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A field day at Vokola area in Insiza South where a 20-member women’s group called Okwethu Ngokwezandla are running a potato production project

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
WOMEN have been called on to start up self-help projects that are in line with the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).
Speaking at a sack potato production farming field school in Vokola area in Insiza South constituency on Friday, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Provincial Women’s League vice-chairperson, Cde Clara Langa, said women should fully participate in turning around the economy.
The colourful event was held at the homestead of Insiza South Member of Parliament Cde Malach Nkomo and was attended by scores of people from different corners of Matabeleland South Province.

“We are happy to see women in our district taking up this sack potato production project because it would go a long way in developing our area and in promoting food security. Therefore, I am encouraging more women to venture into such projects that are in line with the Zim-Asset,” said Cde Langa.

A 20-member women group called Okwethu Ngokwezandla started the sack potato production project with the help of Cde Sanele Nkomo, Insiza South MP Malach Nkomo’s wife.

“I would like to thank Cde (Sanele) Nkomo for initiating this project in line with the Zim-Asset under the cluster of food security. We are so proud to have such people in our communities and as women we need to emulate Cde Nkomo,” she said before applauding the Godlwayo women for implementing a successful potato project.

“As women we should be at the forefront of developmental projects so that we get rid of the dependency syndrome from either our male counterparts or donor organisations. With determination, this project would grow into a big business and we need such projects throughout the province,” added Cde Langa.

The women group started the project in March this year and planted potatoes in 326 bags and expects to harvest 15 to 20kg potatoes per bag.
“We are grateful for the support we are getting from Cde Nkomo. She has given us strength to stick to the project and we are expecting to increase the sacks to 1,000 in the next season,” said the group’s chairperson Daisy Ncube.

The event was also attended by Insiza MPs, Cdes Andrew Langa, Gwanda North MP Cde Madodana Sibanda, Zanu-PF Women’s League provincial chairperson Cde Alice Dube, traditional leaders and farmers.