Macadamia project creates over 300 jobs

Written by Siya Miti

The Department of Trade and Industry has injected R40 million towards the planting of the first orchards in the community-owned AmaJingqi Macadamia project, which was launched last year near Willowvale.

The AmaJingqi project already employs 131 people with more jobs added as it grows to full capacity.

The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform contributed R500 000 and a tractor and trailer to help the rural farmers with primary production.

AmaJingqi macadamia production requires about R120 million, over eight years, to establish the 300 ha macadamia orchard, after which it will be sustainable.

“We are finalising talks with the Land Bank that will result in the department and the bank investing about R100 million each into the AmaJingqi macadamia business, between the 2018 and 2020 financial years,” said MEC  Qoboshiyane.

“We will invest R32 million next year and over R16 million during the 2019/20 financial year, with the Land Bank investing about R52.4 million over the same period.

“Once the 300 hectares of land set aside for macadamia production in AmaJingqi comes into production, about 330 jobs will be created.”