Archives: News

MEDIA STATEMENT
Att : ALL EDITORS
Media Houses
Date: Friday, 25 June 2021
DARD COLLEGES OPEN APPLICATIONS FOR 2022 YEAR INTAKE
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Potchefstroom College of Agriculture
(PCA) and Taung Agricultural College (TAC) have opened applications for the 2022 l student intake
and will close on the 1 November 2021.
Eligible students are encouraged to apply for Diploma in Agriculture in Irrigation offered by TAC
and Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Agriculture) offered by PCA. These qualifications require a
National Senior Certificate (NSC) or grade 11 results if the applicant is currently in Grade 12.
English (E) is a compulsory subject and the following are recommended: Mathematics, Biology/
Agricultural Sciences and Physical Sciences with a total minimum of 24 points from the best 6
subjects except Life Orientation.
Application forms are available on the department’s website: www.nwpg.gov.za/dard, alternatively
WhatsApp: Ms. Vuyiswa Mziwakhe of TAC on 060 504 8149 and Mr. Ismail Haffejee of PCA on
0797975456
Issued by:
Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684/ Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
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 Morokaand
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg _dard

Mahikeng-The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will donate ten bulls to ten
youngfarmers across the province as part of the 2021 Youth Month Commemoration. This was announced by
MEC Desbo Mohono during the Youth Day and Harvest Day Celebration held at Driehoek Farm in Ngaka
Modiri Molema District yesterday. Ten young farmers who have proven commitment and perseverance to their
livestock business will receive these bulls in order to further improve their livestock.
The Department has placed livestock improvement as part of its priority programmes taking note that amongst
others, the beef cattle production is a vehicle that has the potential to contribute to the development of North
West Province’s populace by enhancing food security, job creation, reducing poverty and ultimately improving
the quality of life of the communities in a sustainable manner. According to national livestock statistics (DAFF,
Feb 2018) the Province has 1 588 147 cattle including both beef and dairy (13% of national herd).
Speaking at the celebration, MEC Mohono made a plea to young people in the province to embrace and love
agriculture. “The Department will identify young people who are passionate to give these bulls to because we
need results. We need to see livestock improve in the province and open opportunities for better markets,” she
said. She further indicated that the sector had opportunities and young people needed to tap on them.
MEC Mohonosaid it was imperative for the Department to commemorate June Month in order to remember the
unwavering commitment of the 1976 Youth. “The black youth of decades ago fought against inequality.
Today’s young people face more than just inequality; they are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, selfhate and depression that do not discriminate against race, gender, sexuality or religion. Where our
predecessors once fought for the security of the future, we battle for relevance. We find ourselves caught up in
a cycle of constantly having to prove something, while trying to figure out who we really are in a fast-changing
world,” MEC Mohono said.
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 2735The Department also celebrated harvest day hosted by young farmer, Botlhale Tshabalala. The annual
Harvest day is a day meant togive thanks to God the Almighty for all the blessings at the end of cropping
season. This is also in line with thenational “FETSA-TLALA” programme.
Botlhale Tshabalala is a young farmer based in Driehoek farm in Ngaka Modiri Molema District. He has over
the years moved from strength to strength in his crop production farming. His 8-years stint in business has
grown and Tshabalala is adamant that greater things are on the way. From only planting 15 hectares in 2013,
now Tshabalala is leasing land currently harvesting on the planted 165 hectares. He is grateful for the crop
inputs he received from the department which made it possible for him to reach his targets of planting 30
hectares of white beans, 30 hectares of maize and 105 hectares of sunflower.
Tshabalala is now confident about his progress and is committed to take in young people to mentor.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: MsEmeldaSetlhako
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 STATEMENT
Att : ALL EDITORS
Media Houses

Date: Tuesday, 01 June 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 biddersare 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 using departmental letterheads, disguised as department’s representative to send out fake appointment letters to unsuspecting suppliers and service providers.

The affected bids are as follows:-
1. 13 DARD 027/2020: Supply and delivery of fencing material at different livestock centers; and
2. 13 DARD 034: Supply and Delivery of Bulldozers, Low-bed Trailer, Trucks, Mounted water-well, Drilling Ring and Refrigerated Truck for the Department.

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 Develoment will never send e-mail asking service providers to supply equipment and goods/services without an official purchase order number.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: MsEmeldaSetlhako
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

ADDRESS
BY MEC DESBO MOHONO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DURING THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATIONS
HELD AT DRIEHOEK FARM
NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
ON THE, 16th JUNE 2021
Programme Director
Office of the Premier
Head of Department
Magosi a Rona
House of Traditional Leaders
All Media Houses present
Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the government of the people, I convey the warmest greetings to all of you who have gathered here today and to the people of Driehoek Farm as a whole, on this important day in our calendar, National Youth Day. Bagaetsho re le puso re bone go le matshwanedi go keteka letsatsi la segopotso, se bashwa ba rona ba kileng ba ikitaya dihuba go ema kgatlhanong le tsamaiso ya Mmuso wa tlhaolele. Today marks exactly 45 full years since the dreadful day of ’76, we will forever be grateful to strides made by those young but brave lions. They have left us a lesson that it is possible for young people to stand up and confront the challenges facing them. We remember them because they have left a legacy of bravery and determination in the face of what appeared to be insurmountable difficulties.
We remember them because we would like the youth gathered here today, to follow their example of unwavering commitment, as they confront the modern day challenges of poverty and unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, COVID 19, illiteracy, women and child abuse and other problems that make the lives of our youth difficult. The black youth of decades ago fought against inequality. Today’s young people face more than just inequality; they are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, self-hate and depression that do not discriminate against race, gender, sexuality or religion. Where our predecessors once fought for the security of the future, we battle for relevance. We find ourselves caught up in a cycle of constantly having to prove something, while trying to figure out who we really are in a fast-changing world.
Ladies and Gentlemen the department is not only observing this moment of JUNE 16, we also having internal programmes that we are highlighting and giving prominence to. Today we also celebrate our annual Harvest day, in giving thanks to God the Almighty and to our ancestors for all the blessings. This is also in line with the “FETSA-TLALA” programme that is been spearheaded by the office of the minister.
Thirdly this year of Umama Charlotte Mannya Maxeke, under the theme of “Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society”, we are also spreading and positioning SMALL HOLDER EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME (SHEP) to the province at large. Since the launch of this programme by Minister Thoko Dididza, the province is on the drive to sensitize and get farmers used to digital marketing and position their products for the outside world.
The department further emphasizes and make a genuine plea to all our youth in the province to embrace and love Agriculture. The sector is full of opportunities and they are just waiting to be tapped upon by our youth with their energy and fresh minds. As a youth just as your predecessors did, you must mobilize in the present to defend your future. This is bigger than all of you; it is bigger than what we know today. The future is not grim; your hopes have not been taken away. As long as you fight for the good of each other, then one day you too, the youth of today, will all be free.
KE A LEBOGA.I THANK YOU.
MEC-DESBO MOHONO
NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

MEDIA ADVISORY

Date: Tuesday, 15 June 2021

MEC MOHONO TO LEAD COMMEMORATION OF PROVINCIAL HARVEST DAY AND YOUTH DAY

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, DesboMohono will host the Provincial Harvest Day as well as Youth Day commemoration on 16 June at Driehoek Village on a farm belonging to a young farmer Mr BotlhaleTshabalala. The farmer is a beneficiary in the department’s Grain Production Programme and has planted a total of 185ha (30ha Beans; 30ha White Maize and 125ha Sunflower).

The youth and harvest day event will be held under the theme: “The Year of Charlotte Maxeke: Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society”. It aims to acknowledge the strides made by youth in agriculture, farmers and farm-workers; encourage farmers through the SHEP model to “Grow to sell” and to confidently use the digital marketing platforms; restore confidence in youth to participate in the agricultural value chain production, thus creating self-employment while creating jobs for others and to capture the “FETSA-TLALA” initiative/programme. The event is also meant to mark the end of the 2021 cropping season.

Details of the event:

• Venue: Driehoek Farm (Mahikeng Local Municipality)
• Date: Wednesday, 16 June 2021
• Time: 10h00

Transport will be available on request for community media. Please RSVP to Ms Tsholofelo Dintwe at: tsholofelod@nwpg.gov.za/083 5767 655 on Monday, 14 June 2019 before 13h00.

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

MEDIA STATEMENT

Media Houses

Date: Friday,09 April 2021

NORTH WEST CONFIRMS A CASE OF AFRICAN SWINE FLU

There has been a registered outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Wilgeboom in a ZA registered compartment (ZA10/20A) in Potchefstroom. The diagnosis was confirmed from tissue samples that were collected from a post mortem that was conducted on the farm by a Private Veterinarian. Initially an action plan that was intended to separate the infected houses from the number of the non-infected houses was designed. The plan had intended to slaughter healthy pigs at an abattoir and de-bone the meat and also heat treat it before it could be used for consumption.

This process of de-boning and heat treatment would have killed the virus and also salvage much of the animals on the farm. In this plan the abattoir would have given to Veterinary authorities their protocol on how workers, cleaning and storage was going to happen because of the risk associated with the origin of the animals.

Before the weekend of the 31st March, the Veterinary authorities received information that the disease had extended into the previously non-infected houses of the farm and mortalities were happening. Veterinary authorities received laboratory results of confirmed positive cases that were tested at OVI laboratory. This necessitated a change of the whole plan that was in place. The situation at the farm slowly developed to be dire because the initial plan was also going to bring the much needed financial injection into the farm which has been under quarantine for the past month. Not being able to remove animals as they reach mature age also created challenges with space.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre was invited to participate as the situation was slowly developing to a crisis situation. There were plan that were developed to prepare for a crisis situation and much assistance was received from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.

The Department made commitment to assist with facilitating authorizations that were necessary to avoid pollution and degradation of the environment. After discussions at the PDMC it was agreed that an approved disposal site will be used for disposal of waste. This was after an advise from the Provincial Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment and appropriate approval was acquired from national Department of Forestry and Fisheries and Environment for a once permission for North West Veterinary Services to dispose the carcasses in a legal manner. The Department facilitated the required permission for the carcasses to be transported to Gauteng. South African Pig Producers Organization (SAPPO) assisted the farm during the outbreak in various ways. The Department is maintaining quarantine at the farm as a control measure. These measures will continue until the farmer decides

For more information contact Dr LangaMadyibi on 071 854 2016: Director Veterinary Services

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: EmeldaSetlhako
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

Date: Wednesday, 24 February 2021: Mahikeng : The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) is intensifying
efforts to improve the gene tic make up for cattle in the province as part of its Livestock improvement initiative.
The program aims to prioritise growth rate, fertility and milk production. This will be achieved by empowering
communal, private and land reform farmers so as to assist them to optimally produce livestock, particularly
cattle, with the required quality to be able to compete in the commercial value chain.
The Department is currently piloting the Artificial Insemination, Synchronisation in the Bojanala Platinum
District. The District has already spent a tune of R1, 2m from the Comprehensive Agricultural Support
Programme in 2018/2019 purchasing start up resources for farmers. The functionality of the project started in
July 2020/2021 through public private partnership approach.

To date about 200 breeding cows has been synchronised and inseminated, embryo flushing was done on 10
breeding stock of one of the volunteer farmers. Other beneficiaries of the program are local producers who
have after an intensive training volunte ered as the first batch of participants. So far about eleven subsistence
and smallholder producers each availing between 10 30 breeding cows have embraced the initiative with a
hope of increasing their calving percentages which will eventually increase the ir cash flow.
The priority bull breeds for insemination includes Bonsmara, Simmertaler, Brahman, Simbra, Boran and Nguni.
The pilot programme will begin its reviews through pregnancy diagnosis during March 2021 for all inseminated
animals.
As part of the commitments to beef cattle production support, MEC Desbo Mohono for NWDARD indicated that
the Department will continue to create an enabling environment for farmers to help them to improve their
production through improved animal i.e Natural breeding and Assisted Reproductive technology such as
Artificial Insemination. She emphasised that the initiative is bound to assist farmers in ways needed to make
the agricultural sector a more economical one, thus leading to a general upliftment of the farmers and the
broader communities.

MEC Mohono said that the beef cattle production is a developmental vehicle that carries great potential to
contribute to the province’s populace by enhancing food security and ultimately improving the quality of life of
communities in a sustainable manner. . “Livestock Improvement plays an important role in poverty alleviation
and the eventual improvement of livelihood,” MEC emphasised.
She further said that through this programme farmers will be able to increase their profitability since access to the competitive beef industry markets will be improved.
In its infancy stage, the pilot programme saw voluntary support of private sector partners, Zoeties as well as
Embryo Plus. With the two companies’ extensive experience in effectiv e breeding, the Department saw a
smooth running of the pilot programme. Inclusive of this support, NWDARD has established a team of role
players to ensure effective implementation of the game changing initiative and those include livestock
specialists, Sta te Veterinarian, Engineers, Farmers including those who have a wealth of experience in artificial
insemination. The team is expected to bring in their knowledge and expertise to enable farmers to exploit
opportunities within beef production value chain.

One of the beneficiaries, Bojanala District based farmer, Mr Isaiah Nke appreciated the initiative. Nke is one of
the farmers who have volunteered 20 breeding cows to be artificially inseminated. He embraced the efforts by
government and wished that more far mers can come on board. Although he has never thought of it, Nke said
Artificial Insemination was one breeding methods which was cost effective. He was looking forward to more
improved livestock. He called for the Department to invest in training farmers a bout the method. He said the
process comes with general evaluation of livestock and that would benefit farmers as some are sitting with
livestock that is no longer economically viable.
The Department plans to implement the artificial insemination programme
further in the Bojanala District in
the year 2021/2022 before rolling it across the North West province.

PHOTO CAPTIONS
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

Date: 22 September 2020
MIGDOL-MEC Desbo Mohono has been moved by local farmers’ act of kindness and generosity towards fellow farmers in the province. This comes after a Mamusa Agricultural Forum donateda goats, sheep, pigs, heifers and a bull to other emerging farmers from and around the Mamusa Local Municipality so they can grow their farming projects.
The forum is made up of emerging farmers and was established in 2017 with the aim of protecting and advancing the interests of local farmers, promoting the development of a viable farming industry in order to improve rural community’s standard of living and enhancing rural farming.
Speaking during the handing over of donations to beneficiaries last Tuesday, 22 September 2020 MEC Desbo Mohono said she was personally touched by the generosity of these farmers.
“I’m completely humbled and touched by this gesture. I therefore wish to thank the forum for the initiative that they have come up with and for sharing with others what they have so they can and empower themselves and go further. Not everybody gives out, but for the mere fact that they have extended a hand to help others it’s a good thing. We are so grateful as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and we would like to encourage other farmers to do the same. We are overwhelmed by the compassion and generosity of our farmers,” elated Mohono expressed.
To beneficiaries, MEC Mohono said they must go and multiply what they have received. “If you take care of them they will take care of you,” Mohono concluded.
The forum itself identified beneficiaries whom majority were young people from the Mamusa region who are actively involved in farming and other agricultural activities.
Speaking on behalf of the forum and donors, the Deputy Chairperson Mr Kabelo Digopo said donation of these animals is part of the forum’s vision and mission of developing others. “Our vision is to see many young people taking part in the agricultural sector and the donation of these few animals is our contribution towards that vision,” Digopo highlighted.
Ofentse Seane, a young female and aspiring farmer from Ipelegeng was one of the beneficiaries. Seane thanked the Mamusa Agricultural Forum for their kind gesture. “On behalf of all beneficiaries, I wish to convey our genuine appreciation and heart-felt thanks to the forum for everything they have done for us.
“We thank them for reaching out to us as aspiring and emerging farmers and we want to assure them that we will not disappoint them. Maybe without the help from these fellow farmers our passion for farming would have died long time ago,” young Ofentse Seane went on to say.
The generosity and acts of kindness by the farmers towards fellow farmers in the province is not a new phenomenon.
Not so long ago, the Department welcomed a donation from a group of stud breeders in the North West Province who donated ten (10) Boran bulls to emerging farmers to help them improve the quality of their herds. In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, the passion for farming also motivated six stud breeders to donate bulls to a number emerging cattle farmers. The breeders handed over five bonsmara bulls and one Bramvee to the beneficiaries.
As MEC Desbo Mohono puts it, “the spirit of working together that we are seeing amongst our farmers will help us to grow and make the agricultural sector a more economical one thus leading to a general upliftment of the farmers and the broader communities.”
###End###
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

Potchefstroom –In order to advance government efforts to reduce poverty and hunger, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) handed over 30 culled cattle to the North West Department of Social Development (NWDSD) for them to donate meat to the needy communities in the province. MEC for NWDARD, Desbo Mohono handed over the cattle to her delighted counterpart of the Department of Social Development, MEC Boitumelo Moilwa at Potchefstroom Agricultural College on Thursday, 10 September 2020.

The cattle, which formed part of the NWDARD’s livestock research and development programme and are mainly of Nguni and Afrikaner breed, will be slaughtered for final exploration before being handed over to NWDSD. The NWDSD has identified centres such as orphanages, old age homes and homes hosting people with disabilities as well as those who care for vulnerable groups as beneficiaries of this good act.

The meat will be handed over within a week, immediately after final data collection by the NWDARD in order to avoid risks associated with contamination.

MEC Mohono said the departmental food security programme is proud to have advanced efforts by now donating meat to communities. “We have undertaken some robust efforts in ensuring our people do not go to bed without food. We did this, through our food security programme. I have led a departmental team to go communities to plant vegetable gardens and fruit trees, gave chicken eggs, indigenous chickens, goats and many other inputs. This time we are delighted as the department to donate meat. It says to us we are advancing in our quest to ensure that we alleviate hunger,” MEC Mohono quipped.

She said the departmental research unit has confirmed the cattle to be fit and will also verify after slaughtering that the meat is indeed fit for consumption. The department realises its mandate of right to food and freedom charter clause which advocates for food to be plentiful for all, it also seeks to enhance nutrition and quality of its life to the most vulnerable communities; and endorse independence. As the impacts of Covid 19 take its toll on many people, MEC Mohono said it was imperative for government to strengthen its efforts to empower communities. “The demand for food has gone higher now and it is a challenge because we have seen that many people have lost jobs. Agriculture now needs to be productive by bringing new and efficient methods to ensure that people have food”, she emphasised.

Research is one critical component as it supports the department’s contribution to the development of animal agriculture. This includes the exploration of improving livestock production systems, management practices, animal health and welfare as well as food quality and safety amongst other. Research can provide dramatic demonstrations of what is achievable and thereby encourage development. The farming communities may be reluctant to make investment in the livestock when there is probability of loses through deaths or other factors. It is through research that vaccines or genetically resistant breeds can encourage farmers to invest in improved nutrition, management and other livestock interventions.

Captions:
IMG-20200913-WA0011: MEC Desbo Mohono, MEC Boitumelo Moilwa as well as Acting Head of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development during the handover ceremony of the livestock.
IMG-20200913-WA0003: 30 Cattle have been donated to the North West Department of Social Development in order to contribute to the social relief programme.
ENDS.

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 RELEASE Date: 23, August 2020

FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMME REACHES DITSOBOTLA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY RESIDENTS COLLIGNY​-​The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has managed to help number of households, projects and non-profit making organizations in Ditsobotla Local Municipality last week to establish vegetable gardens through the distribution of starter pack consisting of vegetable seedlings and advice on production practices such as planting, tending and harvesting of vegetables.
Also as part of department’s Covid-19 response, during the campaign in Bissiesvlei and Coligny the department provided personal protective equipment (PPEs) to identified families to practice safe working environment and safe production. Families also received indigenous chickens with feed and fresh eggs.
According to MEC Desbo Mohono, every household needs to have a food garden as it will contribute towards the family’s food security.
“Through our food security programme, we are able to help households to have access to affordable, nutritious and diverse food. We are shifting the focus from food relief to food security by encouraging communities and households to plant food gardens of their own.
“The main objective of this programme is to assist households to be able to produce enough food to meet basic household food security needs. Income can be earned also from these gardens through the selling of surplus produce,” MEC Mohono pointed out.
Community members and project owners were elated to receive seedlings for their gardens and other agricultural inputs they received from government.
One of them is Nombulelo Mayeki of Itekeng Balemirui Project which is based in Bissiesvlei near Delareyville. This project has four full time employees. They plant vegetables and sell to the local community.
Mayeki thanked the department for the seedlings and for the personal protective equipment (PPEs) they were provided with to keep safe during this uncertain period of Covi-19.
We Belong ​ We Care ​ We Serve

  “I am extremely happy for everything that we have received today. We promise to continue working the land and producing nutritious food for our community,” Mayeki expressed.
In Coligny, the department helped to plant different vegetables seedlings in Tlhabologang Township and at Thuto Tshwaraganelo Project. This project with a great potential to grow further has ten (10) members. It was established back in 2014 when the two retired teachers established a non-profitmaking organization to improve the livelihoods of the entire Tlhabologang and Coligny residents.
The organization plant and sell their produce locally for income and for job creation. The organization is also passionate about education, community upliftment and helping needy families in and around Coligny. On top of the vegetable seedlings the organization received, members also received PPEs as well as fresh eggs.
In just a period of two days, over forty (40) vegetable gardens were established in Bissiesvlei and Coligny. Each project will be allocated an extension officer to offer continuous extension and advisory services to ensure growth and sustainability. This is a continuing programme and the department intends reaching out to all deserving households and individuals with interest in agricultural activities.
For advisory services or assistance with food security related services, members of the public are advised to visit any Local Area Offices (Laos) .

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