The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, today officially handed over the Cassper Agri-Life Vegetable Packhouse in Mogogelo Village, Moretele Local Municipality. The handover marks the third agricultural packhouse launched by the Department as part of its efforts to strengthen agricultural production, agro-processing and market access across the province.
The launch follows the recent opening of the MOR Farming Packhouse in Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality and the Jantjies Boerdery Lucerne Packhouse in Greater Taung Local Municipality. These projects form part of the Department’s investment in agricultural infrastructure to support farmers, improve their access to markets and create opportunities for rural economic development.
Smallholder and emerging farmers often face challenges due to limited facilities for handling, processing, storing and marketing their produce. These challenges can lead to post-harvest losses, poor product quality and difficulties in accessing formal markets. Through these investments, the Department aims to address these challenges and help farmers get better value from their produce.
The Cassper Agri-Life project is expected to increase vegetable production, improve market access for local farmers, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth in the Moretele area.
As part of its support, the Department funded and established a fully equipped packhouse, production tunnels, a borehole, a backup generator and mobile cold room facilities. The infrastructure will help improve production capacity, maintain the quality of produce and enable farmers to reach wider markets.
Speaking at the handover, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Suzan Nthangeni, described Moretele as a place with strong agricultural potential and encouraged community members to use the opportunities available to them. “Moretele is a home of agriculture, and we must stand up and use that strength. Our community members should make full use of the Municipality and the DARD offices to access information that can uplift them. Farming is the future, and it will bring us joy to see more young people from Moretele and Bojanala succeed in the agricultural sector,” said Nthangeni.
The vegetable packhouses provide services such as grading, sorting, washing, packaging and storage, helping farmers prepare their produce for the market. The lucerne packhouse, meanwhile, supports fodder producers with baling, packaging and storage facilities.
Beneficiary Thapelo Madumo expressed his gratitude to the Department and its partners for the support he has received, including the packhouse facilities and agricultural extension services.
“I am truly grateful for the packhouse and the extension services that I have been receiving. These resources have strengthened my farming journey and given me confidence to grow and improve. The guidance and support from the Department have shown me that farming is not just about producing food; it is about building a future and creating opportunities,” said Madumo.
He also encouraged young and aspiring farmers to take responsibility for their farming ventures and remain committed to their goals. “My advice is simple. You need to start and put in the work before you can ask for help from the Department. Farming requires commitment and discipline. You need to change your attitude as farmers, embrace hard work, and show dedication. Once you take that step, support will follow and you will see the difference it makes,” he said.
Addressing the community, MEC Sambatha said the facility forms part of the government’s broader efforts to build a resilient and competitive agricultural sector. “The Department remains committed to creating an enabling environment for farmers to thrive. Through strategic investments in agricultural infrastructure, we are improving market access, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that farmers can participate meaningfully in the agricultural value chain while contributing to food security and rural economic development,” said Sambatha.
The Department expects these facilities to strengthen agricultural value chains, improve the sustainability of farming enterprises and help more emerging farmers access formal markets. By investing in the infrastructure farmers need, the Department aims to support viable farming businesses, create employment and contribute to food security and economic growth across the North West province.
Enquiries:
Ms Emelda Setlhakoa
Tel: 018 384 3117
Cell: 060 745 4020
E-mail: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
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