The success of the Nguni cattle development project which was piloted in the province over the past five-years is profound and measurable. This was confirmed recently by the MEC for department of Agriculture and Rural Development Ms Desbo Mohono at the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture, during the ceremony that was aimed at celebrating the achievement of farmers participating in this project.
The seven project beneficiaries were each given 24 Nguni cattle (23 heifers and a bull) in 2007 and as part of the project conditions, they were expected to return 12 loaned cattle (11 heifers and a bull) back to the project after five years, and keep the remaining number and progeny.
Eighty four Nguni cattle were officially returned back to the project during the ceremony, and were immediately passed on to new beneficiaries.
Addressing farmers who attended the ceremony, MEC Mohono pronounced that the preliminary project impact assessment conducted by the North West University provides no reason to doubt the value and management of this project.
Mohono committed her department to ensuring that reasonable efforts are made to address issues around lack of these farmers’ recognition by the Nguni breeders association, limited access to markets and the questionable prices of this breed at our local auctions.
“Our plan is to also broaden access to markets by linking this project with our Western Frontier Beef Beneficiation Programme, which will this year be transformed into a proper livestock development programme which will focus on improving the quality of breeds in communal areas and animal nutrition”, pronounced Mohono.
Appreciating the commitment shown by beneficiaries over the past five years of their participation in this project, Mr Tommy Mohajane of the Industrial Development Corporation who are partners in this project, urged farmers to keep their remaining breeds pure, saying “deviating from the developmental objectives of this project will only take you back”.
Prof Dan Kgwadi of the North West University committed the institution to ensuring that the much needed scientific advice that will lead to the efficient management of the herd throughout the province, is forever available.
Ms Rebecca Mokgethi from Bojanala district who became a beneficiary in 2007 thanked the department and its partners for making a difference in their lives, saying after returning the loaned cattle, she is left with 55 cows which are now hers.
Since the introduction of this initiative five years ago, a total of 1 023 cattle has been distributed to 43 sites across the province. From the total of 144 project beneficiaries,
56 are women, 25 are youth, 16 groups/co-operatives and 27 are individuals.
A total budget of R11 million has been spent in this project since 2007, and the department of Agriculture and Rural Development has already set aside R2.5 million for the project this financial year.
Beneficiaries who received the cattle in November 2007 are set to return their loaned cattle in November this year.
Contact person:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za /mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
Nguni Cattle Development Project – a resounding success for the North West province.
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