The North West department of agriculture and rural development (DARD) entered a historic agreement with the North West University (NWU) that could fast-track agricultural research development, agricultural development and indigenous knowledge systems, and poverty alleviation projects. This is all in aid of improving the lives of those living in farming communities.
The formal agreement is set to promote cooperation between the two institutions.
Speaking during the formal signing ceremony, head of the agriculture and rural development, Thupi Mokhatla, described the link with the NWU as a great opportunity for the department to work with a world-class university with a strong research tradition.
“This memorandum of understanding (MOU) provides the platform for enhanced collaboration between the department and the university which seeks to explore cooperation on academic programmes.”
According to Mokhatla, the agreement will bring mutual benefits to both organisations, improving research and capability by sharing knowledge and skills.
These include the development of joint research activities; training and development, student exchange and/or visiting programmes; exchange of information, including the results of teaching and research collaboration; and any other activities.
Farming communities to benefit
Mokhatla further said that signing an official partnership agreement with the university will see the two organisations working together closely on a range of services to better the lives of the farming communities of the province.
Vice-chancellor and principal of the NWU, Professor Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, said he is positive that the relationship between the two parties will bring about positive and needed results. “The university is looking forward to the fruitful results this relationship promises to accrue,” he said.
Cooperation under the MOU is expected to be on a project-by-project basis and for a period of five years.
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