World Rural Development Day highlights the importance of improving the quality of life of people living in rural areas, focusing on challenges such as poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. The day aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Rural communities play a vital role in food production, environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage. Yet many remain underdeveloped compared with urban areas and continue to face significant barriers to economic and social progress.

To discuss this further, Mpho Sithole spoke to Sanel'Ekhaya Ntathu, a Quality Control Specialist at PROXICOM Quality Control and Engineering Consultancy.