Mahikeng-The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will donate ten bulls to ten
youngfarmers across the province as part of the 2021 Youth Month Commemoration. This was announced by
MEC Desbo Mohono during the Youth Day and Harvest Day Celebration held at Driehoek Farm in Ngaka
Modiri Molema District yesterday. Ten young farmers who have proven commitment and perseverance to their
livestock business will receive these bulls in order to further improve their livestock.
The Department has placed livestock improvement as part of its priority programmes taking note that amongst
others, the beef cattle production is a vehicle that has the potential to contribute to the development of North
West Province’s populace by enhancing food security, job creation, reducing poverty and ultimately improving
the quality of life of the communities in a sustainable manner. According to national livestock statistics (DAFF,
Feb 2018) the Province has 1 588 147 cattle including both beef and dairy (13% of national herd).
Speaking at the celebration, MEC Mohono made a plea to young people in the province to embrace and love
agriculture. “The Department will identify young people who are passionate to give these bulls to because we
need results. We need to see livestock improve in the province and open opportunities for better markets,” she
said. She further indicated that the sector had opportunities and young people needed to tap on them.
MEC Mohonosaid it was imperative for the Department to commemorate June Month in order to remember the
unwavering commitment of the 1976 Youth. “The black youth of decades ago fought against inequality.
Today’s young people face more than just inequality; they are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, selfhate and depression that do not discriminate against race, gender, sexuality or religion. Where our
predecessors once fought for the security of the future, we battle for relevance. We find ourselves caught up in
a cycle of constantly having to prove something, while trying to figure out who we really are in a fast-changing
world,” MEC Mohono said.
Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684
Fax: +27(18) 384 4571
E-mail:Esetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES
AgriCentre Building
Cnr. Dr. James Morokaand
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735The Department also celebrated harvest day hosted by young farmer, Botlhale Tshabalala. The annual
Harvest day is a day meant togive thanks to God the Almighty for all the blessings at the end of cropping
season. This is also in line with thenational “FETSA-TLALA” programme.
Botlhale Tshabalala is a young farmer based in Driehoek farm in Ngaka Modiri Molema District. He has over
the years moved from strength to strength in his crop production farming. His 8-years stint in business has
grown and Tshabalala is adamant that greater things are on the way. From only planting 15 hectares in 2013,
now Tshabalala is leasing land currently harvesting on the planted 165 hectares. He is grateful for the crop
inputs he received from the department which made it possible for him to reach his targets of planting 30
hectares of white beans, 30 hectares of maize and 105 hectares of sunflower.
Tshabalala is now confident about his progress and is committed to take in young people to mentor.
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: MsEmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684 / 5719
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email:ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg _dard