Five female subsistence farmers in the five towns of the Bojanala District received support from the North-West department of agriculture and rural development in the form of 50 goats and five rams, as well as livestock medication.
According to the department, this is part of the provincial government’s accelerated service delivery programme, Thuntsa Lerole, where departments are encouraged to travel and conduct service delivery inspections. The recent drive was conducted in Borolelo township, in Swartruggens, and help was provided through the department’s food security programme.
A much-needed boost
One of the five recipients, Kedibone Seikanelo, was urged by MEC Desbo Mohono during the handover to mass produce her goats to transform her subsistence farming project into a successful business that will help reduce unemployment and poverty in Borolelo.
The 54-year-old woman admired the government’s commitment to helping different types of farmers as farming was, in most cases, the only source of income for women and youth.
“Our government is restoring our trust by fulfilling its promises. This marks the beginning of my goat farming journey and becoming an example to other women that we are equally capable like men, to start and grow sustainable businesses in agriculture.
“I now must ensure that I multiply these goats so that other women can learn from me that when you have a passion for farming, it becomes easier to nurture your business,” said Seikanelo.
Additionally, agricultural produce and vegetable seedlings for backyard gardens were provided to two institutions, 15 families (which are female-headed households), and 15 other impoverished families.
From left to right: Head of department Thupi Mokhatla, MEC Desbo Mohono, with beneficiary Sophia Mothibedi as one of the 15 recipients of agricultural produce and seedlings for their vegetable gardens. Photo: Supplied/NW DARD
Receiving assistance
Joined by the head of the department Thupi Mokhatla, Mohono presented Sophia Mothibedi, a retiree and subsistence farmer in Borolelo, with agricultural products and seedlings that she intends to plant in her vegetable garden.
“This initiative truly reflects how our government cares for its people. My vegetable garden is a means for me to supplement monthly groceries which my old age grant cannot cover.
“This will go a long way especially when it comes to fresh produce because I cannot buy it in bulk. The seedlings planted will definitely add to the variety of vegetables that I have and will assist to feed my family nutritious food,” said Mothibedi.
Mohono stated during her 2023–2024 budget vote that the department would continue to focus on vulnerable households and follow a ward-based strategy.
According to the department, the aim was to target 3 040 households and subsistence farmers by the end of the fiscal year. In addition, the department has created an integrated food security provincial implementation plan which seeks to combat hunger and poverty.
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