26 February 2006
Winterveldt in the North West is fast becoming a viable market for citrus
producers. It is set to become one of the best citrus-producing communities in
the province with the launch of the Winterveldt Citrus Project at the
weekend.
MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and Environment Mandlenkosi Mayisela said
government endeavoured to develop the area for agriculture, being very mindful
of the particular âhistory of Winderveldtâ Mayisela also paid tribute to
Winterveldt resident and distinguished business personality Dr Sam
Motswenyane.
Winterveldt is an area initially demarcated as an agricultural settlement,
and has been one of the poorest areas within the municipal boundaries and is
characterised by high levels of unemployment.
It is a land full of agricultural history. There are 1658 plots of 5 to 10
morgen each that were sold to black farmers on freehold basis in the 1940âs.
Due to poverty prevalent in the area as well as lack of resources, most of
these plots had been abandoned or hugely under-utilised.
On finding that Winterveldt is well positioned to grow citrus trees,
government, the private sector, some plot owners including Dr Motswenyane felt
it imperative for these stakeholders to embark on a broader long-term plan for
agricultural development in the area.
âAs some of you will recall, the project has come a long way since the first
citrus tree planting on 24 July 2002 at Plot 758, the home of Mr JM Matlou,
Chairman of the Winterveldt United Farmers Association,â said Mayisela.
Since then, more than 10 600 trees have been planted while an additional 600
trees were purchased from the Winterveldt Nursery. The direct beneficiaries of
this project will now include plot owners who are presently under-utilising
their plots for agricultural purposes; the broader community of Winterveldt who
will derive employment opportunities as well as the business community for
entrepreneurial opportunities.
Stakeholders will undertake to facilitate the greater involvement of the
National Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs in providing requisite
agricultural skills to landowners.
âWhat must follow is a process of continuous training and capacity building
over an extended period of time. Through consultation with the national
Department of Agriculture, government and stakeholders undertake to facilitate
that process, said Mayisela.
âI am certain that as the citrus project continues to grow, more and more
people will enter its envelope of beneficiaries. We have no doubt in our minds
that such growth and expansion of the project shall place us well within reach
of the economic growth target of 6% or more,â he continued.
He added that in estimation, the success of the citrus project will mean
more than 100 farmers and their families stand to benefit immensely, as will
the community of Winterveldt in general.
According to Mayisela all stakeholders agreed that the real success of the
project will depend largely on the degree of ownership enjoyed by the
beneficiaries.
âThis can only be established through active participation and having
sufficient knowledge and understanding of the project, its environment and
operating implications,â he said, calling on all stakeholders to assume active
participation in the project.
He intimated that other potential entrepreneurial and agricultural ventures
that must ensue from this project will include the business of supplying to the
local market, exporting and processing.
Contact: Cornelius Monama
North West Government Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Enquiries: Daisy Tsengiwe
Media Officer
Tel: (018) 387 3156
Cell: 082 888 2384
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
26 February 2006
