ECATU has remained committed to creating awareness about the importance of appropriate technology in driving sustainable development while undertaking basic research to identify areas of intervention for project implementation and management. In many developing countries and parts of South Africa, appropriate technologies are providing essential products and services that can relieve the pressure on the farm economy while developing the non farm economy. Appropriate technologies have a huge role to play to complement government’s efforts to address current backlogs in the province in the area of: (i) housing- using the soil-cement technology also referred to as the ECATU brick; (ii) water-using the improved bio-filter water purification systems to ensure clean water for rural communities; (iii) sanitation –using ventilated improved double pit systems for communities and schools with no water; and (iv) alternative energy- using biogas and solar energy to provide lighting and cooking options for rural households...(read more)

ECATU recently held a workshop to assist co-operatives in the region with financial and marketing management skills. Ten members drawn from four primary agriculture co-operatives namely; Sakhisizwe, Gobinamba, Siyabulela, Sinesango Lakomkhulu and Tsilithwa Primary Agricultural Cooperatives were equipped with acquiring skills on competitive pricing, information on accessing markets and basic financial Management. 

Through its Business Development Unit, ECATU is mandated to suppport co-operatives in the province, from their inception, registration, funding proposals, mentoring and coaching to marketing and sales. This is always achived through sound partnerships with various other state or private entities.

ECATU aims to further support local cooperatives during the Annual Rural Development Conference organised by Walter Sisulu University later this year.