MEC SAMBATHA TO DONATE BULLS TO EMPOWER WOMEN-LED FARMS AND BOOST RURAL PRODUCTIVITY

Mahikeng-In a significant gesture to mark Women’s Month, MEC Madoda Sambatha has announced the donation of bulls to rural female farmers across the province. This initiative underscores the Department’s commitment to empowering women in the agriculture sector and supporting their vital contributions to the sector.
The donation, which targets women-led farms in rural areas, aims to enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of female farmers. The bulls being distributed have undergone a stringent selection process, including fertility testing, and some have been classified as Stud Bulls, making them prime candidates for breeding purposes.
MEC Sambatha highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to recognize and uplift women in agriculture, who often face unique challenges. “Women farmers are the backbone of our agricultural sector. This donation is a step towards ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive and lead successful farming enterprises,” said MEC Sambatha.
This initiative is consistent with the provincial government’s ongoing endeavours to promote gender equality and empower female entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
The beneficiaries of the bull donation program are diverse, representing all four districts of the Province, ensuring a widespread impact and inclusive reach.
These farmers will receive their bulls at an event to be held as follows:
Date : Wednesday, 28 August 2024
Venue : Makwassie, Portion 8 of the farm Oersonskraal 207 HO
Time : 09:00
Members of the media who wish to attend the event are kindly requested to confirm their attendance with Thebe Itumeleng via email at Titumeleng@nwpg.gov.za or by phone at 063 203 3718.

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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/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg_dard

MEC Madoda Sambatha Announces Funding for Agricultural Initiatives

Mahikeng-MEC Madoda Sambatha of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West Province has announced that farmers can start applying for funding for agricultural projects for the 2025/2026 financial year. He made this announcement last Thursday at the North West Provincial Legislature while tabling his Departmental budget vote and policy speech.
The funding aims to bolster subsistence, smallholder, and commercial farmers in the North West Province, enhancing their capacity to secure and boost food production. The focus will be on two key areas: Animal Husbandry and Arable Farming. Consideration for funding will be based on the commodity value chain.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a keenness to farm and run a profitable business, should be registered on the provincial farmer database by the closing date, have valid confirmation of access to land (Title deed; stamped and signed tribal resolution; permission to occupy, minimum 5 years lease agreement), must have proof of access to water for irrigation projects i.e. fruits, vegetables and other irrigated crops (water license/rights), proof of Water/waste license for piggery and poultry.
Other requirements are a business plan, proof of market access (Off-take agreements, letters of intent, etc.), the farming operation should be able to create permanent and/ or temporary jobs, where necessary, evidence of relevant commodity authorisations to be provided (environmental impact assessments, virgin land plough certificates, aquaculture & fishing permits, etc.), the application form must be completed in full, attach a certified South African ID copy (not older than 3 months) and that applicant must not be government employee or a political office bearer.
Priority will be given to historically disadvantaged individuals, vulnerable groups (i.e. Youth, Women and People with Disabilities), producers farming in the cotton commodity, producers farming in the citrus commodity, farming and/or agricultural enterprises that are in line with feed into the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Masterplan (AAPM), farming and/or agricultural enterprises that are involved in agricultural value chain production and applicants who have never been supported by an organ of state before.
Successful applicants will get support for infrastructure, production inputs, business development, and skills training.
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Application forms are available on the Departmental website: (dard.nwpg.gov.za) or they can be obtained from any Local Agricultural Offices (LAOs) across the province. All applications must be submitted on or before the 30th of August 2024 deadline to be considered for funding.
PHOTO CAPTION
IMAGE ML4A9914:- MEC Madoda Sambatha of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West Province.
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Issued by
Issued by
The Directorate Communication Services
The Directorate Communication Services
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Cell: 060 745 4020
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/gov.za/Agriculture/
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MEC Sambatha Joins Forces with Stakeholders in Marikana to Mark Mandela Month

Marikana – To honour the legacy of a transformative leader of the 20th century who significantly influenced the 21st century, MEC Madoda Sambatha of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, joined forces with stakeholders in Marikana to conclude the Departmental Mandela Month commemorations.
The theme for this year’s commemoration, ‘It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,’ emphasizes crucial areas of social justice, including childhood development and food security. Given that food security is a priority for the Department, MEC Sambatha, in collaboration with the Mineworker Development Agency (MDA), Agriseta, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and the Local Municipality, distributed food supplies to thirty (30) destitute households, providing much-needed relief to the mining community.
This collaborative effort aimed to pool resources to ensure that community interventions are well-supported, emphasizing the importance of coordinated investment and impactful outcomes. “We are addressing food security by focusing both on protective measures and on providing supplies to those who are food insecure,” stated Sambatha.

Additionally, MEC Sambatha planted and donated garden tools to Marikana High School, Marikana Primary School, Marikana Clinic, and Wonderkop Clinic. This partnership with the Mineworker Development Agency highlights the Department’s commitment to reducing food insecurity and making a positive impact in the community.
Mr Luthnado Brukwe, Head of Strategy and Special Projects at the Mineworkers’ Development Agency expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are very excited to be working with the Department to alleviate poverty and to create sustainable alternative income projects.”
Mandela Month serves as a reminder to inspire individuals to take action and contribute to making the world a better place, fostering a global movement for good.

PHOTO CAPTIONS
676A1400.JPG – MEC Madoda Sambatha, HOD Thupi Mokhatla, and stakeholders hand over food supplies to 30 destitute households in Marikana.
676A1522.JPG – MEC Madoda Sambatha and stakeholders distribute garden tools at Marikana High School.
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Issued by
Issued by
The Directorate Communication Services
The Directorate Communication Services
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Cell: 060 745 4020
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.go
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.zav.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/
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DARD AWARD SIXTY (60) FARMERS WITH BASIC WILDFIRE FIREFIGHTING CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCE

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Working on Fire (WOF), hosted a certification ceremony for sixty (60) farmers who completed a Basic Wildland Firefighting course, which is at NQF level one.

The efforts to equip farmers with the necessary skills to control wildfires and prevent potential property losses come as a mitigation strategy to avoid the consequences of the September 2023 wildfires that ravaged crops, grazing land and livestock.

The first group of thirty (30) trainees were formally awarded competence certificates at Ganyesa on Tuesday, 9 July while the other 30 received their certificates in Morokweng on Wednesday 10th. The two-day ceremony also sought to strengthen the existing relationship between the trained and untrained farmers, communities and the Department by sharing valuable information that can be put into practice during the wildfire season, which started in June and will end in October.

Working on Fire general manager, Nolvuyo Mashologu congratulated trainees for their persistence and emphasized the need for more wildfire awareness campaigns. “The four days of training were quite hectic, from theoretical lessons to practical exercises. We are happy to have trained committed individuals in this area as it is the most susceptible to wildfires compared to other areas in the province. Furthermore, encourage all farmers to join their local Fire Protection Associations (FPA) for increased awareness regarding fire risks in their area and
to receive first responses during fires”, she said.

Farmers were handed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ten (10) fire beaters as a donation from WOF to utilize during fire emergencies at their respective farms. Moreover, the 60 farmers demonstrated some firefighting techniques using the fire beaters to effectively control
and extinguish fire in an open area such as a veld.

Speaking to two Ganyesa-based farmers, Molebogeng Pitorosi and Karabo Tokonyane, who were victims of last year’s wildfires, said they knew little about the basic techniques of putting out the fire before firefighting training. “Last year September we experienced wildfire which
resulted in us losing some parts of our farms and also we lost a fellow farmer who succumbed to smoke inhalation. So we’re grateful to the Department for offering us this training, and we’re glad to share the knowledge with other farmers and communities”, said Tokonyane.

THE PUBLIC CAUTIONED FOLLOWING CONFIRMED CASES OF RABIES IN THE DR RUTH SEGOMOTSI MOMPATI MUNICIPALITY

Mahikeng-Farmers and communities in Mamusa, Lekwa Teemane, and Greater Taung Local Municipalities are urged to be on alert following confirmed rabies cases in various villages in these municipalities. The current outbreak started in farms under Mamusa and Lekwa Teemane Local Municipalities; now there is a spill over to the villages under Greater Taung and a high risk of exposure to rabies disease in the community.

Rabies is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal or licking of broken skin. Therefore, community members are urged to be vigilant and cautious of any unusual changes in behaviour in their animals, especially dogs.

Pet owners must watch their pets closely for any signs of unusual behaviour such as aggression, excessive drooling, paralysis, or difficulty swallowing. Pet owners also need to ensure that their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date as vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of rabies and protect both your pets and your family, as required by law. Communities are urged to avoid contact with stray or wild animals and not approach or attempt to handle any animal showing signs of aggression or illness.
If you suspect any animal in the community may be infected with rabies, please immediately report it to your Local State Veterinarian clinic. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal that you think may have rabies, seek medical attention immediately.

Officials from the Department in this area are working closely to monitor and respond to the matter. The public is therefore advised to be on high alert.

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

NW AGRICULTURE TO ROLL OUT ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROJECT

Mahikeng- The North-West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is set to roll out the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) project for cattle. Commonly known as Artificial Insemination, ART will benefit farmers across the province reaching 4000 heads of cattle over a period of 5 years. This means 800 breeding females would be inseminated per year beginning with the current financial year. MEC Desbo Mohono made this announcement during the hosting of ART Farmers’ Day at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture held on 16 May 2024.

ART is a livestock improvement initiative aimed at prioritizing the growth rate, fertility, and milk production as breeding objectives. This will be achieved by empowering previously disadvantaged farmers through this innovative support to assist them to optimally produce livestock (beef cattle for now) with the required quality and genetics to be able to compete in the commercial value chain. An integrated development approach will be encouraged from all stakeholders, as well as
Public/Private sector participation.

With this rollout, the Department has already received a donation of a collective 700 semen straws. 500 straws were from one Ventersdorp-based Stud Breeder, Mr Regomoditswe Malao and 200 straws from Mr Joel Nkuna of Nkunzi Genetics. This means the Department will roll out the
programme well with the support of many existing players.

MEC Desbo Mohono, as she addressed the farmers, spoke about the potential that the province has especially with beef production. She said she believes that the North-West should be ranked highest as she has seen many renowned beef producers in the province. She believes that ART will improve beef production in the province and position local farmers as key players in the industry. “So, the intention with this programme is simply to improve livestock. We have brought many specialists here so that they can share information with all of us on the potential of ART but also on the key demands. We need to get results so our preparation should be on par,” MEC emphasised.

She appreciated the donors who have come forward to ensure that the program is realised. She encouraged other commercial farmers to join in and assist others. MEC further encouraged farmers to work together. She said the greatest achievement would be in collaborations with those who have been doing ART before.

MEC Mohono said although the programme is not new in the province. It was time for the province to relook into their beef production potential and replan how it would compete in the market. The Livestock Improvement project was initiated and started by Bojanala Platinum District, during the financial year 2020/2021. The project has thus far inseminated 190 breeding animals and 10 embryo implants from 11 farmers. Of the inseminated farms three participants are from the communal farming community.

The Departmental Extension and Advisory Services officers will assist in identifying interested farmers to participate in ART. The farmers will need to meet set requirements which include availability of water, crush pens, availability of grazing land and others.
Photos:
676A9295: Farmers across the province came through to learn more about ART process
676A9267: MEC Desbo Mohono and HoD Thupi Mokgatla observing practical demonstration of
ART
676A9269: Industry expects led by Dr Masindi Mphaphati of the Agricultural Research Council,
preparing equipment during ART practical demonstration.
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

NORTHWEST AGRICULTURE HANDS OVER AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION IN JB MARKS

Potchefstroom – In an effort to bridge the gap between the commercial, emerging and subsistence farmers, MEC Desbo Mohono of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development together with the Head of Department, Mr Thupi Mokhatla on Friday, 26 April 2024 handed over agricultural mechanization to Mr Daniel Soya in Goedgevonden Village in JB Marks Local Municipality as part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme Thuntsa Lerole.

The mechanization which includes a tractor, planter and harvester amongst others, is one way of addressing food insecurity in the North West Province. The use of agricultural mechanization is significant for smallholder farmers because it advances production efficiency, reassures large-scale production, and increases the quality of farm produce.

MEC is committed in ensuring that farmers have access to contemporary agriculture mechanization that would enhance their productivity in this competitive environment. “I want to maximize and increase the potential net worth of the agriculture sector and improve its contribution to the agricultural sector,” said Mohono.

To contribute towards achieving provincial priorities, mechanization encourages large-scale production and enhances the quality of farm produce from smallholder.

HoD further reiterated that without proper mechanization, the development of the sector with smallholder black farmers as meaningful participants in the economy will be greatly affected, thus farmers will be compelled to change land use from agriculture to other lucrative non-agricultural uses. “The implements were one way to address food insecurity, the mechanization would increase household food production,” emphasized Mokhatla.

Speaking to the mechanization beneficiary and soybean producer, Mr Daniel Soya said: “I am very grateful to the department as the cost of mechanization was not affordable and they contributed with mechanization so that I can grow my own produce and maximize food security,” exclaimed Soya.

Agricultural mechanization has significantly aided the enhancement of the farming community in the overall economic upliftment. The usage of agricultural mechanization by smallholder farmers has produced an increase in farm returns than those with no agricultural mechanization usage.

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Issued by the Communication Services Directorate

Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako

Tel: 018 389 5684

Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za

Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard

Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard

Twitter: @nwpg_dard

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BRINGS A SPARK OF HOPE TO MAHIKENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY RESIDENTS

Mahikeng – The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in the North West Province has brought a spark of hope to the communities in Mahikeng Local Municipality. This follows a handing over of a modern designed livestock handling facility by the Department to the residents of Ditshilo village and food security projects to a number of villages in and around the municipality on Friday, 12 April 2024.
On the day, the Department through the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme dubbed Thuntsha Lerole, planted vegetable gardens at Lomanyaneng’s Life Changing Community Feeding Center, Phakisang Primary School and at Maruping Clinic in Ottoshoop.

The officials from the Department again assisted the community of Ottoshoop to establish a community food garden. All these projects were provided with seeds and tools such as spades, forks and wheelbarrows to work their gardens.

Food security remains one of the biggest threats to various communities across the Province. The threat not only being that of access to food but access to food that is nutritious, safe, and affordable. Through the food security programme that is aimed at alleviating poverty and hunger, the DARD is working hard to assist communities to be able to produce enough food in order to meet basic household food security needs throughout the year.

In support of emerging farmers, one farmer Mr David Molatlhegi Maape from Setlopo village, received ten (10) commercial boer goats for breeding and one (1) buck. Maape commended the work that is being done by the Department to assist smallholder farmers. “I am extremely happy to be one of many farmers that continue to receive support from the Department. I have received ten goats and a buck,” said Maape. His long term plan is to become a commercial breeder.

When handing over these projects, the Chief Director responsible for Agricultural Development Services in the Department Ms Bothoboile Pule, encouraged all beneficiaries to join the Department in fighting against hunger and poverty and encouraged them to continue working hard so that they can produce food.

“I am calling upon all beneficiaries of today’s programme to look after what the Department has given them and continue to do what they have been doing because the Province needs more producers,” Chief Director Pule expressed.

For sustainability purposes, the agricultural projects will be monitored by the District Food Security Teams from the Department. The Thuntsha Lerole Programme will continue to be rolled out to other parts of the Province.

PHOTO CAPTIONS: PICTURE 676A7482: The Chief Director responsible for Agricultural Development Services in the Department Ms Bothoboile Pule and Kgosana Mosiedi (blue blazer) of Ditshilo Village during the handing over a modern designed livestock handling facility to the residents of Ditshilo village.

PICTURE 676A7516: Chief Director responsible for Agricultural Development Services in the Department Ms Bothoboile Pule with farmer Mr David Molatlhegi Maape of Setlopo village. Mr Maape received ten (10) commercial boer goats and one (1) buck from the Department.

PICTURE 676A7554: Ngaka Modiri Molema Food Security Manager Mr Tsimane Thibogang Timothy Molema (white shirt) handing over garden tools from the Department to Ottoshoop residents.

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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

DEPARTMENT DELIVERS SMART HERD TREND AND PERFORMANCE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BORAN STUD FARMER

Ventersdorp – MEC Desbo Mohono has handed over a Cattle System designed to identify a herd’s trend and performance to Regomoditswe Malao, an award winning Boran stud breeder from Boschkop near Ventersdorp. The handover event was held on Wednesday, 10 April 2024 at the farmer’s area.

The Cattle System is used to develop, to identify, record and monitor the development, nutrition and health history of cattle through ear tag tracing. This makes recording, analysing and predicting illness, behaviour and body condition easier for farmers. A computer application connected to the system collects data such as weight, breeding history and age. This information is used to create a comprehensive database of the farms livestock which identifies trends in the herd’s performance and assist farmers in making informed decisions about management of their livestock.

Malao also received twenty-five (25) pregnant boran herd, a cattle weight scale, manure spreader, feed mixer, 4 row planter, handling facility that can accommodate a hundred (100) cattle, sighting and drilling of borehole through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP).

Thrilled with the immense support the department provided to Maloa Boran Stud, Regomoditswe appreciated the department’s extension and advisory services for the remarkable work executed throughout the project’s development. “We have walked this long journey together and everyone was patient despite the challenges we faced. We are here to witness the exceptional efforts that were put into this project without fail. The dedication shown by MEC Mohono and her team in developing cattle farmers is highly valued and will definitely reap the expected outcomes of commercializing black farmers in the province,” said Regomoditswe.

Furthermore, the Department also handed over Thekiso Aquaculture Project. This project is operated by three beneficiaries received seven thousand (7000) Nile Tilapia fish, fish feed, seven ponds were constructed, a fully equipped solar system that supplies power to the ponds and a tunnel was installed.

The Klipgat based project has been functioning for two months since its completion. Kenalemang Thekiso said before the construction of the new ponds, the business partners used to grow their Tilapia from a small pond which they still use and supplied locals with the fish. “Now that we have ponds that house 1000 fish each, we will be able to expand our market as the fish is in high demand. It takes approximately six months for the fish to grow meaning we will have to grow the fish in phases so that we have constant supply for the ever-growing market,” she said.

The second phase of the aquaponics project will involve planting vegetables which will be nourished by the fish pond water which is rich in beneficial bacteria and other nutrients that promote healthy plants.

MEC Mohono concluded the handover by encouraging both farmers to partner with other agripreneurs to ensure the growth and sustainability of their businesses. She said that it was also important for farmers to invest in technology that will simplify data collection, analysis and recording of their livestock and other produce that they have on their farms. “We have demonstrated with the Malao Boran and Thekiso project that technology is reshaping the future of agriculture and making farms more efficient. Smart farming, should be prioritised by our black farmers and we commit as a department to continue supporting those that show dedication and potential to become commercial and mega farmers,” enlightened Mohono.

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

MEC DESBO MOHONO TO HAND OVER LIVESTOCK AND AQUACULTURE PROJECTS IN THE JB MARKS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Mahikeng-MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North-West Province will on Wednesday, 10 April 2024 officially hand over two agricultural enterprises in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

The two projects are Malao Boran Farming and Thekiso Aquaculture Project. The projects have been supported by the Department to promote economic growth and empowerment.

Malao Boran Farming is a beef cattle enterprise situated in Boschkop near Ventersdorp town. The founder, Regomoditswe Malao is one of the promising Boran stud-cattle breeders in the Province. In 2019, Regomoditswe was crowned emerging Stud Farmer of the Year. The Department has supported this farming enterprise with twenty-five (25) pregnant Boran heifers and other farming equipment such as handling facilities and feed mixer.

MEC Mohono will also on the day hand over Thekiso Aquaculture Project. This project situated in Klipgat farm just outside Ventersdorp town. The enterprise was supported for the first time by the Department during the 2018/19 financial year as a trial project with tunnels and fishponds.

The project owner, Mr John Thapelo Mosiako Thekiso has obtained the Nile Tilapia Permit which allows the project to farm with Nile Tilapia fish. Seeing the farmer’s commitment and dedication, the Department further assisted the project with construction of a tunnel, installation of solar system and construction of seven (7) more fishponds. All this was done by the Department in a quest to have more farmers at commercial level and to promote economic growth of the province.

Members of the media are therefore invited to cover the handing over event of these two projects which is
scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 10 April 2024
Venue: Ventersdorp based Farms (Klipgat and Boschkop)
Time: From 10:00.

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