Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency - ECRDA

03/09/2026

OUR H**P CBD FLOWER FARMERS ARE READY FOR THE PLANTING SEASON!

This week, ECRDA officials travelled across the province to receive h**p CBD Flower seeds delivered by Offtaker to farmers in preparing to plant h**p for CBD flower.

The h**p seed distribution follows a recent h**p planting training session held at the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute in Middledrift, in collaboration with key stakeholders.

The session equipped farmers with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in h**p seed planting ahead of the September 2026 planting season.

ECRDA remains committed to supporting farmers and unlocking opportunities within the province’s emerging h**p industry.

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

DON’T MISS ECRDA ON ENGCOBO FM!

Tune in to Engcobo FM as Mr B. Giyose, Executive: Structured Rural Finance Services at ECRDA, shares valuable insights into ECRDA’s funding opportunities.

He will be joined by Ms Nokuthula Mafikwana, owner of Tyhopho Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, an ECRDA Structured Rural Finance client based in Mthatha.

Established in 2015 in Sigubudwini, Mthatha, Tyhopho Trading cultivates 122 hectares of maize and soybeans, contributing to job creation, food security and opportunities for local youth and agricultural graduates.

Date: Today, 03 September 2026

Time: 11:30

Listen live: https://engcobo-fm.co.za/

02/09/2026

ECRDA AND REIMAGINESA FORGE STRATEGIC COLLABORATION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Yesterday was no ordinary day for ECRDA. It marked an important moment of collaboration and dialogue as ECRDA joined ReimagineSA and key stakeholders for the Eastern Cape Leadership Convening and the launch of the African Leadership book at the Blue Lagoon Hotel in East London.

The gathering provided a platform for meaningful conversations emerging from the book on leadership, collaboration and the future of Eastern Cape communities.

ECRDA, led by CEO Mr Simpiwe Somdyala, joined ReimagineSA, led by its Co-Founder and Advisor to the Board, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, together with the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Sibanye-Stillwater and other key stakeholders.

The convening explored how different sectors can work collectively to reimagine and strengthen Eastern Cape communities, with a particular focus on inclusive rural development and sustainable livelihoods.

Earlier in the day, Mr Somdyala and ReimagineSA Executive Director Mr Luvuyo Madasa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance integrated rural development, community resilience, social cohesion, local economic development and sustainable livelihoods across the Eastern Cape.

The collaboration reinforces ECRDA’s commitment to its vision;
“Uphuhliso Lwamaphandle Oluquka Uluntu Ngokubanzi”

02/09/2026

WEATHER ALERT | El Niño is a natural climate pattern that results in a shift in global atmospheric circulation. In South Africa, the typical impacts of El Niño are lower-than-normal rainfall during summer coupled with high temperatures.

Typical winter conditions have prevailed in summer rainfall areas. However, the winter rainfall areas have experienced a shortage of rainfall, which will be challenging moving into the summer months that will require risk reduction focus.

During the 2025/26 summer season, above-normal rainfall was received which improved levels of dams and soil moisture in most summer rainfall
areas.

🔗:https://www.nda.gov.za/images/Newsroom/Media%20Releases/2026/el-nino-advisory-2026-summer-season.pdf

01/09/2026

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01/09/2026

01/09/2026

EASTERN CAPE WEATHER INTELLIGENCE REPORT | SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2026

Stay informed and plan ahead with ECRDA’s latest seasonal weather outlook for the Eastern Cape.

The report provides practical weather intelligence to support farmers, rural enterprises and ECRDA programmes in preparing for changing rainfall patterns, warmer conditions and associated seasonal risks.

Plan Ahead • Manage Risks • Protect Your Livelihood

Scan here for the full report:https://ecrda.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ECRDA-Weather-IntelligenceAug-Dec_2026.pdf