The embattled Makana Goat Project is limping along a year since the goats arrived in the Makana District, with now only 102 of the 175 goats still alive.
The embattled Makana Goat Project is limping along a year since the goats arrived in the Makana District, with now only 102 of the 175 goats still alive.
The project has been a victim of frequent delays over the last few years including the mismanagement of funds by former project management and the impact of the Eastern Cape’s environment upon the goats.
According to the head of the Makana Goat Farmer’s Co-operative, Mike Mamkeli, only 102 of the 175 goats that were delivered last year are still alive.
Housed among nine farms spread throughout the area, Mamkeli says that goats have fallen prey to change in environment upon being brought to the Eastern Cape.
Despite these setbacks Mamkeli is still confident that the initiative will continue to grow. Sheds and permanent structures to house the goats have been completed which will hopefully serve to protect the goats from the environment.
Mamkeli says that plans to construct a milking parlour at Inneskilling farm are still on track and should be completed within a month’s time.
Mamkeli also says the development of the proposed Makana Goat Village is still underway and has entered its second phase of development.
The proposed Makana Goat Village Co-operative is being undertaken by the Makana Goat Farmer’s Co-operative in partnership with the Makana Municipality and the Thina Sinako Provincial Local Economic Development Support Programme.
Through the construction of the village and the production and sale of goat based products such as milk and leather, the programme hopes to provide the necessary skills and facilities for emerging farmers in the area to provide economic relief, stability and employment opportunities for the citizens of Makana.
The plan for the village also includes a restaurant and conference centre with traditional Xhosa entertainment provided for visitors to the village.
