Trisab Pty Ltd has embarked on a transformative journey in collaboration with the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority, aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector and advancing the Black Industrialists Agenda. This initiative seeks to impart essential skills to rural and previously disadvantaged farmers and communities, fostering long-term growth and self-sufficiency.
Reverend Musa Zondi, the MEC of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, has lent his support, acknowledging the program’s critical role in overseeing socio-economic transformation in KwaZulu-Natal. Zondi stated, “This programme holds a vital promise for our province, providing necessary resources and education to uplift our communities.”
As the architects of this ground-breaking initiative, Trisab Pty Ltd, alongside notable subsidiaries and partners such as Tri-Medi Canna, Tri-Hemp, the Pathway to Excellence Initiative, IMPUCUKISO, and the African Cannabis Hemp & Natural Products Association, proudly announced the launch of phase two. This phase includes engaging with District Development Agencies of KZN and establishing a seed bank at the Dube Trade Port AgriLab.
The establishment of the seed bank aims to produce essential primary raw materials, which are set to serve as crucial feedstock for local manufacturing and processing industries. Moreover, the project is designed to drive significant socio-economic development, empowerment, and associated sustainable job creation within the province.
The Group CEO of Trisab Pty Ltd, Thokozani Shongwe, expressed optimism about the programme’s potential, particularly in light of challenges posed by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). “We are incredibly excited about the potential of this program as it will help boost our agricultural sector that faces challenges due to AGOA. Despite it all, we foresee growth, especially in previously disadvantaged communities,” he noted.
This initiative embodies a significant stride towards unlocking the agricultural potential in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the production of high-demand raw materials and enabling community empowerment. “This programme is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering our rural communities,” stated Dr Bandile Mkhize, Chairperson of the African Cannabis, Hemp and Natural Products Association.
The collaboration will leverage the combined expertise of Trisab Pty Ltd and its partners, including Tri-Medi Canna’s focus on medicinal cannabis, Tri-Hemp’s industrial hemp knowledge, and the wider advocacy efforts of the Cannabis Hemp & Natural Products Association, whose membership predominantly consists of rural farmers. The Pathway to Excellence Initiative and IMPUCUKISO will additionally play a crucial role in effective skills transfer and community-led developmental projects.
This initiative is set not only to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities but also to create tangible opportunities for skills transfer and sustainable job creation, ultimately advancing the objectives of the Localisation agenda.
