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Mahikeng – A firm foundation is set to be laid in the North West agricultural sector, as MEC Mohono leads the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the sixth administration. In delivering the departmental Policy and Budget Vote Speech for 2019/20, on 24 July 2019 at the North West Provincial Legislature, MEC Mohono emphasised the need to close the gap in delivery of agricultural and rural development efforts in the province. Mohono has committed to utilise the over R1, 1 billion budget to ensure that people’s lives are touched and transformed. With over R421 million, the pace of farmer support and development programme is set to change for better. With this allocation to department will robustly implement programmes including food security, crop massification and livestock improvement. Household Food Security will reach out to 2400 needy and food insecure households through provision of the agricultural packages. “A crop production plan is being rolled-out to plant 20 000 hectares of grains across the province during this season, whilst also diversifying to cotton & barley, and
further looking into other perennial crops such as olives and peacan nuts,” Mohono further elaborated.

The year under review will also see the introduction of goat massification programme. This is an initiative meant to see much investment in goats as well as exportation efforts.

In order to intensify the call for agricultural sector development and investment, the department will intensify efforts of expansion to agro-processing. “A turn-around plan in collaboration with Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR) to complete fourteen (14) multi-year Agro-Processing projects is in process. Other plans include creation of partnership opportunities with the City of Matlosana Local Municipality Fresh Produce Market and relocation of Mogwase Farmers Market to Madibeng Municipality given the comparative advantage of horticulture,” Mohono added. Further investment is set to be made on a Dairy Processing Plant in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Poultry Hatchery in Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Feed-mill in Dr Kenneth Kaunda through blended funding.
The department will as part of conversation with stakeholders, host the Provincial Summit on Agriculture in October 2019 to map out opportunities for job creation and economic transformation in Agriculture through identified funding source from United Nations.
MEC Mohono has declared her unwavering efforts towards effective collaboration on delivery of the mandate of the department as well as to ensure growth and transformation of the sector.

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/Agriculture/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

MEDIA RELEASE
Att : ALL EDITORS
Media Houses
Date: Thursday, 18 June 2019

DEPARTMENT ADOPTS COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS TO ACCELERATE ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD.

Klerksdorp – Four community Institutions will endure under the wings of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to enable them to produce nutritious vegetables for the community members they host. The Department has adopted Tsamma Seconday School, Techford Disability Center, Emmanuel Disabled and Old Age Center and Khaya Tshepo Home of Hope for Vulnerable Children and given them food security projects to sustain their need to have food.

North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono in partnership with Motlosana Local Municipality handed over food security projects to hundred and fifty (150) indigent families and the four institutions yesterday, 17 July 2019. This was to mark Mandela Day commemoration. The 2019 Mandela Day marks a decade since the international charity initiative was established. This day is celebrated annually on July 18 to celebrate of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. It is a global movement to take his life’s work into a new era and change the world for the better. Mandela Day asks us all to “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”

The initiative was to mark 10 years of Nelson Mandela Day which is an international charity movement that encourages communities to take action against poverty, social injustices and change the world for the better. Amongst the new identified key strategy approach for International Nelson Mandela Day focuses on food and nutrition.

One of the 150 household beneficiaries’, Mpho Christina Tamane (63) who has been living in Jouberton since 1994 says that she survives on her government grant and selling vegetables from her garden “I am very happy that government realises the importance of food security and that I am one of the beneficiaries of this project. The extended vegetable garden will help me make more profit as there is now a variety of vegetables that people can buy”. Tamane added that the increase in profits will enable her to help her 8 year old grandchild with basic necessities and other household needs.

In addition, the manager at the Emmanuel Disability and Old Age Center, Keikobile Martha Magabe expressed her gratitude towards the initiative and hopes that the department continues to assist many other centers that take care of the vulnerable with projects that contribute positively in their lives. “The center has been running since 2010 and currently houses 190 people with various vulnerabilities including orphans, victims of abuse and former drug addicts that no longer want to live with their families because of numerous challenges” said Magabe.

She also said that the garden tools, seedlings received will assist with the challenge of nutrition and food insecurity within the center. The centre was also handed 40 indigenous chickens. Through the food security programme, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development realises its constitutional mandate concerning the right to food and the freedom charter clause which advocates for food to be plentiful for all.

MEC Desbo Mohono highlighted that North West is ranked as one of the most food insecure provinces in the country and has committed to delivering more projects. “I want to see North West citizens having access to quality nutritious food and living a healthy lifestyle. This project should be the foundations for our communities’ to start food markets in order for them earn money to be able to sustain their livelihoods” said Mohono. She has encouraged beneficiaries to sustain their gardens and assured them that the department’s extension and advisory services will assist with continuous monitoring and support as well as proper maintenance of the
gardens.

Identified families consist of unemployed youth, women, the poor and the vulnerable. They have received agricultural inputs, seedlings as well as feed so they can intensively engage in agricultural activities and contribute to poverty reduction at household level. The department will further assist to provide infrastructure for all projects.

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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/Agriculture/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

KLERKSDORP – Twenty young farmers in the North West are set to receive funding as part of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s call for entrepreneurs to apply for funding of their projects for the year 2020/21. Five young people will be sourced from each of the four districts of the North West province, making this twenty. MEC Desbo Mohono of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the courageous announcement at the end of the two-day Youth Dialogue on Agriculture held at Klerksdorp recently. The Dialogue was meant to bring together youth with interest in agriculture together for information sharing and empowering session.

The Department had earlier this month called on organized Agriculture, Farmers (Small holder and Commercial), Entrepreneurs, Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (Youth, Women and People Living with Disabilities), Institutions (Traditional Leaders, School, Churches and etc.) and Cooperatives in the North West Province to apply for funding for 2020/21 financial year. The funding of projects aims to realize the National Development Plan’s (NDP) vision 2030 of addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment as well as positively contribute to food security, job creation, and economic growth.

MEC Mohono said she would want to see young people empowered in order for the country to realise its economic goals. “We have gone beyond the promising timeline. It is time for action. Young people must work and we need to ensure that we give them resources. I am guaranteeing funding for the 20 Youth and I am going to ensure that they get their businesses to greater heights and realise their dreams,” MEC emphasised.

Over and above the funding for 20 youth, four young people (one from each district) will be trained as auctioneers to assist the province and lay foundation for disadvantaged groups to penetrate and assist to transform the outlook of the auction business in the province. Four co- operatives (one in each district) will also be established and empowered. The ever-important capacity building measures, the crucial resource provisioning, and many other ways including time investment would be exerted to assist the co-operatives. Agri–Logistics hub will be established, one in each district to assist to improve the competitiveness in the agriculture through the development of logistics system to support the sector.

Many young people who attended the Dialogue applauded the pronouncements and committed to work hard and dedicate time to ensure that their lives are changed for better. 28 years old Bertha Morei, from Dr Kenneth Kaunda said young people have waited for a long time for such bold pronouncements. “We thank MEC so much for the help and we will ensure that we don’t disappoint her. She is confident in our capability and we need to play our part in ensuring that the investment she is making to young people does not end in vain,” she said enthusiastically.

MEC Mohono said all the projects will be implemented in 12 months.

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/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

In order to commemorate the 2019 Youth Month, the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono will host youth from all four districts in all sub-sectors of agriculture and rural development for a two day dialogue to be held under the theme: “25 Years of Democracy: promoting youth activism through conversation for economic freedom”, in Klerksdorp from the 25 – 26 June 2019.

The dialogue aims to enhance capacities of youth through addressing their needs, promoting positive outcomes, providing integrated coordinated package of services, opportunities and support that is necessary for agricultural and entrepreneurial skills development.

Furthermore, the platform will be used to create an inclusive environment for partnership, networking and education to enhance advocacy and information sharing on empowerment and available career opportunities in the sector.

The Youth Dialogue is expected to produce a Programme of Action for economic transformation with comprehensive consideration for youth in the province.

Details of the Dialogue:

• Venue: Matlosana Banquet Hall, Klerksdorp (Dr Kenneth Kaunda District)
• Date: Tuesday 25 until Wednesday 26 June 2019
• Time: 10h00

Transport and accommodation is available on request for community media. Please RSVP to Ms Tsholofelo Dintwe at: tsholofelod@nwpg.gov.za/083 5767 655 on or before Thursday, 20 June 2019 before 13h00.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have handed over Seedbank site to Kgosi Mamogale and Jericho local community. This is the third site for the national department since the efforts to establish the sites has begun. The other sites are Gumbu in Limpopo as well as Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape. This initiative which seeks to conserve indigenous seeds started in 2017 and has drawn 16 members together to manage the community projects they now have termed Jericho Community Seedbank project.

To date, the Jericho local community are on a dedicated assignment to collect and conserve seeds that they get from the local community. An office structure has been set us to conserve and maintain a different range of crops species, clear marks are made to indicate the name of the seeds as well as the donor and the date of donation. This is to have a footprint for the team to gauge the progress since the establishment of the site.

Community Seed Banks are local groups who gather together to conserve and maintain locally adapted seeds. The practice assists to prevent the erosion and ultimate disappearance of seeds within the community. The effort allows members of the particular community easy access to seeds and well the ability to control and manage crops populations. Community Seed Banks and

technical support provided by government will allow members to improve seeds conservation technologies, increase access to diversity, apply crop improvement practices and explore seeds production and marketing opportunities.

Mr Julian Jafta of the National Department of According to Chief Director at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development indicated that the love for seeds security as displayed by the Jericho community prompted the Department to persist in establishing the initiative and training the members of the community on saving seeds.

He emphasised that the as one of government priorities, agriculture is meant to stimulate economy and food security is at the centre as rural communities are considered. He added that with good management of Seed Banks, communities can be able to plant and begin to produce foods out the seeds that they bring gather. Julian urged the Jericho community to manage the Bank well as “custodians and protectors of natural resources”. He pleaded with the Local Council to formalise the support for the Seed Bank by including it in the Municipality Local Economic Development Plans.

Ms Arlene Dikolomela, District Manager of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Bojanala, who going forward will oversee the projects appreciated the National Department’s efforts and committed to ensure that the Department through Agriculture Extension and Advisory services will manage the project. Dikolomela equally emphasised that Seed Bank should contribute to Food Security within the local community.

At the beginning of the project two years ago, the Deputy Chairperson of the group Ms Magdaline Mabiletsa said they were about 42. Eventhough many had since left leaving the team to only 16, Mabiletsa said the love for farming and seeds security kept the remaining team together. She said those who are there are passionate about their work and pride themselves with the wealth they have. She emphasised that the project is their pride as it is one of those that will benefit many generations to come. She extended an invitation to community members to donate seeds and to participate in the work of the project.

Jericho Seed Bank was established in partnership with Bioversity International, an international global research organisation that believes that agricultural biodiversity nourishes people and

sustains the planet. Bioversity has also assisted the Jericho community with trainings and representative of the Organisation, Mr Ronnie Vernooy has committed that the organisation will be available to technical advises to the project whenever needed.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread
Twitter : @NWPG_ READ

Taung-Forty-five (45) students from the only tertiary institution in the whole country offering Diploma in Irrigation Management course at NQF level 06 were honoured for competently completing their three year Diploma in Irrigation programme.

The graduation ceremony was held last Friday, 07 June 2019 in Taung village. Out of the forty- five (45) who were graduating, eighteen (18) were females and 27 were males.

This three (3) year Irrigation programme is engineering based, equipping students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue a career in farming as well as other related careers in agriculture (Irrigation technology field).

The latest batch of graduates included students from neighbouring provinces such as the Northern Cape.

One of those is the twenty-two (22) year old Thembekile Keohitlhetse from Seweding Village in the Northern Cape Province.

Out of the forty-five, Thembekile got an award for Top Performing Student in Irrigation Programme.

Thembekile says time management helped her a lot in getting good results.

“I am very grateful to be recognised as the top achiever for 2019. I did everything I could to get the good results but I think time management helped me a lot.

“I believe that all my colleagues were capable to be recognised but I am glad that I am the one who walked away with the award,” said elated Keohitlhetse.

Keohitlhetse thanked Agriseta for funding her last two years of study at the college and she has applied to Central University of Technology to further her studies in advanced Diploma in Extension Services.

Congratulating the successful students, the Head of Department Dr Poncho Mokaila said the ceremony was meant to pay a tribute to the outcome of their hard work and commitment as graduate of Taung Agricultural College.

Mokaila further challenged the graduates to go out there to employ the skills and the knowledge they have been able to acquire during the three (3) years of their studies, to ensure that they contribute in addressing the challenges related to water scarcity and climate change that affect the production output of the farming communities.

“You have surely gone through challenges throughout your stay at the college. Those challenges were meant to prepare you for the professional world we are releasing you to today. You were able to navigate your way through difficult circumstances; some of you coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, scrapping for amenities all the time. You succeeded nonetheless.

“Go out and make your mark and help transform not only agriculture but the rural landscape in our province. As the National Development Plan says, we need the rural areas to be integrated into mainstream economic development. Please play your part and become a catalyst for this change so that we can fight poverty and become a more equal society. Let us build South Africa to become a better place,” Dr Mokaila concluded.

Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane of Batlhaping ba-ga Phuduhucwana in Taung joined in the celebrations and urged graduates to pursue lifelong learning.

“As you will be joining fellow thousands graduates from this institution who are scattered all over the world, you must keep on learning and remain curious,” said Kgosi Mankuroane.

For the 2019 academic year, Taung Agricultural College has registered one hundred and eighty five (185) students from across study levels.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread
Twitter: @NWPG_ READ

This communiqué serves to inform the public and all departmental stakeholders that, due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the departmental control, the Africa World Heritage Day Event which was scheduled to take place on the 30th of May 2019 has been postponed until further notice. Therefore, the new date will be communicated in due course.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

 

As part of government’s on-going efforts to increase awareness on African heritage and to mobilize enhanced cooperation for its safeguarding, the department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ), will on Thursday, 30 May 2019 commemorate Africa World Heritage Day.

The provincial celebration will grant an opportunity for the Department in partnership with stakeholders to raise awareness, particularly among young people, of wealth, value and the need to preserve African Heritage in the North West province.

Under the theme “Climate and heritage”, the occasion strives to strengthen the involvement, interaction and networking of young people and to encourage youth ownership of their exceptional cultural and natural heritage. Climate change actions present a clear path towards the shared aim of a healthier, more prosperous and more secure future. South Africa has the task of balancing the acceleration of economic growth and transformation with the sustainable use of environmental resources responding to climate change.

The Vredefort Dome being the largest, oldest and most eroded meteorite impact crater in the World and South Africa’s 7^th World Heritage Site as proclaimed by United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is the significant place to host the exceptional event.

Members of the media are therefore invited to cover the heritage event.

Details are as follows:

 Date:    Thursday, 30 May 2019
 Venue:   Vredefort Dome, Venterskroon Inn Time: 10h00

 Transport is available on request for community media. Please RSVP to Mr Thebe Itumeleng at: titumeleng@nwpg.gov.za or call 018 389 5522 on or before Monday, 27 May 2019 at 13h00.

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/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

OTTOSDAL – The Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) would like to urge communities near Vermaas and Bospoort farms to be vigilant around the area, as a white female lion has been spotted there. These farms are between Ottosdal and Lichtenburg Areas. A search is on for the lion and the South African Police Service helicopter has been brought in to assist. Communities in the area and those driving past are requested to be cautious.

Further enquiries can be directed to Mr Jonathan Denga on 072 810 8521.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

MEDIA RELEASE

Att     : ALL EDITORS
Media Houses
Date: Monday, 29 April 2019

MEC MOHONO ESTABLISHES AQUAPONIC PROJECTS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

POTCHEFSTROOM – An innovative and cost-effective aquaponics food security projects handed over by MEC Desbo Mohono to impoverished families in Matlwang Village near Potchefstroom town last Thursday, 25 April 2019 will contribute in addressing a number of challenges affecting the area and surrounding communities which include improving access to nutritious food, job creation and promoting healthy living habits.

Aquaponics is an innovative, intensive and inexpensive food production technique that brings together aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics in a closed system that dramatically conserves water and space, and yields abundant and marketable fresh produce and fish.

In aquaponics, the water from the fish tanks is used to grow the plants. The plants get their nutrients from the nutrient rich water produced by the fish wastes. Since in the process of deriving their nutrients from the waste water, the plants are actually cleaning the water, the water is thus recycled and reintroduced into the fish tanks.

At least ten (10) complete aquaponic units were handed to 10 families.

The projects are part of on-going efforts by Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development Department to respond to food security challenges affecting North West communities. These include unemployment or low-income households and small-scale farming where limited resources such as land, farming equipment sees communities and emerging farmers locked in cycles of generational poverty and food insecurity.

Keitumetse Tlotleng (42 years), a mother of two aged 03 and 14 years and is one of the beneficiaries from Matlwang village.

She received a complete aquaponic unit with one ton of finger lings (fish), pond, feed, anti-chlorine bottles, solar panel system and spinach seedlings as part of poverty alleviation initiative.

Tlotleng is positive that this initiative by government will go a long way in helping unemployment people like her to make an income.

“I am extremely happy to be part of these initiatives by our government. If we continue to work hard I believe it will really help us and contribute in reducing the level of unemployment,” said Tlotleng

Tlotleng plans to expand her garden in the area around the aquaponic tank, to create a warm, tropical climate conducive to the well-being of the fish.

She works in the project with her partner and has stressed that she wants to do more with what government has given her and her family.

Another beneficiary is Rosinah Dithipe, a single parent with two children. She is the eldest in the family. Rosinah is unemployed and is taking care of her sibling.

Rosinah received 10 goats from government as a food security starter-pack project.

She said she has always had a passion for livestock farming. Rosinah has promised to look after these goats and her dream is to become a successful black female farmer.

The roll out of food security projects investments came after the department relooked at the way in which it structured its programmes to focus on creating food security and turning agriculture into a business.

Led by MEC Mohono, the programme focuses specifically on rural communities, with the aim of promoting sustainable food production to alleviate hunger, poverty and create job opportunities.

When handing over these projects, MEC Desbo Mohono said her department will not rest until the lives of residents of North West are changed for the better.

“These food security interventions will ensure that people gain access to productive resources; where a segment of the target food insecure population is unable to gain access to productive resources, then food security interventions will ensure that segment gains access to income and job opportunities to enhance its power to purchase food.

“The food security interventions will also ensure that the target food insecure population is empowered to have nutritious and safe food; where another segment of the target food insecure population is still unable to access sufficient food because of disability, extreme conditions of destitute – food security interventions will ensure that the state provides relief measures that may be short-term to being medium-term and sustained basis, depending on the nature of given interventions.

“Food security interventions will proceed from an analysis that is grounded on accurate information and the impact of which – in eradicating hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity – is constantly monitored and evaluated,” said MEC Mohono.

Mohono reiterated that there is still more to be done in the province regarding all forms of agriculture. She urged everyone to take part in the sector as it offers great opportunities.

The food security projects roll out will continue to other districts and MEC Mohono has assured residents of North West that her department has a clear a plan to change the face of agriculture in the province.

Other beneficiaries received from the identified two hundred (200) have received indigenous chickens/fouls for Africa, fruit trees, vegetable seedlings, goats and back yard garden infrastructure.

The department has monitoring mechanisms in place to oversee the day-to-day running of this food security projects and to ensure all farmers participate in the province’s and country’s economy. Each project will be allocated an extension officer to offer continuous extension and advisory services to ensure growth and sustainability.

 

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Emelda Setlhako

Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread