Archives: News

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

MEDIA INVITE Att: ALL EDITORS ALL JOURNALISTS

Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021

NORTH WEST PREMIER BUSHY MAAPE AND MEC DESBO MOHONO TO LAUNCH THE BATLHAKO TEMO PROJECT Mahikeng – North West Premier Bushy Maape and MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono will on Monday, 25 October 2021 launch the Batlhako Temo Cooperative in Mamogaleskraal near Brits.
The five member cooperative started operating in 2010 and produces various citrus products which it supplies to Magalies Citrus Company, Sir Fruit and the bulk of their produce is exported to Taiwan and Middle East. The business has previously been funded by the Department of Rural Development’s Land Reform on PLAS program in 2012 and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development which assisted the business on two occasions with CASP funding during 2015/2016 and 2017/2018 financial year to improve their irrigation system. In the 2020/2021 financial year, the company received a RECAP grant from the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development to purchase machinery, build workers house, purchase trees and production input.
Members of the media are invited to cover this important launch which will take place as follows:
DATE: Monday, 25 October 2021
TIME: 10H00am
VENUE: Mamogaleskraal, Bits
Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684 Fax: +27(18) 384 4571 E-mail:Esetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
CHIEF DIRECTORATE: CORPORATE SERVICES
AgriCentre Building Cnr. Dr. James Moroka and Stadium Rd Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735

Kindly send RSVPs to Mr Thebe Itumeleng on email: titumeleng@nwpg.gov.za or Cell: 063 203 3718 no later than Friday, 22 October 2021 by 1pm.

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 STATEMENT
Att : ALL EDITORS
Media Houses
Date : Tuesday, 05 October 2021
TAUNG COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE’S FIRST SOIL SURVEY AND FERTILITY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP SPARKS NEW IDEAS FOR CHANGE
Taung – Researchers, Specialists, Soil Scientists, Agricultural Advisors, Extension Officers of the department and the academic staff from the two state owned colleges of agriculture in the province converged in Taung Agricultural College from the 28th -30th of September 2021 for a three (3) day Soil Survey and Fertility Management training workshop.
The workshop was organized and facilitated by officials from the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in partnership with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The workshop was intended mainly at empowering the workforce of the department who are in the field of soil management as well as the Extension Officers who in the main are the first contacts between the department and the farmers in the province.
The workshop which was 30% theory and 70% practical revolved around assessing and identifying different soil types, evaluating crop suitability and selecting suitable management and amelioration options; use of Garmin Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate resources and sampling points; taking of soil samples and interpreting the laboratory results and the use of field pH/EC meter to determine soil pH and electrical conductivity and use of Google Earth Pro for mapping amongst other things.
The practical part of the workshop was conducted in both the field and the laboratory setup.
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) was also part of this three day workshop. The ARC was represented by Dr Goodman Jezile who operated the mobile soil testing laboratory for demonstration and training purposes.
ARC has been working on this concept which could see farmers in deep rural areas and in far-flung agricultural communities receiving soil testing and analysis services on their door step.
The assessment of soil profile or what is normally referred to as soil classification using a soil pit was demonstrated to participants and they further shared core sampling for bulk density determination.
One of the participants, Gomolemo Morake who is an Agricultural Advisor based in Matlosana said the workshop was relevant and interesting.
Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684
Fax: +27(18) 384 4571
E-mail:Esetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Communication Services
Directorate
AgriCentre Building
Cnr. Dr. James Moroka and
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735
“Everything was explained well and the most interesting part for me was when we were out on the field doing what we have been learning practically. Practical helps one to remember easily for future use or transferring the knowledge to others.
“In terms of relevancy, I would say it was relevant for me as an Agricultural Advisor because that is exactly the kind of information I must teach and explain to my crop farmers to get maximum yields of production from the soil,” Morake explained.
Her colleague Lawrence Oage from Brits in the Madibeng area was equally happy about the workshop. “I am also happy to have been part of this workshop. It was an eye opener and was really what we needed as we are working closely with farmers. I have learned that soil fertility is one of the subject matter which does not receive enough attention during crop production,”
It is expected that participants from this workshop will go back to their respective service points and use what they have learned to assist and advise farmers on the importance of soil health, how to analyse their soil’s test results and determine how they can best supplement their soil’s fertility needs without breaking the bank.
CAPTIONS
IMG : 2316 : Researchers, Specialists, Soil Scientists, Agricultural Advisors, Extension Officers of the department and the academic staff from the two state owned colleges of agriculture in the province who converged in Taung Agricultural College last week for a three (3) day Soil Survey and Fertility Management training workshop.
IMG 2399 & 2484 :The workshop which was 30% theory and 70% practical revolved around assessing and identifying different soil types ,use of Garmin Global Positioning System (GPS) , taking of soil samples and interpreting the laboratory results and the use of field pH/EC meter to determine soil pH and electrical conductivity and use of Google Earth Pro for mapping among other things.
Issued by:
Issued by:
Communication Services Directorate
Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries:
Enquiries: Ms Emelda SetlhakoMs Emelda Setlhako
Tel:
Tel: 018 389 5684018 389 5684/ / Cell: Cell: 060 745 4020060 745 4020
Email:
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.zaESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg _dard
Twitter: @nwpg _dard

ADRESS BY MEC DESBO
MOHONO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DURING THE
CANNABIS MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
WEBINAR HELD AT
POTCHEFSTROOM AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE
DR.KENNETH KAUNDA DISTRICT
ON THE, 28th SEPTEMBER 2021

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
JB MARKS MAYOR-Cllr. MARIA MATABOGE
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT-RRE THUPI MOKHATLE
CANNIBIS LICENCING-MS MOKGADI FAFUDI
RULES AND REGULATION-MS FRANCINA RAKGATLHA
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY –DR.B KOLE
PROVINCIAL PRODUCER-MR.D MOTONA
ALL MEDIA HOUSES PRESENT
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

Let me take this moment to welcome everybody who embraced our invite
as the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Again let me cast aside my greetings and say “AHOI RASTAFARAI, JAH
BLESS US ALL”. Ladies and Gentlemen it is said “things only go wrong
when right people keep quiet” now contrary to the above statement I
must allude and perhaps make mention of the Rastafarian community
at its entirety for being consistent in making sure that we see the light at
the very end of the warren for the usage of the recreational cannabis and
all its benefits. Moseka phofu wa gaabo ga a nke a swa lentswe,
ebile Mmetlakgola ya borwa o e betla a e lebisitse gaabo.
Today’s cannabis master plan webinar is historic in a sense that as a
province we will also be counted amongst those who are rooting
unapologetically for the recreational herb and its advantages instead of
always being bombarded with negativity towards this herb. The day was
the 18th and the year was 2018 when history was written in bold letters
after the constitutional court ruling allowing South Africans to smoke
cannabis in the comfort of their own homes, thus recognizing the
commercialization of cannabis. This was based on section 14 of South
African Constitution, which enshrines a right to privacy that includes the
right of persons not to have their persons, homes, or property searched, or
their possessions seized.
As the North West Department of Agriculture upon hearing the court ruling
it was music in our ears and more especially to our people and some of our
interested farmers saw it as an opportunity to really tap into the industry
freely. Now we saw it fit to really spread our wings with this platform in
trying to bring all stakeholders on board in making sure that in going
forward our plan and strategy will be tact and most importantly will favor
our people more especially farmers that wants to tap into this hemp
industry.
Our farmers can tap into hemp fiber, hemp seeds, hemp oils, medicinal
purposes, juice and finally as a recreational drug. Now as a province we
are saying we know that the entire universe is facing slothful growth
economically due to the dread ramifications of COVID 19.The sooner the
master plan strategy is derived and implemented the sooner we can
reposition the landscape of job creation and plough back to casting aside
poverty brims.
Ladies and Gentlemen currently our country cannabis industry is estimated
at a whooping R 28 billion, not millions. It is researched that the bulk of
the sector is operating underground and products are flying off the shelves
within the black market. Ladies and Gentlemen as a country we are big on
recreation but now we have to be creative and come up with ways for
direct benefits for our people. The status-qou in our province is similar to
the country at large, though we have a legally approved Cannabis
Development Council (CDC). This congress is largely constituted by
producers who have been with the process for some time. Thus far within
the province we have two (2) small holder producers that are certified from
the Department of Health, and they have been able to continuously do
some research and the feasibility on Cannabis.
I am also proud Ladies and Gentlemen to announce that within the
province there is already an established organization that has been licensed
for commercial and medicinal production purposes. The provincial task
team will soon be fully functional in making sure that as a province we are
not left behind. The committee will comprise of government personnel and
social partners like your state owed entities and core industry role players.
As we all know that in every positive endeavor there’s always negative
energy attached. Cannabis has a long standing stigma about its usage
and people only focusing on preaching about it being a dangerous drug.
Now the ball is in our courts as a province to make sure that we dispel
those myths entirely. We have to make sure as government that we
push the mandate of this master plan very hard including issues
of public education in regard to the advantages of this herb. The
onus and the obligation of changing our people’s mindsets is a task
that has to be given all the necessary attention. As the North West
province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, we are not
going to wait and feed on the day of the market, but rather we are
forging ahead in making sure that we educate and ignite the interest
from our people to make a living out of this herb Ladies and Gentlemen.
I further take this opportunity to encourage all to have fruitful deliberations
thus mapping our path and setting the tone as the North West province on
cannabis economic growth.

“AHOI RASTAFARAI AHOI”

Ke a leboga – I thank you! MEC Desbo Mohono North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

MEDIA STATEMENT Att : ALL EDITORS Media Houses

Date: Tuesday, 05 October 2021

SCAM ALERT TO ALL DARD STAKEHOLDERS
Mahikeng – It has come to the attention of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) that some bidders are contacted by fraudsters alleging that they have been sent to collect monies on behalf of Chairpersons or Directors for bids they have tendered for in order for them to get their appointment letters.

The scam involves the fraudsters calling bidders and requesting money or using departmental letterheads or disguised as department’s representative to send out fake appointment letters to unsuspecting suppliers and service providers.

All stakeholders that have received fraudulent letters are urged to report the matter to law enforcement agencies without hesitation and to inform the department of such activities. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will never send e-mail asking service providers to supply equipment and goods/services without an official purchase order number.
## 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

AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT IN NORTH WEST GRADUALLY REACHES MORE AND MORE
EMERGING WOMEN FARMERS
Mahikeng- Government interventions that address the specific needs of women farmers are
key to mitigate the current economic situation and to alleviate existing gender inequalities
particularly in the agricultural sector. This was said by MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and
Rural Development in the North West Province on Friday, 27 August 2021 w hen she was officially
handing over the LoveGreens Agricultural project to its founders in Vlakfontein Farm outside
Koster town.
The LoveGreens Project is a 100% percent black
female owned agricultural business focusing
on planting and supply of fresh g reens to the local market as well as to the neighboring province
of Gauteng.
The business was established in 2016 and is run by two dedicated women farmers; Yedwa and
Zamampembe Simelane. The project which is now going to be known as the Charlotte Maxeke
Lovegreens Project was initially supported by the department in the 2018/19 fiscal year.
With the f
unds, the project received 1ha shade net for their greens, irrigation system, cold room,
steel container, mobile freezer, water tanks, security fence, gener ator and many other
agricultural inputs for sustainability purposes.
Since the business is operating from a rural area, it has created job opportunities for the locals
and it has a potential of providing more reliable employment contracts for even more pe ople
from the surrounding areas.
This project is one of many female owned agricultural ventures in the province that have been
supported by the government. Not so long ago, female cattle farmers in the province received
bulls from the government to improv e their herds.
Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684
Fax: +27(18) 384 4571
E-mail:Esetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Communication Services Directorate
AgriCentre Building
Cnr. Dr. James Morokaand
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735
MEC Mohono expressed delight with the manner in which beneficiaries in general and
MEC Mohono expressed delight with the manner in which beneficiaries in general and agricultural project owners are showing dedication in growing their grafts and determination to agricultural project owners are showing dedication in growing their grafts and determination to establish integrated sustainable businesses.establish integrated sustainable businesses.
“For gover
“For government, in particular our department of Agriculture and Rural Development, we are nment, in particular our department of Agriculture and Rural Development, we are proud of the progress we have made thus far concerning women empowerment in the sector.proud of the progress we have made thus far concerning women empowerment in the sector.
“We have afforded access to economic activities for women and youth in Agriculture and
“We have afforded access to economic activities for women and youth in Agriculture and with with nutritious food and land reform platforms. These are just some of the first steps in our nutritious food and land reform platforms. These are just some of the first steps in our Department’s attack on poverty which weighs so heavily on women in particular,” MEC Mohono Department’s attack on poverty which weighs so heavily on women in particular,” MEC Mohono said.said.
She further went on to challenge the women involved in agricult
She further went on to challenge the women involved in agriculture and said the task now for ure and said the task now for them is to seize the opportunities provided by the latest developments, so that they can indeed them is to seize the opportunities provided by the latest developments, so that they can indeed play their rightful role in transforming their communities in generating sustained economic play their rightful role in transforming their communities in generating sustained economic growth and reconstruction development.growth and reconstruction development.
The two beneficiaries welcomed the support and thanked the department. Yedwa said the inputs
The two beneficiaries welcomed the support and thanked the department. Yedwa said the inputs will go a long way into ensuring that the business continues to operate and employ locals to will go a long way into ensuring that the business continues to operate and employ locals to tackle the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemploymenttackle the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment..
At the beginning of this financial year, MEC Desbo Mohono committed that the department will
At the beginning of this financial year, MEC Desbo Mohono committed that the department will increase support to female owned agricultural projects in the province to fight the high levels of increase support to female owned agricultural projects in the province to fight the high levels of unemployment and to contribute to the food security programmeunemployment and to contribute to the food security programme..
For those who are already involved in agriculture and in need of any kind of agricultural support,
For those who are already involved in agriculture and in need of any kind of agricultural support, are encouraged to enquire with the nearest agricultural office. are encouraged to enquire with the nearest agricultural office.

Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684/ Cell: 060 745 402
Tel: 018 389 5684/ Cell: 060 745 40200
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg _dard
Twitter: @nwpg _dard

Mahikeng- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) has acknowledged that there is a need for a multifaceted/ multidisciplinary approach towards further inputs into the cannabis masterplan. This relates to the fact that all role players and action holders should work together in the form of integration and coordination in order to advance the plan. The NWDARD hosted a webinar on Tuesday, 28 September 2021 targeting critical stakeholders. The Webinar was an open discussion with many significant organisations to make a contribution into the masterplan so that all own it and that the final product represents their ultimate vision.
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. The conversation, led by the NWDARD follows the Cabinet decision taken in July 2019 that the country needs a national strategy to commercialise cannabis in order to increase economic growth, create jobs and alleviate poverty. The development of Cannabis Masterplan is underpinned by the Re-imagined Industrial Strategy which is operationalised through the application of a master-planning process that seeks to create a shared vision and secure reciprocal action oriented commitments between industry, government and labour for long-term sustainability and growth of the national priority sectors.
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono has applauded Cannabis interest groups in the Province for consistent appeals for Cannabis commercialization efforts. She said she had received a lot of correspondence from groups which seemed determined to stir conversations around cannabis legalization. “I thank those groups for being consistent. I want to believe that they are really passionate about this plant and see a real value in it. I know many of you have contributed to the draft masterplan but there is a need for us to once more make a collective contribution to the plan that we have at this stage, MEC Mohono remarked.
Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684 Fax: +27(18) 384 4571 E-mail:Esetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
CHIEF DIRECTORATE: CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES
AgriCentre Building Cnr. Dr. James Morokaand Stadium Rd Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735

It has been indicated that South Africa could be making around R28 billion in informal trading of cannabis. MEC said the acceleration of efforts towards inputs into the masterplan could see the income benefitting communities. “There needs to be a way to have direct benefit for our people. This determination includes having more permit holders in the province,” MEC Mohono emphasized. Currently there are only two Cannabis permit holders in the province. One of them is young Akofa Naphtaly, a female smallholder farmer based in Mahikeng. Naphtaly holds a permit for research and development. This means that she is allowed to plant hemp in open field and tunnels and can farm across the value chain. Naphtaly has appreciated the platform the NWDARD has created for engagement. She believed it was key for the department to start the process by communicating with interested parties as it was one of the key pillars of the Cannabis masterplan.

The African Farmers Association of South Africa, Deputy Chairperson of Kenneth Kaunda, Buti Malinga also expressed his appreciation that government has called stakeholders around the table for the first time in North West to map way forward for what he refers to as “an economic game changer” for farmers. He said it was his organization’s responsibility to champion opportunities awareness and Cannabis is one of the products that have sparked interest in many farmers. He has committed his organization to working with government and ensuring that members indeed benefit from the process.
The Webinar was addressed by organizations critical to the process of cannabis implementation process and those include the Agricultural Research Council(ARC) which reflected on the Research and Technology to support primary production; the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DARRLD) on the regulatory Framework for Hemp licensing; the Council for Scientific Research and Industrial Research (CSIR) on research and Technology to support processing manufacturing and product development for cannabis and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority on regulatory framework on medical cannabis licensing.

The Head of NWDARD, Mr Thupi Mokhatla has committed the department to amplify awareness campaign around Cannabis Masterplan implementation process as well as to support existing SMME’s to develop amongst others. Further dialogue will be held with other stakeholders including government departments, Traditional leaders and healers, State owned entities, all interest groups and individuals in order to advance this effort.

Captions IMG-20210930-WA0024 – MEC Mohono addressing delegates at the webinar hosted by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The webinar accommodated both on virtual and physical attendance. IMG-20210930-WA0022 – Some of the interest groups and individuals were keen to be of the initial stages of engagements on Cannabis Master plan. IMG-20210930-WA0030 – MEC Mohono together with Head of Department, Mr Thupi Mokhatla as well as senior management, led the discussion around the Cannabis master plan implementation process.

Media Release Wednesday, 1 September 2021 Att: All Media Houses HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY REMAINS HIGH PRIORITY FOR MEC MOHONO AS FEMALE HEADED FAMILIES RECEIVE INDIGENOUS CHICKENS North West Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Desbo Mohono has committed herself to alleviating household food insecurity in the province by continuously giving support to indigent households with inputs that will ensure quality production of nutritious goods. Evident to this and to conclude Women’s Month, indigenous chickens were handed over to women headed households in Shaleng and Madipelesa, Greater Taung Municipality.