Our impact
Track Record & Current Initiatives
Partnership with traditional leadership, skills linked to productive agriculture, and mentorship that turns training into livelihoods.
2023 · AgriSETA partnership grant
500 smallholder farmers trained in southern KwaZulu-Natal
In 2023 KZN CRD was awarded a R5 million partnership grant by AgriSETA to train 500 smallholder farmers across KwaNdelu, Mzumbe, Ezingolweni, Port Shepstone, KwaMadlala and Mthwalume, in communities under the custodianship of traditional leaders.
| Programme item | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Funder | AgriSETA |
| Grant value | R5 million partnership grant |
| Beneficiaries | 500 smallholder farmers |
| Communities reached | KwaNdelu, Mzumbe, Ezingolweni, Port Shepstone, KwaMadlala and Mthwalume |
| Support to all beneficiaries | Company registration, supply chain support, market access and an AgriSETA-accredited qualification |
Current initiative
North KZN Centre for Rural Development
In partnership with the North KZN Centre for Rural Development, KZN CRD is developing a Centre for Rural Development to serve the North KZN community in uPhongolo Local Municipality, Zululand District.
The initiative is designed to reach about 300 beneficiaries through accredited skills programmes, with mentorship for all participants.
2026
Five years and new partnerships
| Initiative | Status |
|---|---|
| KZN CRD Five-Year Mini-Summit and New Leadership Inauguration | 30 October 2026, Moses Kotane Research Institute, Durban. RSVP |
| Three-year partnership with the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) | Proposed: rural digital skills, agri-enterprise, grassroots innovation and green economy; MoU signing planned for 30 October 2026 |
| Banking for Cooperatives with Old Mutual | Proposed: banking, savings, insurance and finance pathways for KZN CRD cooperative members |
| Proposed National Centre for Rural Development | KZN CRD as administrative and incubation partner |
Partnership with traditional leadership, skills linked to productive agriculture, and mentorship that turns training into livelihoods.
Who we serve
The people at the centre of our work
Emerging and smallholder farmers
Agricultural cooperatives
Rural SMMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs
Women and youth in rural areas
Traditional councils and rural communities
Call to action
Together, we can bridge local potential with global opportunity
KZN CRD welcomes engagement from government departments, development finance institutions, SETAs, private-sector investors, traditional authorities and international partners who share this vision.