The launch of the Recapitalisation and Development Programme in Rustenburg

The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform cordially invites members of the media to the launch of Recapitalisation and Development Programme on 24 February 2012 at the Khuphuka Farm-Booms in Rustenburg.

The aim of this event is to unveil a major strategy held by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform on recapitalising poor and previously disadvantaged and under-producing farms, which were secured for emerging farmers through the LRAD and SPLAS strategies, respectively.

This initiative by Minister for Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti is meant to increase agricultural production, guarantee food security, job creation and graduate small scale farmers to commercial farmers in the agricultural sector. The department has committed itself to recapitalise more than one thousand deserted and unproductive farms. The model is designed in such a way that a farm will be funded under close supervision of the department in order to ensure sustainability going forward.

To ensure the success of this project, the department has thus selected strategic partners who are currently farmers themselves, cooperatives who were previously assisting white farmers or commodity organisations whose who have vested interest on the projects because the sustainability of their businesses depend on agricultural produce. These strategic partners come with their own resources and guarantee uptake along the value chain or buying of products from the farmers.

The North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene will be amongst the dignitaries to attend the event.

The following are details of the Launch:
Date: 24 February 2012
Venue: Khuphuka Farm- Booms, Rustenburg
Time: 10h00

Transport from Pretoria (Brits, Letlhabile and Rustenburg) to the event will be provided, therefore Journalists should RSVP before: 23 February 2012, 12h00, to make necessary arrangements.

RSVP:
Poppy Mongae
Tel: 018 397 3725
Cell: 079 529 4061

Tshepo Diale
Tel: 012 312 8532
Cell: 071 850 1751