Media Release: GRDM plays its part in World Food Day, celebrating it in Uniondale

11 October 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, has reflected on the Municipality’s contribution to food security to the Garden Route region at a World Food Day celebration. This year’s theme is the “Right to Foods for a better life and a better future: Leave no one behind”. Collective action across over 150 countries worldwide is what makes World Food Day (16 October) one of the most celebrated days in the United Nations calendar.

During Mayor Stroebel’s address at the Uniondale Sports Grounds, he said: “One of our many promising initiatives is our Municipality’s Resilient Agriculture Niche Support Programme (Agri-processing), which focuses on honeybush tea processing”.

Agri-processing refers to the transformation of raw agricultural products into different forms that add value, enhance usability, or extend shelf life.

“Honeybush, indigenous to our region, has immense potential not only as a health product but also as an agricultural crop that drives economic development. We have thus far facilitated investments in processing equipment for local honeybush production. The establishment of this processing plant has been made possible through funding provided by the Western Cape Government, particularly from the Provincial Departments of Local Government and Agriculture.”

It is interesting to note that Honeybush has spinoffs for job creation, rural development, exports, biodiversity, and even tourism.

“The GRDM remains focused on building a district where food security cross-cuts society and where agriculture remains inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive. With the right partnerships and a shared vision, we are striving to position this region as one that continuously promotes sustainable development,” Stroebel concluded.

The event was arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, attended by its Western Cape MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, supported by both Garden Route District and George Municipalities.

Feature image: Items ready for collection by community members.

ENDS