Garlic project creates jobs in Murraysburg

Following the financial support of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), a small-scale garlic project in Murraysburg is playing a role in creating much-needed jobs in the Central Karoo town of Murraysburg.

Murraysburg Garlic (Pty) Ltd was the brainchild of the grandfather of brothers Craig and Ryan Newborn. He was determined to secure the future of employees who had been employed on the family farm for a long time.

"We then decided to create an opportunity for staff, who have been part of our family for long, to have an income when he dies," says Ryan about the establishment of Murraysburg Garlic (Pty) Ltd.     

With the support of local business strategist Chris Barr and the financial assistance of the WCDoA, the town's water scheme was repaired in 2017. In this way, the plots could be irrigated again.  The availability of water paved the way for the garlic farming enterprise.

Today, Murraysburg Garlic (Pty) Ltd is a thriving business, employing several residents.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Ivan Meyer says the project has benefitted from the collaboration between the local farming community and the WCDoA. The partnership has created much-needed jobs in Murraysburg.

Meyer: "The project has generated five permanent and 35 seasonal job opportunities. Job creation is crucial for the Western Cape Government. The dedication displayed by everyone involved will grow the business successfully and lead to even more jobs."

Processing Manager, Ms Martha Booysen, highlights that several women are involved in the packaging of garlic bulbs.

Booysen: "I have been with the project since the beginning. We are thrilled to be part of this project. We work hard, and we are proud of our achievements. Plans are going ahead to construct a fully equipped processing plant to expand operations. The intention is to grow the business and introduce more youth to the garlic industry."

" For the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, its grant of R1.5 million towards repairing the water scheme has been an excellent investment. The Western Cape has three strategic priorities: jobs, safety and dignity and wellbeing. When we create jobs, we create safer communities," concludes Meyer.