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.
2 | Page
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
