Mahikeng- MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North-West Province has handed over forty-five (45) pregnant Bonsmara cattle and two (bulls) to a farmer Tshidi Tshwagong during the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha
Lerole held in Tlhabane, Rustenburg on Friday, 15 March 2024. Tswagong’s farm is in Boshoek area and is leased from the Royal Bafokeng Administration houses. In total Tshwagong has a hundred and eighty (180) Bonsmaras and Brahmans on this 1400-hectare farm.
The Department has also assisted the farmer with a 10km fence, feed, and repaired the farm’s handling facility. Tshwagong said he plans on gradually increasing his breeding stock up to full capacity of the farm and introducing weaner backgrounding on the farm where weaners will be fattened to the desired live mass before being sold.
Another farmer, Khumo Mosathupa who owns Blu Agrifuxion Farm received 103 commercial boer goats for breeding. The Department assisted Khumo with 5km of fencing material and the construction of a handling facility.
Khumo and Tshidi who both hail from the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality commended MEC Desbo Mohono, the Departmental officials, and the Thuntsa Lerole pioneers for their commitment to bringing services closer to the communities. “The department’s assistance has contributed immensely to the day-to-day operations of the farm. As for the goats I am very pleased and I am expecting a number of them to give birth in a couple weeks,” said Mosathupa.
These farmers sell their livestock to various markets across the district and province, they have full-time employees and are receiving mentorship from like-farmers in the province. Speaking after the handover ceremony of these livestock, MEC Desbo Mohono commended farmers from this region for working together. “I appreciate the unity and commitment that our farmers are portraying in ensuring that they grow together and assisting new entrants in the sector. They should continue working together to expand their operations by collaborating with farmers who are already exporting their produce. I want to see all farmers supported by the Department succeed and commercialise to grow the province’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and reduce unemployment by creating
employment,” stated Mohono.
Meanwhile, garden tools, seedlings, and a shade net were handed over to RaitsholetsaDisability Centre in Tlhabane Township.
## ends ##
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg_dard