The Mpumalanga  Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environment Affairs (DARDLEA) recently showcased a selection of locally-produced cannabis products at a Cannabis and Symposium at Schagen outside Mbombela (Nelspruit).

SABC News reports that the event was to highlight opportunities in the industry and to celebrate national heritage. The event was also supported by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency under the Department of Small Businesses.

The enterprise’s provincial manager, Mandla Sibiya (pictured above) says their support is available for all kinds of businesses to ensure their sustainability.

“We assist primarily small businesses for their sustainability in business and also to grow their business” he told SABC.

“We do non-financial services, that is about support about the management of the business" he said. The focus was on giving the owner the right skills set manage and grow their business.”

Mpumulanga cannabis stakeholders are convinced that collaboration between government and producers is essential for them to grow their enterprises.

Shiba Mashinini, who produces cannabis products, says the industry can combat the country’s poverty.

“I would love the government to engage the people that are already doing it” he said.

“Regulation is not a problem. It is how it will be managed may be a problem, so they’ve got to combine the people who have been doing it for years who have been omitted by the regulations”.

“So we would love the government just to loosen up on the regulation thing so that we can be productive and help our people get employed.”                                                                            

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