MEC for North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene, says in order for his department to respond adequately to the mandate of ensuring food security and animal health care, Agricultural Extension and Veterinary Services must be bolstered.
Tshwene said this during his meeting with the Extension and Veterinary personnel, during which issues of effective service delivery were discussed.
“We have collectively set goals to achieve, and the attainment of those goals is in your capable hands. We expect you as key drivers of our programmes, to do everything to the best of your knowledge and ability," maintained MEC Tshwene, who also encouraged these officers to hoist high the flag of their professions.
He encouraged them to evaluate the challenges that confront them during the execution of their work, and report those challenges with the view to finding lasting solutions. He also urged them to communicate accurate and valuable information to farmers regarding what they can deliver and what is beyond their scope of work, since this will secure trust and reliance.
MEC Tshwene further said his department is encouraged by the performance of the majority of Extension Officers who are currently registered with institutions of higher learning, saying their academic performance is highly satisfactory. Skills development is part of the Extension Recovery Plan which seeks to rekindle the Agricultural Extension profession.
During her recently tabled Budget Vote Speech, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joematt Petersson, said a comprehensive audit of the Extension Recovery Plan will be conducted to establish the extent to which the targets were met and the outcomes achieved.
In line with this pronouncement, MEC Tshwene urged Extension Officers to effectively utilise the Farmers’ Green Book as a tool to determine the extent of our reach to farmers.
Furthermore, Tshwene urged Veterinary Technicians to ensure that the objectives of the recently launched Primary Animal Health Care programme are achieved, and encouraged them to strive to save as many livestock as they can.
In response to the MEC’s address, officials committed themselves to ensuring effective service delivery and commended the MEC for making himself available to officials. They requested him to also make available resources required, to enable them to carry out the mandate as expected.
Enquiries:
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
Email: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Source: North West Agriculture and Rural Development
MEC Boitumelo Tshwene encourages the department’s Extension Officers and Veterinary Technicians to provide best service
Province
