Government has intensified efforts to revive the Mnandi Mnandi Processing Centre in Madaula Village, Beitbridge, as part of its drive to accelerate rural industrialisation, create employment and promote value addition in local communities.
The rehabilitation of the agro-processing facility is expected to strengthen food security, support enterprise development and provide sustainable livelihoods through the processing of locally available agricultural and forestry products.
Following a tour of the facility, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said ageing equipment remained the major challenge affecting operations.
“I have instructed the relevant authorities to submit their requirements so that Government can provide the necessary support to bring this centre back to life and promote health and wealth in this area as part of our rural industrialisation drive,” he said.
Vice Chairperson of the Mnandi Mnandi Processing Centre Resuscitation Committee, Jethro Singo, said the centre previously added value to locally available products, producing marula jam, peanut butter and extracting oil from marula nuts, among other forestry products.
Ward 3 Councillor, Khawulani Ndou said the project complements Government’s rural industrialisation agenda by creating economic opportunities closer to where people live.
“We are promoting rural industrialisation so that villagers from this area can earn better incomes. Government’s intervention to revive this processing centre will bring significant benefits to the community,” he said.
The initiative has been welcomed by residents, who say the processing centre has the potential to transform the local economy by creating jobs and attracting investment.
Local youths expressed optimism that the project would provide much-needed employment opportunities.
“If this project is revived, youths from the Madaula area are set to benefit from jobs that are going to be created from the centre,” said one resident.
Another community member said the processing centre would empower villagers to establish income-generating projects.
“We are happy that Government has come to assist the community by resuscitating the processing centre. It will help us to be self-employed and improve our livelihoods,” the resident said.
Residents also believe the facility could become a catalyst for private sector investment in the area.
“This plant has the potential to attract big investors, which is a big advantage to us as a community,” another resident said.
Once rehabilitated, the Mnandi Mnandi Processing Centre is expected to boost local value addition, stimulate entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities and help stem rural-to-urban migration, reinforcing Government’s vision of building vibrant and productive rural economies.
