VAAL REEFS- North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, today,
Thursday, 30 July 2026, handed over a livestock handling facility to the Vaal Reefs Livestock Farmers
Association, and three breeding bulls to the Isibaya the Kraal and Umzimhle Farmers Association in the
Matlosana Local Municipality as part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen communal livestock
farming, improve herd genetics and increase cattle production.
These farmer groups comprise communal farmers from Vaal Reefs and the surrounding areas who
collectively manage a significant cattle herd within the Matlosana region. Through the ongoing partnership
between the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local farmers, the project
aims to enhance livestock production, improve herd quality and animal health, and promote sustainable
agricultural development. The initiative is expected to strengthen food security, boost productivity, and
improve the livelihoods of farming communities.
The intervention forms part of the Department’s broader programme to support communal livestock
farmers through targeted investments in agricultural infrastructure and access to quality breeding stock. It
is among several initiatives recently handed over by MEC Madoda Sambatha across the province, with
additional projects scheduled for completion in the coming months as government continues to drive the
growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
The livestock handling facility will enable farmers to manage their cattle more safely and efficiently during
dipping, vaccination, branding and other animal health activities. The three breeding bulls are expected to
improve herd genetics, leading to increased productivity and greater value for livestock owned by members
of the association.
Today’s handover programme also included the vaccination of cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease
(FMD), with all vaccinated animals tagged to ensure proper identification, traceability and effective disease
control.
Addressing farmers during the handover ceremony, MEC Sambatha reaffirmed government’s commitment
to supporting emerging and communal farmers through practical interventions that boost agricultural
production, strengthen food security and create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
The MEC encouraged beneficiaries to take ownership of the facility and ensure the breeding bulls are
properly managed to maximise their long-term benefits for current and future generations of livestock
farmers.
Beneficiaries welcomed the Department’s support and expressed gratitude for addressing the challenges
faced by local farmers. They indicated that the investment would play a vital role in improving farming
operations, increasing productivity, and sustaining household incomes.
The handover is expected to improve herd quality contributing to the development of a more competitive
and sustainable livestock sector in the North West Province.
Issued by
The Communication Services Directorate
Spokesperson: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 384 3117/ Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwdard/
X:@nwpg_dard