Sicunusa have already taken part in the programme, including Barend Steenkamp and Malinga Bheki, who are among the beneficiaries currently planting black wattle under the project. The planting season for black wattle runs from October to the end of March, allowing landowners sufficient time to prepare their land and participate. The programme also encourages beneficiaries to begin with food production before transitioning into tree planting, ensuring food security alongside forestry development.
Speaking during the latest seedling handover, J B Timber General Manager and project beneficiary Barend Steenkamp said the initiative is already delivering tangible benefits.
“We received 208 trays last year, which have all been planted. The 210 trays we received today will add to what is already in the ground, bringing the total planted area to about 31 hectares. Around 35 temporary workers have been engaged during planting. This shows that the project is not just about planting trees, but also about creating jobs, supporting families, and demonstrating that forestry can be a long-term source of income for the community,” he said.
The Kusile maSwati Project is open to any landowner interested in planting black wattle, a crop that takes approximately nine years to mature. Beneficiaries also work collaboratively to protect their plantations, as well as nearby Montigny plantations, particularly during the fire season.
The official handover of the seedlings was conducted by Madibha Dlamini, Head of the Kusile maSwati Project, and Victor Zwane, Project Manager, reaffirming Montigny Investments’ commitment to inclusive forestry development and community empowerment.
Through the Kusile maSwati Project, Montigny Investments continues to play a key role in promoting sustainable forestry, job creation, and long-term economic opportunities for rural communities.
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(Courtesy Pic)
