Ms Nkaneng Diutlwileng (34) from Ventersdorp and Mr Onkutlwile Kupi (34) from Ganyesa are among a group of small-holder farmers who will receive Nguni cattle from tomorrow, Friday, 15 November 2013. The two applied and met the requirements for participation in the North West/Industrial Development Corporation (NW/IDC) Nguni Cattle Development Project, and will each receive 23 Nguni heifers and a bull.
For this financial year, eight (8) applications were approved for participation in this project, and from a total of 192 Nguni cows to be distributed, each will receive 24. This brings the total number of Nguni cows distributed to 1 464, since the delivery of the first batch in 2007.
The project is a tripartite partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the North West University (Mafikeng Campus) which seeks to reintroduce the indigenous Nguni cattle to the mainstream of the livestock industry and to advance black farmers to the status of commercial farming.
The beneficiaries are, as part of the project’s terms and conditions, expected to build stock over a period of five years, preserve its blood-line, and grow to becoming commercial Nguni cattle farmers. They will, at the end of the five-year term, return back to the project eleven heifers and one bull loaned by the IDC, and keep the remaining numbers provided as a grant by the Department, including any progeny resulting from efficient management of the herd.
From the 24 cows to be distributed to each new beneficiary, 12 are loaned by the IDC, and are those recently returned back to the project by beneficiaries who completed their five year contract.
Other new beneficiaries are Ms Baepedi Monchusi from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ms Tina Tseladimitloa from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Mr Reginald Mvulane, Mr Boysana Modibana and Mr Pule Bopape from Bojanala Platinum, and Mr Mohau Sefako from Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West Province, Ms Desbo Mohono congratulated all new beneficiaries, saying they must strive for excellence in managing these cattle. MEC Mohono says she is above all, impressed by the interest shown by young people in getting involved in agricultural production activities, and highly praised Ms Diutlwileng and Mr Kupi for their achievement.
The most significant condition for qualification in this project is sufficient land to accommodate the livestock numbers at recommended stocking rates, and making provision for expansion of the herd. Beneficiaries are expected to comply with the project requirements which include amongst others, attending training, making the cattle available for inspection, and reporting any changes regarding the well-being of the cattle.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana (Mrs)
Communication Services Directorate
Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development
Tel: 018 389 5719 / 5684
Cell: 082 901 2435
Fax: 018 384 4571
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
