A collaboration between the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), AfriForum, and the farmers’ network, the Southern African Agri Network (Saai) has delivered a solar-powered water supply to the Batlokoa Ba Mota Traditional Council in QwaQwa, Free State.

“Reliable supply of water to the offices of our Traditional Council, which plays such a pivotal role in the life of our community, will come a long way to restoring our dignity,” said Morena e Moholo Montoeli Mota, a local traditional leader.

The project supplies clean water to council offices, a new vegetable garden, and a communal tank that benefits surrounding households. The garden will also feed a local nutrition programme while offering training, skills transfer, and small-scale income opportunities.

Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, Chairperson of the NHTKL, said: “This initiative led to the establishment of infrastructure and a project that has the potential to leave a lasting positive legacy.”

AfriForum’s Head of Intercultural Relations and Co-operation, Barend Uys, said it: “not only contributes towards socio-economic development but also the strengthening of cultural identity and the restoration of a healthy cultural self-image.”

Saai Chairperson Dr Theo de Jager added that: “there is no sector of the economy that can create as many opportunities to generate wealth in such a short space of time as agriculture can.”

The project shows how practical partnerships can achieve what state programmes often promise, delivering reliable services, productive work, and restored community pride.