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MEDIA STATEMENT Thursday, 10 March 2022

Att: Editors All Journalists All media houses

The Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority (AgriSETA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a one-day career exhibition for agricultural secondary schools in North West at the Taung Agricultural College. AgriSETA is an organisation required to develop skills within the agricultural sector so that learners are able to benefit from its activities. The purpose of the event was to encourage young people to consider agriculture as a career, share opportunities in the sector and teach them on ways they can take to make a living within the industry. AgriSETA Head of Marketing Mandy Rutgers said in her address to the estimated 400 learners that, the Skills Development Plan that emanates from the National Development Plan is being prioritised by all SETAs by means of sharing bursaries, skills development and knowledge of careers in agriculture among the youth as they have the potential of taking the sector to new heights. The Noord-Wes Koporasie, MICTSETA, EW SETA, Citrus Academy, National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development were amongst the exhibitors that were displaying and partaking in the information sharing sessions to which Tumiso Sempe (18) from a participant from Marubising Secondary School in Cokonyane acknowledged the importance of.

“The exhibition was an eye-opening experience that afforded me the opportunity of learning about different careers in the agricultural sector. I am interested in pursuing studies in Animal Production or Land Surveying at the University of Cape Town upon my matric completion. These are careers I did not know about prior to the exhibition and I am now aware of the immense contribution each of them have in the industry. My studies will also enable me to impart knowledge on our communities about a lot of things in regards to agriculture,” said Tumiso. Tselaathuto Secondary School from Lower Majakgoro in Itireleng was one of the several well represented schools at the Taung Agricultural College. The learner from this school energised Itumeleng Seeqela (19) expressed gratitude at the efforts made by the exhibitors to answer in detail questions learners had about various careers. He stated that he learned so much from the event. “My interest in being a Veterinarian has been evoked as I have a great love for animals; especially Rhinos which we know are an endangered species due to poaching. I’ve also become conscious of the fact that there aren’t as many black Vets in the country thus I’d like to follow this career path to show young people from my village that it is possible to achieve anything we dream of as black people in South Africa” said the grade twelve (12) learner.

Northern Cape schools also saw prospect in having their learners present. Mr Samuel Ndluzela, a grade eleven (11) teacher from the Northern Cape Agricultural High School in Jan Kemp had his Agricultural Practices and Technology pupils at the event. “Learners received valuable information that we as teachers are not able to share as we may have limited information about some of these careers in agriculture and related industries. I am happy to see so any learners being inquisitive and visiting all the stalls even though the suggestion was to target what they are interested in. This is a beneficial experience for all and I hope that they will share with their peers about the different job opportunities they learned about today” said Mr Ndluzela.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate

Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako

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

The North West Province Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the United States of America’s University of Michigan (UM), are working on a project to integrate renewable energy practices into the operations of Kgora Farmer Training Centre. Kgora is a state-owned training centre based in Mahikeng where farmers from across the country are trained on agricultural theory and provided with hands-on experiences. This partnership will see the University of Michigan through its Sustainability Without Borders (SWB) program, which is housed within the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the College of Engineering, establishing a demonstration and research centre for renewable energy at Kgora to empower emerging farmers (particularly black female farmers) in the province, and potentially across the country, in the use of renewable energy for productive uses related to agriculture and agribusiness. A hybrid gasification-solar PV powered micro grid will be established at Kgora Farmer Training Centre for mutual research on the varied uses of renewable energy on farms and it will also be used for demonstration and vocational training. Amongst other things, the University of Michigan will also develop training curricula, support the building and installation of renewable energy prototypes and, ideally, working with students and faculty from the North West University and other agricultural colleges in the province, deliver the curriculum to our local farmers.

Farmers who will mostly benefit are those in horticulture, dairy, poultry and livestock, grains, and agro-processing where power is such an important and expensive input cost. Once the demonstration and research centre for renewable energy is launched, the Kgora Farmer Training Centre will identify not less than forty (40) trainee farmers as a start to benefit from the project. Unemployed agricultural college graduates will also be trained on the technologies to provide energy related extension services, and learn how to install, maintain and repair the various technologies that will be deployed on the farm. The identified farmers will learn skills to generate enough green electricity to cover their own use and perhaps sell surplus. They will also be encouraged to develop energy cooperatives where they can cluster technologies and share the expenses of establishing the renewable energy systems. The University of Michigan, through a collaborative effort with Kgora’s management will source funding for this project. University of Michigan alumnus, Michael Sudarkasa, a long-time resident of South Africa and former project director of the South Africa Solar Energy Technology Road mapping exercise conducted by the Department of Mining and Energy and the Department of Science and Innovation in 2014-2015, will also assist in the local coordination and resource mobilization effort.

Through, his firm, Africa Business Group, a Johannesburg based, continentally active economic development firm, he will work closely with the University of Michigan and Kgora to identify funding to support the initiatives to be implemented under the program. Currently, two masters students Jack Teener and Rachel Kaup from the University of Michigan and their Prof. Jose Alfaro, who established the Sustainability without Borders program at SEAS and who visited SA in 2019 to help kick off the research supporting the project, are in the province to gather information on farmer energy demand needs, available organic waste volumes, and to interact with local farmers to learn more about their familiarity with renewable energy products and technologies to ensure that this massive project becomes a success. They all are excited to be part of this project. “This is very exciting for us because once the project is completed and farmers have been trained, it will allow them to have a consistent source of electricity and allow them to carry on with their day-to-day farming activities with fewer interruptions and at lower expenses than they currently have with load-shedding and rising electricity prices in the country,” Jack expressed. Explaining the advantages of biomass gasification, Rachel said the biomass gasification process reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal because it allows for the use of organic waste products as a feedstock.

MEC Desbo Mohono is optimistic that the project will help solve the current electricity challenges faced by local farming communities. She has committed to allocate the needed resources and to provide support to ensure that the project will be successful and that farmers benefit. “It is a fact that like seeds and fertilizers, electricity is a critically important input to successful farming. So, I am glad that we have started the work already with our partners from the University of Michigan. Beside the fact that we will not be polluting the environment with this technology, I am glad that the people whom I serve, are the farmers, will benefit the most once this project is up and running. “It will not only save them money, but it will help them to become more competitive in South Africa’s very competitive food market,” MEC Mohono said. This partnership is in line with the mandate and purpose of Kgora Farmer Training Centre, which is derived from the skills development Act 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998).
CAPTIONS: Pic 5H3A2582: Kgora Farmer Training Centre Manaer, Mr ThuthukaniHlanguar Ramatlabama village near Mahikeng, explaining the concept of renewal energy to farmers
Pic 5H3A2585: Mt Jack Teneer and Ms Rachel Kaup, the two Masters students from the University of Michigan engaging farmers on their energy demand, available organic waste volumes
Issued by:

Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: MsEmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684/ Cell: 060 745 4020

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 2735

Mahikeng-The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) MEC Desbo Mohono will today, 07 March 2022 meet and engage the community of Skoongesig, a village on the South West of Mahikeng (Ngaka Modiri Molema District). The meeting is set to take place near Bontle Primary School at 14h00. This engagement happens prior to the Presidential Post State of the Nation Address Imbizo taking place on Saturday 12 March, also in Mahikeng. MEC’s Skoongesig meeting forms part of a series of stakeholder engagements wherein communities will be given an opportunity to ask service delivery-relatedquestions and to receive responses. It is also meant to contribute to the government’s continuing efforts to build an ethical, capable and developmental state that delivers on its mandate. The other issues raised in MEC community engagement will be responded to during the Presidential Imbizo.

 

Issued by Communication Services Directorate

Enquiries: MsEmeldaSetlhako

Tel: 018 389 5719/5684 Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za

Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/

Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwdard

Derby-The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) persists with efforts to support producers in a bid to fight poverty and under-development as well as to provoke rural economic development. Baramakama Poultry, a five member project has been in business since 2016 producing eggs, processing, marketing of eggs and culling of the end point of lay chickens. NW DARD identified the potential in the project and brought in a grant injection of fourteen thousand (14 000) Lohman layer chickens to assist the farm with increasing production. The Managing Director and CEO of Baramakama Poultry, Ofentse Moloko (36) expressed his gratitude towards the government’s commitment in empowering young black farmers. “Thank you to the department of Agriculture and government of South Africa for once again continuing to strive in supporting us a black farmers in terms of commercialising and becoming quite competitive within the industry. We look forward to further support and we know that together we can definitely make a success of this journey that we are all trying to achieve in building black commercial farmers in this poultry industry” he said.

The project situated in Molote City near Rustenburg, has six layer houses that comprise of five houses with a capacity of 10 200 layers each and one house with a capacity of 16 300 layers that are on a 7.5ha land as well as an additional six layer houses with a capacity of 34 500 each. The layer houses have a capacity of 274 300 layer chickens of which six houses are automated, borehole that is equipped, store-room, office block, and security fence, a tractor with a trailer, forklift, ablution facilities and 3-phase electricity. Baramakama is envisaged to invest further in an agro-processing plant with collection, washing and grading, sorting and automated egg packing system. It currently employs youth and isdevoted to the skills and capacity building of its employees who mostly come from surrounding villages and about forty two (42) permanent jobs are expected to be created with an additional of twenty one (21) seasonal labourers.

The project beneficiaries are steadfast in empowering their employees whom some have no formal education by ensuring that they capacitate them with skills that will benefit the project and improve their livelihoods. Naomi Phiri (31) started as a general worker when the project started operations in 2017 and is currently the farm manager. She has, through the assistance of Mr Moloko, received extensive training on poultry production and management and intends to study further. “I will be enrolling to study veterinary through the financial assistance of Baramakama. This will empower me to be able to further contribute towards the growth of the project and plough back my knowledge to the community of Molote City,” said Naomi.

The project will continue to receive technical support through the department’s extension and advisory services. PICTURE CAPTION: IMG – 5211: Baramakama employees off-loading the first batch of the 14 000 Lohman chickens funded by the department IMG – 5236: Baramakama Farm Manager, Naomi Phiri and Managing Director, Ofentse Moloko receiving the Lohman Chickens funded through the Livestock Development Programme.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
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
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 2735

MEDIA STATEMENT
Saturday, 26 February 2022

Potchefstroom
A total of sixty six (66) students from Potchefstroom College of Agriculture have
graduated with the diploma in mixed farming. The graduation ceremony took place yesterday, Friday
26 February 2022.
The college is one of the two state ow
ned in the province tasked with training students in different
fields of agriculture.
Speaking during the ceremony, MEC Desbo Mohono congratulated the graduands for their hard work
and determination. “The commencement of the ceremony was a testament to the fact that despite
any adversity, students have risen to the occasion with purpose and intention,” MEC Mohono
expressed.
Mohono also acknowledged parents and sponsors for their continued support. This year alone,
Potchefstroom College of Agriculture had 274 students registered, including 98 final year students and
29 of the 66 alumnae are young women entering this male doma in. “To the Class of 2021,
congratulations are in order! I leave the fate of the world in your hands and I am confident that it will
be better because of you. Go forth and do great things,” MEC Mohono said.
Speaking to the 23
year old Mr Lebogang Godfre y Xhego from Potchefstroom who is one of the
beneficiaries of MEC’s bursary fund, he said he is happy that he has completed his studies with the
college but he still wants to further his studies with one of the universities in South Africa. “The
journey ha s been a great experience through the assistance of MEC and I am pleased to have made
her proud with my achievement,” said Xhego.
The Department, through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) has also
ensured infrastructure developmen t at the college to guarantee a safe and a conducive environment
for students. The College has furthermore contributed to the food security initiatives and imperatives

by producing seedlings which assists in the nearby communities, which augurs well and pe
by producing seedlings which assists in the nearby communities, which augurs well and permeates rmeates with the Departmental call to answer our people’s plea of fighting high levels of poverty in our with the Departmental call to answer our people’s plea of fighting high levels of poverty in our communities.communities.

Issued by the
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Communication Services Directorate
DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES
AgriCentre Building
Cnr. Dr. James Moroka and
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684 / 5719
Tel: 018 389 5684 / 5719
Cell: 060 745 4020

Witpan-Donations of working equipment to beekeepers and training from the North West Department of
Agriculture (NWDARD), has motivated beekeepers from the Ngaka Modiri Molema region to unite and work
together for a better future.
On Tuesday, 22 February 2022 honey-makers from across the Ngaka Modiri Molema District converged in
Witpan farm outside Sannieshof town to assist one of their own, Mr Sello Nthwesane to harvest. Nthwesane
is a farmer in Tswaing Local Municipality and is one of many beekeepers from the province who were
recently trained on beekeeping management by the department. Other than training, Nthwesane received
100 beehives and other beekeeping equipment including the honey extracting machine.
He said he started beekeeping with only ten (10) beehives in 2018 because of the passion he had and
today is a full-time honey-maker with over hundred and sixty (160) beehives. The honey he makes is sold
to the local market.
One of the beekeepers who came to assist Nthwesane with harvesting is Onkarabile Mooketsi from
Lehurutshe in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. Mooketsi who was happy to be amongst fellow
beekeepers says unity amongst beekeepers is very important. “It is a tradition for us beekeepers in the
Ngaka Modiri Molema region to work together and we enjoy it that way because in the process we learn
new things from colleagues,” Mooketsi alluded.
She stressed that working with others has helped her to grow in her craft and more than anything it
continues to help promote the spirit of togetherness amongst them as farmers. “We get to talk about the
markets, the challenges we face as beekeepers and we share experiences and exchange ideas that help us

to improve how we run our enterprises. You can never say you know everything,” Mooketsi expressed. She
also encouraged fellow beekeepers in other regions to do the same.
Expressing his appreciation for the help, Nthwesane said he is humbled and grateful for the support shown
by colleagues. “I want to express sincere gratitude to my colleagues who volunteered their time and
resources to come. I can only say I am humbled and grateful,” said Sello Nthwesane.
With proper investment, apiculture (beekeeping) can provide jobs for thousands across the province. To
accomplish this, the department has already started to train those that are already involved and active in
beekeeping. Towards the end of last year, the department bought six extracting machines and were all
delivered to the beneficiaries while others received training on beekeeping management as well as
equipment that they use in their craft.
Since her deployment to the department, MEC Desbo Mohono has been advocating for the development
of apiculture in the province. She strongly believes that development and support for beekeepers in the
province will not only help to boost the economy of the province but will also contribute to the food
security programme.
She commended the beekeepers within the province for working very hard and claiming their rightful
place in the farming industry. “If we continue to work together, we shall achieve more,” Mohono
concluded.
## ends ##
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
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
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 Moroka and
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735

Mahikeng – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) MEC Desbo
Mohono is calling for local farmers and manufacturers to apply for permits in order to participate in the
Hemp Industry. The process of applications is opened to all interest groups and individuals. Applications
forms can be accessed through the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
Development website: www.dalrrd.gov.za.
The Hemp Permit process follows the Cabinet decision taken in 2019 to have a plan for industrialisation
and commercialisation of Cannabis in order to increase economic growth, create jobs and poverty
alleviation. This decision was trailed by an establishment of a committee to guide the development of
Cannabis Masterplan. Although the Masterplan is still in process, the industrialization of Hemp has been
identified as a low hanging fruit in terms of establishment of Cannabis industry in the country.
MEC Mohono is encouraging farmers to seize the opportunity and apply for hemp permits in order to
reap economic opportunities in the industry. “The legalisation and commercialisation of Cannabis Sativa
(Cannabis) has been on the forefront of public debate and on top of the agenda of policymakers globally.
As a role player, the NWDARD did organise a Webinar last year to engage stakeholders in a collaborative
effort to advance the Cannabis Masterplan Implementation process. In that Webinar, we learned that
only few farmers had permits and at the time of our engagement, their permits had expired. I know we
have very passionate farmers in the province and I urge them to follow process and to apply for Hemp
Permits,” she said.
The Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act no 53 of 1976) and its regulations provide legal framework for
cultivation, distribution and sale of hemp propagating material in South Africa. Any person who wants to
engage in Hemp in identified activities relating to hemp must be in possession of a Hemp Permit issued
by the Registrar of the Plant Improvement Act.
Although the Hemp application process is hosted by the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform
and Rural Development, the NWDARD has identified a technical team meant to assist the local farmers
with the application process. The following officials of the Department can be reached for enquiries or
assistance:
DISTRICT AREA OFFICE CONTACT
PERSON
EMAIL ADDRESS CONTACT
PERSON
DR KENNETH
KAUNDA
POTCH COLLEGE
CENTRE
Dr H Muedi hmuedi@nwpg.gov.za 076 793 0706
NGAKA MODIRI
MOLEMA
AGRICENTRE
HEAD OFFICE
Mr L Dithate dithatel@nwpg.gov.za 018 389 5275
NGAKA MODIRI
MOLEMA
RAMOTSHERE
MOILOA
Mr RM Moiloa rmoiloa770@gmail.com 072 780 2738
BOJANALA
PLATINUM
MADIBENG Mr OL Oagae loagae@nwpg.gov.za 072 770 7163
BOJANALA
PLATINUM
BRITS OFFICE Ms NI Lende nnelende@nwpg.gov.za 072 800 0121
DR. RUTH
SEGOMOTSI MOMPATI
VRYBURG OFFICE Mr O Motshabi carlosmotshabi15@gmail.com 072 772 8973
DR. RUTH
SEGOMOTSI MOMPATI
VRYBURG OFFICE Mr Z Mbhamali zmbhamali@nwpg.gov.za 076 794 6179
GENERAL/PROVINCIAL PROVINCIAL Ms T Mosadi tmosadi@nwpg.gov.za 072 790 6529
## 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/Agriculture
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg_dard

MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Att: Editors
All Journalists
All media houses

Mahikeng-Kgora Farmer Training Centre has recently added basic hatchery management training to a list
of skills development courses offered at this centre for beginners and experienced farmers to improve their
results. This follows the completion of a mini-hatchery project at this centre. This mini hatchery can produce
up to two thousand (2000) chicks per week and it was established with the aim of training farmers who want
to own hatcheries.
Aspiring farmers who attend this training will learn practical aspects of hatchery management that includes
the biology of fertile egg production, fertile egg handling, setter and hatcher environment, processing dayold chicks and hatchery biosecurity.
With the range of excellent facilities at Kgora, the centre is able to offer on-farm practical work for
participants during training.
Another project that has been recently completed at this centre is installation of 180 tons storage bins.
These silos are fitted with an electronic conveyor for ease of loading and dispatch. This type of storage
provides optimum storage conditions for the grain, by controlling the temperature, insects, mould, birds etc.
The silos will also be used for storage of grains produced by Kgora itself and to store feed and maize
brought in bulk for future total mixed ration (TMR) for Kgora livestock.
Reacting to the completion of these projects at Kgora, MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and Rural
Development said she is happy that there is progress.
“We had a dream about this centre and I am glad today to say that dream is slowly but surely becoming a
reality. This milestone represents yet another step of ensuring that this state owned farmer training centre is
equipped with the modern infrastructure to train and develop local farmers.
“What makes me happier is the fact that farmers will be the biggest beneficiaries of these developments
taking place at Kgora Farmer Training Centre. The main goal is to ensure that our farmers constantly learn
new and old practices and adapt to changes in the sector, MEC Mohono said.
She went on to say she is confident that with this mini hatchery, more hatchers who would receive top-class
training from “one of our training institutions would be produced”.
The centre can only accept up to a certain number of participants at a time and it is operated on a first
come first serve basis. Members of the public are urged to enquire with the local agricultural offices on skills
development courses offered at Kgora.
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 Moroka and
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735
With regard to the centre’s contribution to the food security programme, Kgora often donates chickens to
farmers for rearing and seedlings to different applicable projects across the province.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
IMG 1656 Seipati Motsuenyane hard at work at Kgora Farmers Training Centre’s Mini-hatchery. The
hatchery also forms a list of the newly completed developments. It can produce up 2000 chicks per week.
IMG 1687 : The centre has installed 180 tons storage bins for storage of grains it produces.
## ends ##
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
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

MEDIA RELEASE Att : All Media Houses : All Journalists : All Editors

EMBARGO : Immediate release Date : Tuesday, 26 October 2021

MEC DESBO MOHONO HAILED PRAISES TO BATLHAKO TEMO, A CITRUS PRODUCER PROJECT

BRITS-MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West acknowledged and appreciated the hard work and dedication shown over the years by the founders of Batlhako Temo Project. She launched their project officially on Monday 25 October 2021 in an event that was held in Hartebeepoort, Sandsdrift near Brits.
The project which started operating in 2010 is now one of the major producers of citrus products in the province. It has five (5) members of which three are females and two are males. It produces various citrus products which it supplies to major citrus companies in South Africa and exporting others to international markets in Taiwan, Middle East and have now entered the China market since the year 2020.
The project has previously been funded by the national Department of Land Reform and Rural Development through Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy program (PLAS) in 2012 and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development which assisted the business on two occasions with Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme funding (CASP) during 2015/2016 and 2017/2018 financial year to improve their irrigation system.
Speaking during the launch, MEC Mohono hailed the project founders with praises for their determination and hard work. “Batlhako Temo Project is a fantastic initiative that ties in well with our department’s vision statement which talks to a united and transformed agricultural sector for inclusive growth.
“This is what we want to see in our province,” Mohono emphasized.
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 2735

She also emphasized that Batlhako should be commended amongst those who changed the agricultural landscape in the province.
“Today as we officially hand over this project we have no doubt as a Department that indeed they will still soar high in the sky like eagles.
“As much as we officially giving the key to Batlhako, government will always remain a stone’s throw away in making sure that this becomes a success for future generations MEC Mohono emphasized.
During the 2021 fiscal year, the project received another grand from the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to purchase machinery, build workers house, purchase trees and productions inputs.
Through all these interventions, the project has grown in leaps and bounds. It is quite big on empowering the youth especially graduates, women and the elderly. Currently it employs thirteen (13) permanent, two (2) casual workers, fifty (50) seasonal workers and it has at least ten (10) graduates for experiential learning.
Speaking on behalf of the project Mr Issac Moilwa, one of the co-founders and manager of Batlhako Temo extended his gratitude towards the department on the initiative they’ve took in assisting them with the means to be able to contribute to the local and international economy, “We need to support our black farmers to create employment, the cooperative on its own during picking time employs about 50 pickers and an additional 30 pruners, so if we can expand the orchards then more jobs will be created” said Moilwa.

Issued by 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

MEDIA INVITE Att : All Media Houses
All Journalists
All Editors

Date : Tuesday, 26 October 2021

Provincial World Food Day event to be held in JB Marks Local Municipality

Mahikeng-It’s all systems go for the 2021 provincial World Food day commemoration. The day is commemorated annually during October month to promote awareness and advocate collective action to assist those who suffer from hunger.
The commemoration also seeks to heighten public awareness on issues of poverty and malnutrition and to further raise awareness on the different products that constitute a balanced diet. The department will also use the day to share with the communities and the agricultural sector in particular on issues of climate change and its effects on the sector.
This year, discussions around enhancing participation of rural people, particularly women and the underprivileged in decisions and events impacting their living conditions will take center stage during this event.
To address issues of food security, the department will on the day provide indigenous chickens for rearing to identified households in the hosting village of Goedgevonden and help to establish vegetable gardens in identified households from neighboring villages of Tsetse, Boikhutso, Boikhutsong, Appledraai, Wilgevonden, Mafole as well as Mogopa.
In response to the humanitarian challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, MEC Desbo Mohono and MEC Boitumelo Moiloa will distribute agri-packs for household consumption.
Members of the media are therefore invited to cover this important event which is scheduled to take place as follows:

Date : Wednesday, 27 October 2021 Time : 08H00am Venue : GOEDGEVONDEN, near Ventersdorp town

Issued by 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