Speaking at Food For Mzansi’s North West Farmers Day in Brits, which drew over 500 people, tribal leader Kgosi Tshetlho Mmamogale of the Bakwena-ba-Mogopa community highlighted the vital role of agriculture in rural areas.
He encouraged community members to return to traditional farming practices, reminding them that farming once served as the main source of employment.
Mmamogale added that while land is available across the villages, it will take committed and determined individuals to make the most of it – creating opportunities and jobs, especially for the youth.
Accountability in land use
“There is land; we just need people who are ready to work the land and utilise it. However, we feel sad that people come to us asking for land, we give it to them, and a few years down the line they give it to other farmers without informing us. It cannot go on like that,” he said.
Mmamogale said that with the Brits and surrounding areas being rich in sunflower, maize, and citrus, it was high time all stakeholders joined hands to improve life for the community.
He also spoke out against corruption, which has led to the collapse of various farming cooperatives.“While we are here to celebrate and learn about agriculture, it is sad that many cooperatives worth millions have collapsed because of greed and people stealing from the very same cooperative that is meant to feed them and the community.
“We urge those who truly want to farm to come to us. However, there will be strict measures. We cannot give you land today, and tomorrow you sell it to someone. That is not your land to sell,” he said.
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Meanwhile, host farmer Ipeleng Kwadi-Seboni, who is also a 2024 Mzansi Changemakers Award winner, told attendees that it was possible to farm; what was important was collaboration and a willingness to learn.
“It is possible. We have managed to bring as many stakeholders as possible. Engage with all these stakeholders here, take numbers, and ask questions. It is up to us to make Brits thrive again. We have the land, good soil, and resources – let us get down and work,” she said.
Grab opportunities
Dimpho Xaba, agronomist, farmer, and lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, also called on members of the community to start farming, saying it was a vital tool for creating jobs and fighting poverty.
“Government is on a mission to open up more markets, so it’s important that we see black farmers taking up space in the sector. For those already farming, we want to see you scaling up.
“We are here to encourage you – farming is possible. This is a great opportunity to network and gather as much information as possible. We have food markets and educational institutions for those wanting to enter the agricultural space, so use this platform as much as you can,” he said.
Healthy livestock key to market success
Khomotso Mashiloane, livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), spoke to attendees about the importance of maintaining healthy livestock, which could help maximise their profits.
“Currently in the market, there is a buzzword called traceability, and we are here to let you know how to be part of it. Firstly, we need to understand the inclusive growth pillar, which simply means how farmers can grow and enter the commercial market.
“Part of entering the market is understanding the market barriers and requirements, especially for those interested in selling their livestock at auctions. So, it is critically important to understand what the market wants, and whether the livestock is free from parasites and diseases, with biosecurity measures in place for illnesses like foot-and-mouth disease,” he said.
Mashiloane urged farmers to take farming seriously and to keep records of their operations, as this would be essential when selling to the formal market.
The Food For Mzansi farmers’ day also included exhibitions by, amongst other enterprises, Land Bank, Sanlam, Agri Skills Transfer, the department of agriculture, rural revelopment and land Reform, and Landini Brits.
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