The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West province invites farmers who have interest in livestock breeding and meet the requirements for participation in the NW/IDC Nguni Cattle Development project, to apply for participation in this project. Application forms are obtainable from all Departmental District Offices and Local Development Centres. The closing date for submission of applications is 30 June 2014.
Among the criteria set for inclusion in the project is that at least 350 hectares of fenced grazing land, with water, should be available to accommodate livestock numbers, and that applicants must be in possession of certified proof indicating land or farm ownership.
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.
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.
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.
A total of 1 632 heifers, 65 bulls and 675 calves have been distributed to small scale farmers since the delivery of the first batch in 2007, out of which 216 have been returned back to the project and re-distributed to new beneficiaries.
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 North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Ms Desbo Mohono calls on farmers who meet the criterion for participation to apply, saying the Department has spent R16.217 million on this successful project, since its inception.
The Nguni breed is known for its sociable and gentle temperament, and is famous for its colourful and varied hides. It is respected for its hardiness and for its genetic adaptation to harsh and extreme climatic conditions. 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.
The project is a tripartite partnership between the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the North West University (Mahikeng campus), which aims to re-introduce the indigenous Nguni cattle to the mainstream of the livestock industry, to empower subsistence farmers with livestock farming skills and to further develop their entrepreneurial aptitude.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
