From forfeiting R100m while schools are in dire need of infrastructural upgrades to an uproar over a UAE delegation landing at Bulembu Airport, there was never a dull moment in 2023 in the Eastern Cape’s political and administrative affairs. The Dispatch is looking back at the year that was, reflecting on some of the topical issues that had set the news agenda for the province.
The Eastern Cape government says it has been kept in the dark by the department of higher education and training on the progress of the University of Fort Hare’s request to establish a Veterinary Sciences School, which is likely to open its doors in 2025 if things go as planned. This was revealed by rural development and agrarian reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters in her recent response to ANC MPL Dr Fundisile Bese’s question in the provincial legislature.
Plans to set up a vibrant cannabis industry in the Eastern Cape are starting to take shape, with the provincial government announcing the establishment of at least two incubator centres for cannabis and hemp production.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane made a bold public statement this week demanding rural development and agrarian reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters explain why there is child malnutrition in the province.
While talk of a possible food crisis in South Africa continues to divide opinions, Eastern Cape rural development and agrarian reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters has moved to allay fears of any food shortages in the province.