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Mahikeng —In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the livelihood of Ngaka Modiri Molema farmer Mr. Christopher Maema was severely impacted when a lightning strike tragically claimed the lives of fifty-three (53) of his valuable cattle on Sunday, 10 November 2024, on his farm located 40km Northwest of Zeerust town.
Despite this devastating loss, Mr. Maema found solace in the unwavering support extended by MEC Madoda Sambatha, who personally visited his farm on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, to show solidarity and offer encouragement.
Expressing deep empathy for Mr. Maema’s plight, MEC Sambatha acknowledged the severe financial and emotional toll of this unexpected event. “It is heart breaking to witness the challenges faced by our farmers, especially when nature strikes in such an unforeseen way,” MEC Sambatha said.
During the visit, Mr. Maema, visibly moved by the Department’s gesture, expressed his gratitude. “Having the support of our leaders and the Department has given me a renewed sense of hope. I know I’m not alone in this, and as a man, I will have to soldier on,” he shared.
Upon learning of the incident, the Department promptly dispatched a team to Mr. Maema’s farm. The team conducted a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the damage and is currently compiling a comprehensive report to guide support efforts in the wake of this unfortunate event.
Through this show of solidarity, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reaffirms its commitment to the farming community, ensuring that no farmer stands alone in the face of hardship.

IMAGE CAPTIONS: MEC Madoda Sambatha on site: Walking with Christopher Maema to assess damage after tragic lightning strike claimed 53 Bonsmara cattle.
Issued by
The Directorate Communication Services
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

For enquiries contact:
Ms Khutala Tshangela
Director : Ms Emelda Setlhako
Cell : 060 745 4020
Email : ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za

Media Liaison Officer Cell: 066 458 6915
ktshangela06@gmail.com or KTshangela@nwpg.gov.za
www.facebook.com/nwpread
X : @nwpg_dard

Madibogopan – To improve and attend to household food security matters, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, handed over 200 food parcels to
200 indigent households in Madibogopan Village as part of the commemoration of the Provincial World Food Day (WFD) on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. This initiative highlights the ongoing battle against food insecurity that many families in the community face and the importance of access to nutritious food for all. The World Food Day event, celebrated under “Right to foods for a better life and a better future” serves as a reminder of the global effort to end hunger and improve nutrition. The food parcels handed over included staple foods and nutritious items to households identified as most in need and mainly child and female headed, this endeavour is part of the department’s mandate in promoting food security and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. Leading the commemorations, Head of Department Mr Thupi Mokhatla emphasized the importance of community support and the role of government in addressing food scarcity in the province. “Today’s distribution of food parcels is a vital step towards ensuring that our vulnerable communities have access to essential food supplies. We recognize the struggles faced by many households, and we are committed to providing relief and support” said Mokhatla.

The department additionally handed over vegetable seeds and garden tools to 15 households. Communities were urged to engage with various agricultural programs available through the department, aimed at enhancing food production and sustainability, while emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience.

Health official and Dietician Mr Goitsemodimo Senna, talked on the importance on eating healthy, nutritious foods and reading food labels including expiry dates “Proper nutrition helps prevent malnutrition and other health related issues, having access to nutritious foods supports the immune function, whilst reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting your overall well-being” stated Senna.

“The initiative of the department is greatly appreciated to assist in improving household food insecurity as majority of the community members are unemployed and there is no economic activities in the village” exclaimed one of the beneficiaries of the food parcels Ms Rebecca Monwana, The objective of WFD is to stimulate agricultural production and trade in the marginalised and poorer areas within the provinces through cooperation and collaborations with other relevant stakeholders.

PICTURE CAPTION:
676A9289.JPG –HoD Thupi Mokhatla joined by Cllr Matlhomola Japhta to hand over garden tools to ensure backyard garden initiatives.
676A9155.JPG–Food parcels and garden tools handed over in efforts to improve and attend to household food security matters in Madibogopan.
Issued by
The Directorate Communication Services
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Director: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za

For enquiries contact:
Khutala Tshangela
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 066 458 6915
ktshangela06@gmail.com
KTshangela@nwpg.gov.za
Website: www.dard.nwpg.gov.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nwpread

Mahikeng – In its ongoing efforts to empower farmers with the tools necessary for enhancing food production,
the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) on Friday, 04 October 2024, handed
over a ten hectare (10ha) center pivot irrigation system to Sello Nthoesane, an emerging potato producer in the
Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. This strategic intervention aims to boost the production capacity of
farmers that contribute significantly to the province’s food security.

Driven by MEC Madoda Sambatha, this initiative forms part of the department’s programme focused on delivering
critical farming infrastructure to ensure sustainable food production. The installation of this system will not only
allow the farmer to increase his crop yield but also ensure efficient water application and reduce labour costs.

Systems such as center pivot irrigations are crucial for enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector in the
face of challenging dry climate conditions. With a crop high in demand and with the potential to meaningfully
boost the local economy, we are committed to empowering farmers like Nthoesane with essential resources
needed to boost production This project supports the creation of jobs for local people to improve their livelihood.
That is why the department’s unwavering commitment to empowering the province’s farmers by equipping them
with infrastructure remains a priority. Assisting to facilitate the transition of farmers such as Sello to commercial
farming will ultimately enhance rural development, development” said MEC Sambatha.

Sello expressed profound gratitude to the department’s effort in supporting black potato farmers in the province.
As a beneficiary of the department’s potato programme which started three years ago aimed at increasing the
number of black potato farmers in the country, this center pivot will allow me to expand production to the 10ha
that the system covers. Maximizing the use of arable land on the farm is the ultimate goal so that we meet the
market’s constant demand of fresh potatoes thereby driving profits the ever growing demand includes informal
traders, retailers and agro-processors that manufacture a variety of potato products. The pivot will be fully
utilized to its maximum potential stated the potato farmer.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategic effort to combat food insecurity and uplift farmers across the
North West Province.

Issued by
The Directorate Communication Services
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Director: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za

For enquiries contact:
Khutala Tshangela
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 066 458 6915
ktshangela06@gmail.com
KTshangela@nwpg.gov.za
Website: dard.nwpg.gov.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nwpread

Potchefstroom – In a bold move to uplift the economic status of farmers and enhance the productivity and value of their livestock, North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, handed over twenty-four (24) Nguni Bulls to farmers in a ceremony held on Friday, 13 September 2024, in Potchefstroom. This strategic intervention underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture and driving the prosperity of rural communities across the province.

This latest donation of 24 bulls follows closely on the heels of a similar initiative by the Department last month, which specifically targeted female-led farms across the Province. By increasing access to fertile, productive bulls, the Department is taking a crucial step towards improving livestock quality and supporting the long-term economic viability of farmers in the province.
The donation of resilient Nguni bulls by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development represents a major effort to boost agricultural productivity and support community-driven farming. Beyond livestock distribution, the initiative underscores the Department’s commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening the livestock sector, and promoting sustainable practices for future generations.
During the handover ceremony, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in driving economic growth and ensuring food security. “The bulls donated today are of high standards. Bulls play a major role in determining the future performance of the herd, and that is why we encourage our farmers to take good care of these bulls, so they can, in turn, take care of them,” said Sambatha. He highlighted how the Bulls Sire programme is poised to strengthen the red meat commodity in the North West Province.
The handover of the Nguni bulls offers farmers improved livestock genetics, reducing the need for supplementary feeding and veterinary care while boosting milk production, growth rates, and overall livestock productivity.
The initiative also aligns with the Department’s broader goals of promoting rural development and

One of the beneficiaries, Ms Agnes Thibelang, a farmer from Ganyesa in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, expressed her gratitude for the department’s contribution to the economic development of the province. “The Nguni breed is well-suited to my dry region due to its adaptability and low maintenance. These bulls are of exceptional quality and will enhance the overall value of my herd,” she remarked.
The Nguni bulls, beyond their agricultural benefits, serve as symbols of cultural heritage. The Department is dedicated to enhancing agricultural practices, promoting rural development, and ensuring these contributions have a lasting impact on farming communities throughout the province.
CAPTIONS
676A6624.JPG – MEC Madoda Sambatha together with Hod Thupi Mokhatla handing over Nguni Bull certificate to Ms Agnes Thibelang
676A6697.JPG – Nguni bulls by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to uplift the economic status of farmers and enhance the productivity and value of their livestock
676A6710.JPG – MEC Madoda Sambatha beneficiary, Ms Agnes Thibelang from Ganyesa in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality

Issued by
The Directorate Communication Services
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Director : Ms Emelda Setlhako
Cell : 060 745 4020
Email : ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za

For enquiries contact:
Khutala Tshangela
Media Liaison Officer Cell: 066 458 6915 ktshangela06@gmail.com KTshangela@nwpg.gov.za
Website: www.dard.nwpg.gov.za
Facebook : www.facebook.com/nwpread

Makwassie-As part of the Women’s Month celebrations, the North West Department
of Agriculture and Rural Development took significant strides toward gender equality
in agriculture by donating quality bulls to 23 female-led farms across the province’s
four districts.
This initiative aims to boost agricultural growth, productivity, and economic
empowerment for women in the sector.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Head of Department, Mr. Thupi Mokhatla,
emphasized the importance of this initiative in advancing gender equality in
agriculture. “As a Department, we are proud of the progress we have made in
empowering women and improving their lives within this sector. We have opened
doors to economic activities for women and youth in agriculture. These are just the
initial steps in our Department’s ongoing efforts to combat poverty, which
disproportionately affects women,” said HoD Mokhatla.
The beneficiaries of this program come from all four districts of the province, ensuring
a widespread and inclusive impact.
One of the recipients, Tidikwe Dikgakgamatso from Taung, expressed her gratitude,
stating, “I am extremely happy to have been chosen. For a very long time, I did not
have a quality bull, but after today, things will change for the better. I sincerely thank
the Department for assisting us, particularly as women farmers.”
In addition to the bull donation, the Department awarded certificates of competence
to a group of female farmers from Makwassie who recently completed training on crop
production, animal nutrition, and horticulture. This training, conducted by the
Agricultural Research Council (ARC) during the last financial year, benefited a total of
1,492 farmers.
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One of the trained farmers, Nongase Rebecca Mohapi from Kgakala, shared her
experience: “I have learned so much during this training. I can now spot a sick animal
early and know how to address it. The training on animal nutrition was particularly
valuable, and I want to thank the Department for giving me this opportunity.” Nongase
is an emerging goat farmer from Kgakala Township in Leudoringstad.
This event marks and celebrates the vital contributions of women to the agricultural
sector in the North West Province.
Farmers interested in the bull subsidy program or in receiving training are encouraged
to contact their local Extension Officers or visit the nearest agricultural office for more
information on how to participate in these programs.
Photo Captions
PIC676A5593: Head of Department Mr Thupi Mokhatla delivering a keynote address
during the bull handover event held in Makwassie on Wednesday, 28 August 2024.
The event was aimed at recognizing and honouring the vital contributions of women
to the agricultural sector in the North West Province.
PIC 676A5686: (From left to right) North West Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development’s Head of Department Mr. Thupi Mokhatla, Mayor of Maquassi Hills Local
Municipality Cllr. Mzwandile Feliti, and bull subsidy program beneficiary Ms Jacobeth
Makgopela. This photo was taken during the Makwassie event where the Department
donated twenty-three quality bulls to women-led farms.
## ends ##
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
X: @nwpg_dard