The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) is pleased to welcome Nedbank as a strategic partner on its Women and Youth in Rural Entrepreneurship (WYRE) initiative. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding structured support for emerging farmers in the province.
Kwanalu’s WYRE initiative was established in 2021 in response to the economic devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic closely followed by the July unrest in KZN’s rural communities. Since its inception, the programme has supported more than 1 500 women and youth in launching and strengthening rural micro-enterprises across the province.
WYRE has delivered significant measurable results, including a 20% increase in participant incomes within six months, and a marked reduction in grant dependency in some of the province’s most economically vulnerable communities.
The new Accelerator phase made possible by Nedbank, will focus on deepening enterprise development through structured mentorship, leadership development, technical guidance and stronger integration into formal agricultural value chains. The formal launch of this next phase will take place on 11 March in Impendle, KZN.
Nedbank’s Head: Enterprise Development, Dr Nirmala Reddy said the partnership was the embodiment of Nedbank’s commitment to advancing purpose-led transformation that transcends legislation aimed at building an equitable society.
“Nedbank is proud to partner with Kwanalu as part of our role in shaping an empowered and inclusive economy and society,” adds Reddy.
Kwanalu CEO, Sandy La Marque says the partnership reinforces the principle that sustainable rural development requires long-term collaboration between organised agriculture and the private sector.
“Real transformation in agriculture requires more than once-off support. It requires partnership, accountability and a shared commitment to building viable businesses that strengthen households and rural economies.”
The Accelerator phase will work with a selected cohort of emerging farmers in KZN, focusing on practical implementation, measurable growth and long-term sustainability.
Through WYRE, Kwanalu continues to prioritise inclusive economic opportunity, leadership development and the strengthening of organised agriculture as a vehicle for rural stability and food security.
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, is a representative organization voice of the rural and agricultural sectors in the province. Its viewpoints are based on submissions from its members, and it is committed to a sustainable and profitable future for Agriculture within KwaZulu-Natal and the greater South Africa.
