28 May 2007
Mafikeng: "The future is bright; delivery is certain." This hopeful
statement was made by MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and Environment in the
North West, Mandlenkosi Mayisela during his 2007/08 Budget Vote presentations
at the North West Legislature. MEC Mayisela whose presentation focused largely
on the spirit of working together, said the departmental employees and
stakeholders' dedication in improving the department's public image is now
evident.
MEC Mayisela told the legislature that his department managed to spend a
remarkable 97,2% of the budget allocated in the previous financial year,
thereby enabling North West farming community to better their lives. Testament
to this factual spending is the completion of a number of agricultural flagship
projects that include the Bedwang Auction sales pan in the Moretele area valued
at R1,2 million, the mechanisation support programme, the bulk fencing
programme, the Western Frontier Beef Beneficiation Project, the Nguni Cattle
Development Project and the Taung Irrigation Scheme.
MEC Mayisela also told the Legislature that about 103 emerging farmers were
subsidised as part of the department's livestock improvement programme. "We
intend to increase the number of beneficiaries to 150 in the production of
breeds such as Brahman, Bonsmara, Simentaler and Afrikaner cattle," announced
Mayisela.
Regarding the planned transformation of the hunting industry in the
province, MEC Mayisela informed the house that the department is ready to
launch the first public private partnership (PPP) project in game farming that
will involve the great participation of traditional leaders. "The traditional
leaders' participation in this regard will ensure adequate access to communal
ground as this is a land hungry and capital intensive industry," said
Mayisela.
MEC Mayisela said his department will this financial year prioritise
decisive projects like the Merafong area relief plan, the launch of
Wolmaranstad Goat Project, finalise the Provincial and Disaster Management
Policy and Plan, establishment of Wildlife and Environmental Fora, finalise the
Biodiversity and Conservation Bill as well as the implementation of the
Environmental Regulatory Framework.
"We are now well on our way towards achieving excellence in service
delivery," MEC Mayisela told the legislature. The Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Environment was granted a total amount of R505 998 000, to
ensure constant service delivery to the North West farming community.
Enquiries:
Ms Lesego Mncwango
Tel: 018 389 5768
Cell: 078 459 5981
E-mail: Lmncwango@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North
West Provincial Government
28 May 2007
