7 December 2007
Bloemfontein: The Department of Agriculture, led by Minister Lulu Xingwana,
met with Minister Lesole Mokoma of the Lesotho Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Security to review progress made on agreements that were concluded earlier on a
number of agriculture related issues with the intention of further
strengthening co-operation as well as development and growth of the sector.
The meeting focused on progress on the implementation of the following areas
of co-operation: animal production and animal health, plant production,
harmonisation of legislation and disease control measures; animal
identification legislation; joint information and awareness programmes as well
as mechanisation. The parties acknowledged the role played by the South African
National Wool Growers Association in skills development for sheep shearing for
Basotho and the potential positive impact on the economy of Lesotho and Delmar
and Alpha Estates in crop production.
The collaboration for the harmonisation of disease control kicked off with
the synchronisation of vaccination campaigns for sheep scab and rabies. In
addition, animal disease education and awareness campaign were carried out
simultaneously in both countries. Senior officials presented the progress
report to Ministers who then updated the stakeholders on the implementation of
the memorandum of understanding between the two countries. To further
strengthen animal disease control, the Honourable Minister Lulu Xingwana,
Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs in South Africa handed over 30 000
doses of rabies vaccine to Lesotho.
"It is indeed a fair request to us to assist in leading the process to
unlock the agriculture potential between the two countries. In our midst today
we have agribusinesses that are interested to assist in taking the process
forward," Minister Xingwana said.
For further information contact:
Priscilla Tsotso Sehoole
Chief of Communications
Department of Agriculture
Tel: 012 319 7317
Cell: 083 265 8728
Fax: 012 319 7858
E-mail: CDCoC@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
7 December 2007
