emerging farmers
19 January 2007
Potchefstroom: "We are giving you a chance to achieve your dreams, so
please, do not disappoint us." Those were pleading words uttered by MEC for
Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Mandlenkosi Mayisela during the
handing over ceremony of 96 Nguni cattle to four emerging farmers. The purchase
of these Nguni cattle was as a result of the partnership between North West
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, the Industrial
Development Corporation (IDC) and North West University (Mafikeng Campus). The
handing over ceremony was held at Machavie farm outside Potchefstroom on
Friday, 19 January 2007.
The beneficiaries, who could not hide their excitement after receiving 24
cattle each (23 heifers and 1 bull) valued at R274 284, are Mrs Tryphina
Penyenye from Central District, Mr Patrick Ratlhagana from Bojanala, Mr Donald
Kala from Bophirima and Mr Oupa Mvala from Southern District.
Addressing the delegates, MEC Mandlenkosi Mayisela said the event marked yet
another milestone of service delivery, which brings hope to the farming
communities of the province. Mayisela said the programme was designed to give
emerging farmers the necessary knowledge and experience to participate as equal
partners in the mainstream of the agricultural industry.
The Nguni cattle initiative was officially launched last year in February,
with the main objective of reintroducing the Nguni breed of cattle into the
province in large numbers, focusing specifically on emerging farmers. The
project is again aimed at empowering emerging farmers with livestock farming
skills and developing their entrepreneurship abilities.
Nguni cattle have in recent years proven to be a great commercial source
with current price for a mature heifer costing R10 000, and a bull at R17
000.
"The Nguni has been chosen as it is an indigenous breed that can survive
under many divergent management systems, while maintaining a high level of
fertility. They can also fit well into the 'organic beef' position that is
currently growing," explained MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and
Environment, Mandlenkosi Mayisela.
The project started after the IDC approached the Department and the
University, proposing an annual loan of R1 million, with which livestock should
be purchased. The loan is therefore in animals and not in money.
The Department matched this by allocating an annual grant of R1 million in
order to increase the number of animals to be distributed to each beneficiary.
The idea behind this proposal was that emerging farmers from all over the
province should apply, and successful applicants would receive a certain number
of Nguni Cattle. The criteria that were used to select successful farmers were
that they be Black, South African, have a keen interest in beef cattle farming,
and most importantly, have enough fenced grazing land to keep the livestock.
The University was brought on board to provide additional technical and
scientific expertise, as well as providing training resources in order to
enable the beneficiaries to fully utilise the cattle distributed to them.
After receiving the cattle, farmers signed a contract, committing to return
11 heifers and 1 bull to the project after five years of receiving the
livestock, and keep the remaining number and any progeny resulting from
efficient management of the herd. In addition to the cattle, farmers received a
Livestock pack.
MEC Mayisela pleaded with the beneficiaries to take care of the cattle as
they demonstrate the intention to take our people to the economic level that
will guarantee measurable commercial impact.
MEC Mayisela said by signing the contract, farmers were committing to
provide appropriate care for the cattle, keep only the Nguni breed in the land,
return the prescribed number after five years, keep the cattle pure and comply
with all the other requirements of the projects. Amongst others, farmers will
be expected to attend training, make the cattle available for inspection, and
report any changes in the wellbeing of the cattle. The beneficiaries will be
supported by a project manager, and extension and veterinary personnel of the
Department.
"We are giving you a chance to achieve your dreams, so please, do not
disappoint us. Let each heifer and bull remind us of the challenges facing the
province in relation to finding solutions to poverty and establish food
security in the 'Age of Hope.' Take ownership and commitment to caring for the
cattle, and soon you will harvest the benefits of your labour," concluded MEC
Mandlenkosi Mayisela.
Enquiries
Ms Lesego Mncwango
Director : Communication
Tel: (018) 387 5346/5459
Cell: 082 220 6367
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North
West Provincial Government
19 January 2007
