CHDM Plans 3000 Jobs Through Major Food Programme

The Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) has announced a major agricultural and employment initiative expected to create more than 3,000 job opportunities across the district, as part of a broader effort to tackle unemployment and strengthen local food systems.

The programme combines the Labour Activation Programme with a Food Aggregation model, aiming to support farmers, improve food access, and stimulate local economic development through agriculture.

A Push to Rebuild the Local Economy

According to the municipality, the initiative is designed to reposition the Chris Hani District as a “food basket” within the region, leveraging its irrigation schemes and agricultural potential.

The Food Aggregation model focuses on helping small-scale and emerging farmers move toward commercial farming by improving access to markets, reducing input costs, and increasing productivity.

Officials say rising food prices and limited access to markets have placed pressure on both households and farmers. Many small-scale farmers face increasing costs and difficult decisions about whether to expand or exit farming altogether.

The aggregation approach aims to address these challenges by encouraging collective participation, allowing farmers to benefit from bulk purchasing, shared equipment, and streamlined access to formal markets.

Qamata Pilot Project Underway

A pilot project has already been established in Qamata, where approximately 79 hectares are being used for food aggregation, including vegetable production such as potatoes, cabbage, and spinach.

The project operates through partnerships between the Chris Hani Development Agency (CHDA), the Department of Agriculture, and the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA).

Farmers involved in the pilot have entered agreements with a Fresh Produce Pack House, which provides technical support, market access, and skills development opportunities.

Training Thousands Through Labour Activation

A key component of the programme is skills development. Through partnerships with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and training institutions, thousands of participants are expected to receive training in agriculture, agri-processing, and technical trades.

The programme includes:

• 1,260 participants in skills development programmes
• 710 artisan trainees
• 1,630 learnership placements

This forms part of a broader investment valued in the hundreds of millions of rand, aimed at improving long-term employment prospects in the district.

Training will take place across multiple sites, including irrigation schemes such as Qamata, Ncora, and Bilatye, with some participants focusing on specialised roles like diesel mechanics, tractor operations, and water scheme support.

Linking Farmers to Markets

The municipality says securing reliable markets is critical to the programme’s success. Boxer Supermarket has already been identified as one of the aggregation partners, helping connect local farmers to formal retail supply chains.

In addition, government procurement initiatives are expected to support sustainability by sourcing food for schools, hospitals, and other institutions directly from local farmers.

Long-Term Targets and Rollout

CHDM has set an ambitious target of 3,000 hectares of vegetable production by 2030, alongside the creation of around 4,000 employment opportunities across agriculture and agri-processing sectors.

The full programme is expected to be officially launched on 20 May 2026 in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour.

Initial induction sessions have already been conducted across local municipalities in the district, with further training, webinars, and stakeholder engagements planned in the coming months.

What This Means for Residents

If implemented effectively, the programme could have a direct impact on communities across the Chris Hani District, including Komani and surrounding areas.

For residents, the initiative could:

• Create new job opportunities, particularly for young people
• Improve access to affordable food
• Strengthen local agriculture and rural economies
• Support small-scale farmers to grow sustainable businesses

However, as with many government-led initiatives, the real test will be in implementation and whether the programme delivers on its targets over time.