H Yawa at graduation ceremony for Modimola Learnership
Contractors

26 August 2006

North West MEC for Public Works, Honourable Howard Yawa says that the age of
hope has through the Expanded Public Works Programme opened opportunities for
women and the formerly marginalised to venture into agriculture. He was
speaking at the graduation ceremony for Modimola Learnership Contractors held
recently in Mafikeng.

Thirty learner farmers received National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
Level 2 National Certificates, in Mixed Farming from the Chief Executive
Officer for Taletso College, Ms Geldenbloem. They qualified after nine months
theoretical training in Mix Farming, Plant Production and Maintenance, Pest
control, Applied business in Agriculture, Mathematics and Communication.

Speaking on behalf of the twenty-two women farmers and eight male graduate
farmers, the forty-five year old Ms Gladys Dijwe, who also received a
certificate of conduct for the most dedicated and committed learner said, “My
involvement in this project has brought much relieve to my family of eleven as
I became the only employed person in my household. The project has given me
skill and an employment opportunity. In the past I could not afford a slice of
bread for my nine children”.

In his address, MEC Yawa said that before the launch of the R25 million
Modimola Integrated EPWP on 16 September 2004, many unemployed rural villagers
in the impoverished village went to bed with hunger pangs.

“To them the next day had only one purpose, to find food, to survive and to
have some energy,” said MEC Yawa.

MEC Yawa emphasised that the programme is one of the many government
initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between the first and second economy. The
core objectives of the programme are job creation, skill development and
improved social services.

Government has assisted the thirty farmers to establish a co-operative as a
farming enterprise. R2 million has been spent in the development of the farming
infrastructure.

The chicken layer unit produces an average of a thousand eggs per day which
are sold to the local villagers at a reasonable R6 per dozen. Due to the
success of this element of the project, a second chicken layer unit is to be
set up.

Planting for crop production has also progressed well on the 15 hectares
farm allocated by the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi. 900 000 beetroots, 140 000
cabbages and 30 000 spinach has been planted. Harvesting of spinach has started
and it is expected that the first cabbage will be harvested early in
September.

Delivering a quality product to the market is the objective of the farming
enterprise.

Enquires:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Departmental spokesperson)
Tel: (018) 387 2447
Fax: (018 387 2868
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Public Works, North West Provincial
Government
26 August 2006