In Sub-Saharan Africa, 57% of the population live in rural areas, despite decades of urbanisation. Although home to the majority of citizens, rural areas continue to be characterised by poverty and poor socio-economic outcomes. Many rural economies are undiversified and heavily reliant on subsistence agriculture.
Challenges such as poor transportation networks, unreliable electricity supply, insufficient healthcare facilities and underinvestment perpetuate a cycle of poverty and stagnation. The reality is that decades of political progress and policy frameworks have done little to rectify the entrenched issues of exclusion and underdevelopment that continue to plague rural communities.
Realising rural economic development requires concerted efforts from experts and policymakers. The 14th Rural Development Conference seeks to bring together various stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions that can uplift rural communities and create a roadmap for sustainable economic development.
We promote and create opportunities for professionalism in the
development and management of sustainable energy. We create a total
continuous learning experience for delegates. We serve!
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL)
Deputy Director General of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa
Chief Officer: Projects | Casidra Soc Ltd
CEO of Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions
Rural Development Practitioner & Member Volunteer of Sebenza Community Project
Chief Professional Surveyor Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
Head of Post Investment of Masisizane Fund
Director of the Rural Education Access Programme
Economist Socio-economic Development Consultant of Anda Consulting
National Facilitator National Movement of Rural Women
Youth and Land Reform Expert: Independent Researcher
Acting CEO of Amadlelo Agri Pty Ltd
Policy and Research Officer at the Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
Specialist: Planning Land & Rural Development South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Senior Manager: Stakeholder Relations National Development Agency
0700 Registration and networking
0815 Opening remarks from the chairperson –
0830 Nomtandazo Thandi Moyo | Deputy Director General | Rural Development, Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa
Topic: Integrated and Inclusive Rural Economy and Multi-Sectoral Rural Development Strategy Roles of various stakeholders in Rural Development and building the Rural Economy
0900 David Nefdt | Chief Officer: Projects | Casidra Soc Ltd
Topic: Unlocking the Potential of Rural Economies in the Western Cape
0930 Networking tea break
1000 John-Mark Kilian | CEO | Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions
Topic: Building resilience and sustainability in rural communities through socio-economic programs that empower self-reliant livelihoods, increase economic options, and reduce vulnerability and dependency.
1030 Jonathan Mndawe | Rural Development Practitioner & Member Volunteer | Sebenza Community Project
Topic: Rural Youth Entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic inclusion for rural growth
1100 Asanda Mbewu | Economist: Socio-economic Development Consultant | Anda Consulting
Topic: Economic diversification of the rural economy: potential sectors
1130 Vukile Hlobongwana | Acting CEO – Amadlelo Agri Pty Ltd
Topic: Role of cooperatives in strengthening rural economies: benefits and best Practices, An Amadlelo and Seven Stars Central Co-operative case study.
1200 Dr. Rachel Isabel Mkandawire | Policy and Research Officer | Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
Topic: Policy Frameworks for Rural Development: Best Practices and Lessons Learned – A 10-Year Review of FANRPAN Projects.
1230 Mr Xolile Brukwe | Senior Manager: Stakeholder Relations | National Development Agency
Topics:
· Point 1 – Importance of stakeholder collaboration for rural economic development?
· Point 2 – How is NDA realizing rural economic development? Supported by case study.
1300 Networking Lunch
1400 Panel Session
Panel
Nomtandazo Thandi Moyo | Deputy Director General | Rural Development, Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa
David Nefdt | Chief Officer: Projects | Casidra Soc Ltd
John-Mark Kilian| CEO| Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions
Jonathan Mndawe | Rural Development Practitioner & Member Volunteer | Sebenza Community Project
Asanda Mbewu | Socio-economic Development Consultant | Anda Consulting
Vukile Hlobongwana | Acting CEO – Amadlelo Agri Pty Ltd
Dr. Rachel Isabel Mkandawire | Policy and Research Officer | Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
Mr Xolile Brukwe | Senior Manager: Stakeholder Relations | National Development Agency
1500 Closing Remarks from Chairperson
1515 Networking Tea Break: End of Conference
0700 Registration and networking
0845 Opening remarks from the chairperson
0900 Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, Rapulana! | Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL)
0930 Nozipho Madlala | Chief Professional Surveyor | Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa.
Topic: Pilot Project: Digitization of Villages and Homesteads in Port Edward, Eastern Cape· The study demonstrates how digitizing village boundaries and homesteads can improve land administration, service delivery, and spatial planning in rural areas.
1000 Networking tea break
1030 Esther Mukumbo | Head of Post Investment | Masisizane Fund
Topic: Enhancing financial inclusion in rural areas.
1100 Russell Davies | Director of the Rural Education Access Programme
Topic: Creating diverse, achievable and sustainable pathways into post-school education & training (PSET) for marginalized rural youth.
1140 Ndivhuho Ramuthaga | National Facilitator | National Movement of Rural Women
Topic: Role of Cooperatives in Strengthening Rural Economies: Benefits and Best Practices.
1210: Zanoxolo Futwa | Specialist: Planning Land & Rural Development |South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Topic: Rural Development Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities for South African Municipalities
1240: Simion Mashego | Youth and Land Reform Expert: Independent Researcher
Topic: Towards attitude change and a positive
economic relationship with rural land
1310 Networking Lunch
1410 Panel Session
Panel
Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, Rapulana! | Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL)
Nozipho Madlala | Chief Professional Surveyor Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
Esther Mukumbo | Head of Post Investment | Masisizane Fund
Ndivhuho Ramuthaga | National Facilitator | National Movement of Rural Women
Zanoxolo Futwa | Specialist: Planning Land & Rural Development |South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Simion Mashego | Youth and Land Reform Expert: Independent
1510 Closing Remarks from Chairperson
1525 Networking Tea Break: End of Conference
Cost per person
NB: Price is in South African Rand. Price displayed excludes VAT.
Cost per person
NB: Price is in South African Rand. Price displayed excludes VAT.
