In a move that seeks to boost the North West province’s agriculture and economic sector, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and the North West Development Partners, held talks with a delegation from Serbia about possible cooperation on development of trade and business relations.
The eight member delegation from a cluster of agricultural companies called BIPOM in Serbia, met with the North West province delegation led by MEC Mr Boitumelo Tshwene this week (from Monday till Wednesday), in an attempt to explore feasible co-operation with the province, particularly in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District’s Mahikeng Local Municipality.
Led by Mr Milivoj Stojanovic, the Serbians indicated their intent to establish the Agro-Industrial Incubator in the North West province, with the view to support sustainable development of rural villages.
Outlining the content of the Agro-Industrial Incubator proposed, the MEC Boitumelo Tshwene said the Serbians’ areas of possible cooperation with the province are largely on vegetable production, dairy farming, agricultural machinery as well as theoretical and practical training of local experts, farmers and farm-workers.
"We are prepared to share experiences with Serbia in the field of agriculture, and of significance to our interest, is the proposal to establish an agricultural equipment mini-plant, where raw agricultural materials will be processed, sold and serviced to support the development of local farmers”, expressed Tshwene who reiterated the potential this initiative holds in so far as job creation is concerned.
Furthermore, Tshwene said the models proposed by the Serbians are relevant and important since they offer achievable answers to some of South Africa’s top priorities, namely, job creation and rural development.
Welcoming this move with interest, the Executive Mayor for Mahikeng Local Municipality, Councillor (Cllr) Lenah Miga zealously pronounced the municipality’s support of this initiative.
“Our view as the municipality is that any project that seeks to address the needs of our community must be supported in every respect. It is in light of this principle that we commit ourselves to ensuring that land suitable for this envisaged agricultural equipment mini-plant is availed”, said Cllr Miga.
The Serbians’ visit was as a result of a fact finding mission initiated last year in July by the North West Development Partners, headed by Mr Martin Sebakwane, during which possible goals of development and cooperation were highlighted.
The meetings held this week were attended by the provincial agricultural stakeholders.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Source: North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
North West Agriculture MEC Boitumelo Tshwene discusses possible cooperation with Serbians
Province
