The North West Province’s farming communities who meet the requirements for participation in the NW/IDC Nguni Cattle Development project are once again invited to apply for participation in this project. The closing date for submission of applications is 30 June 2013.
This project is a tripartite partnership between the department, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the North West University (Mafikeng Campus), founded in 2006.
Among the criteria set for inclusion in the project is that at least 350 hectares of fenced grazing land should be available to accommodate livestock numbers, and that applicants must be in possession of certified proof indicating land or farm ownership.
Applicants are expected to participate in a selection process that will include short listing of potential beneficiaries, physical interviews and an on-site visit by the project’s Technical Committee, for verification of information provided on the applications.
Each successful applicant will receive 24 Nguni cattle, (23 heifers and one bull), for which a commitment must be made contractually, to adhere to the project conditions for a period of five years.
Beneficiaries will at the end of the five-year term, return back to the project the eleven heifers and one bull loaned by the IDC, and keep the remaining numbers provided as a grant by the Department, including any progeny resulting from good management of the herd. To date the project has distributed 1272 Nguni cows to subsistence farmers in the Province, out of which, 144 have been returned back to the project for further distribution to new beneficiaries.
In encouraging interested farmers to apply, the North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Ms Desbo Mohono, urged them to take advantage of the development platform created by the department and its partners, by ensuring that they do not miss this opportunity.
Public servants and their immediate families as well as communities currently benefitting from any beef project originating from the participating institutions are prohibited from taking part in the project.
The project seeks to empower subsistence farmers with livestock farming skills and to further develop their entrepreneurial aptitude. Unlike other cows, this indigenous breed is known for its very low maintenance, reputed to have high fertility rate and is able to withstand harsh conditions and livestock diseases.
Application forms are obtainable from all Departmental District Offices and Local Development Centres, through the Agricultural Extension officers.
Contact Person:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Cell: 082 901 2435 or 018 389 5719
Email: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
