KZN sugarcane set for massive expansion

The KZN South Coast REGION’S already extensive sugarcane production and milling industry is set to expand even further in the medium term following the launch of a development project that aims to establish an additional 5 000ha of land under cane by 2012. This development was facilitated by the 28 September 2006 formation of the Sezela Cane Growers’ Association (SCGA) – a fully integrated association of 4 500 cane farmers of all races, and from operations of all sizes, who were previously separated into smaller associations. “This will generate approximately 500 000 tons of sugarcane at a gross income of over R100 million per annum, create some 2 000 new jobs, and also create numerous opportunities for contractors to plant, harvest and ratoon this cane,” explained newly elected chairperson Errol Koekemoer. “The potential multiplier effect, job creation and injection of disposable income into these areas will be massive.” The latest development project will see a R3,8 million grant from the Gijima Local Economic Development programme, R15 million development capital from the Ugu District Council, and a R15 million loan from Standard Bank, being made available to expand the cane potential of small-scale growers falling under the SCGA. – Lloyd Phillips