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4 November 2008

As part of Government's Imbizo Week, from Saturday, 1 until Saturday, 8 November 2008, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele, accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal Member of Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development Dr Meshack Hadebe and other senior government officials, will visit Mfanefile at Mthonjaneni in the uThungulu District.

The theme for the Imbizo Week is "It is time make a difference".

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: 6 November 2008
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mfanefile area, near KwaMagwaza Hospital

Mfanefile, which forms part of the Mthonjaneni Local Municipality, has a rich history and is King Shaka's birth place. In August this year the area was one of the worst affected by run-away veld fires.

Mthonjaneni is also one of the smallest municipalities in South Africa, but has the distinction of being regarded as one of the healthiest places to live in the country. Close to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and the Opathe game reserves, Mthonjaneni is home to approximately 38 000 people. Apart from certain small industries, the town depends on agriculture, primarily sugar cane, timber and cattle, for survival. Avocados and citrus fruits are also produced for local and foreign markets.

The area produces about 300 000 tons of sugar cane and 470 000 tons of timber per year, as well as delicate cut flowers for export.

The municipality incorporates large tracts of commercial farming land with most communities practicing small-scale farming for domestic purposes. Agriculture employs about 75% of the labour force. The expansion of the local economy focuses on increasing timber and cane production, expanding the cut flower industry, the production of essential oils and the establishment of apiaries.

The area has produced many prominent people including Rev BK Dludla, former radio personality Lindiwe Ntuli and scores of teachers, intellectuals, business people as well as other professionals.

All media are invited to attend. Please note picture opportunities. Journalists attending must confirm their attendance by no later than 14h00 on Wednesday, 5 November 2008, as per the contact details listed below.

Contact:
Jeff Hassan
Cell: 082 884 1872

Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Email: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za

Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
4 November 2008
Source: SAPA