By Maile Matsimela

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, accompanied by Thupi Mokhatla, the Head of Department (HoD), and Matshediso Mangwathe, the Bojanala District MMC for Agriculture and Local Economic Development (LED), conducted oversight visits to local agricultural projects in the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality.

A highlight of the visit was the inspection of infrastructure and equipment handed over to Kenneth Masilo, a lucerne and livestock farmer based in Swartruggens. Masilo received comprehensive support, including a tractor, mould board plough, centre pivot irrigation system, a newly constructed reservoir, a cold room, and the re-equipping of existing boreholes on his 500-hectare farm. Originally a vegetable farmer, Masilo now also farms cattle, goats, sheep and wildlife.

He expressed deep appreciation for the Department’s intervention, noting that the support has enabled him to access new markets, maintain profitability and ensure a consistent feed supply for his livestock.

“This support has turned my farm into a sustainable business. I can now meet market demands and secure better productivity,” said Masilo.

As part of the Food Security Programme, MEC Sambatha also visited the Reagile Township in Koster, where Kefilwe Maimane received 120 Amberlink point-of-lay chickens, a three-tier layer cage and 50 bags (50kg each) of layer mash feed. The initiative aims to enhance household food production and encourage women-led families to grow their own food, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious meals while generating income.

In another empowerment effort, Thabiso Lekgetho, a military veteran, received 10 Boer goats and one breeding buck to boost his small-stock farming enterprise.

The Onalerona Health Care Centre was also supported with a shade net to strengthen their community health and gardening projects.

These interventions reaffirm the Department’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and the economic empowerment of rural communities.

“These interventions are part of our broader mission to build resilient local economies and ensure food security through targeted agricultural investments,” said MEC Sambatha.

The department says it continues to drive inclusive agricultural transformation across the province by equipping local farmers and cooperatives with the infrastructure, tools and resources they need to succeed.