For the very first time, Morokweng village outside Vryburg hosted an agricultural expo of national significance, firmly positioning the rural community as an emerging hub for agricultural development in North West.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
The MDS Agricultural Expo brought together farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, financial institutions, government departments, and development agencies in a showcase of how agriculture can drive economic growth and rural transformation.
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Village Economy in Action
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, described the Expo as a living example of a functioning village economy where production, trade, services and entrepreneurship operate side by side.
“I have seen it happening, and it is no longer just a concept. This Expo stands out as a true example of a village economy in action, where production, trade, services and participation are taking place in one space,” said Lenkopane.
The event attracted livestock farmers, youth and women-owned enterprises involved in agro-processing, textiles and pharmaceutical-related products, as well as service providers such as water drilling companies.
Financial institutions, including Absa, engaged with entrepreneurs on funding solutions and financial management, and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) shared research and technologies aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
A career exhibition also formed part of the programme, exposing learners and young people to opportunities within agriculture and related industries.
According to Lenkopane, the Expo highlighted the importance of government support in stimulating enterprise development, market access and economic participation in rural communities.
The economic impact of the event was already visible, with approximately 22 guest houses fully booked during the Expo, and additional accommodation demand spilled over into nearby towns such as Vryburg.
“This confirms that platforms like these stimulate the broader local economy – from accommodation and transport to small business activity,” she said.
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Commercialisation and Market Access
Several exhibitors reportedly sold out their products during the Expo, further demonstrating growing consumer confidence in rural enterprises.
“This confirms that the market exists. Our responsibility now is to support our people to move from subsistence to full commercialisation,” Lenkopane said.
The department also stressed the importance of climate-smart agriculture and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address changing weather patterns and improve long-term sustainability.
Biodiversity Economic Hub Planned
Lenkopane announced plans to develop the Molopo Game Reserve into a Biodiversity Economic Hub integrating agriculture, tourism and conservation.
The reserve, located within the Kalahari region, is known for plains game species including gemsbok, eland, kudu, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, zebra, springbok, duiker and steenbok.
Delegates from Botswana also attended the Expo and were recognised as important strategic partners in strengthening cross-border trade, export opportunities and programme exchange.
“What we have seen here is real economic participation. Our task now is to organise, support and scale this impact so that our people fully benefit from the economy,” Lenkopane concluded.
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Knowledge-sharing and Practical Training
The Expo featured a packed programme of masterclasses, workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions focused on modern agricultural production and agribusiness development.
Topics covered included rabbit farming, regenerative and green agriculture, traceability for profitability, livestock disease management, goat meat production, genetics, herd profitability, productivity improvement and record-keeping.
Sessions also focused on financial sustainability, with discussions on financial management, access to funding, business planning, debt management and financial discipline.
Live demonstrations showcased smart farming technologies and innovations, and networking sessions encouraged collaboration across the agricultural value chain.
ARC Shares Research and Innovation
The Agricultural Research Council played a central role through presentations and masterclasses delivered by leading researchers.
Dr Lerato Matsaunyane, research team manager of ARC-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC VIMP), presented on integrating indigenous knowledge systems with regenerative farming practices to build a sustainable agricultural future, and Prof. Azwihangwisi Maiwashe, general manager of ARC Animal Production (ARC AP), led a masterclass on the South African goat meat market and its production potential.
An exhibition showcasing various ARC technologies further strengthened the organisation’s contribution to the event.
According to Dr Matsaunyane, the programme equipped participants with practical skills, industry knowledge and tools to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability, while also encouraging collaboration and youth participation throughout the agricultural value chain.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Expo founder Moalosi Duncan Serapelwane said the initiative was designed to inspire change in the village and expose young people to the wide range of career opportunities available within agriculture.
“I don’t know of any veterinarian or someone with an agricultural-related PhD from Morokweng. Bringing all these stakeholders together, including the ARC and exhibitors involved in animal health, nutrition and agricultural services, shows young people that you do not only have to be a farmer to participate in agriculture. There are many careers that contribute to the industry,” said Serapelwane.
Stakeholders Support Rural Development
Absa enterprise development manager in North West, Ronald Nkhumise, said the bank was proud to support the Expo because it aligned with its vision for rural enterprise development.
Land Bank North West head Douglas Mosese said the institution supported the initiative because it represented meaningful rural development in action.
“This is one of the initiatives that contributes to rural development, which forms a major part of our mandate. Rural areas are central to South Africa’s food production, and it therefore makes sense to invest in these areas to further stimulate growth and development,” said Mosese.
He added that Morokweng, which forms part of the greater Kagisano-Molopo area, has a significant percentage of the province’s livestock population.
“That is why the area is often referred to as the Texas of South Africa. Initiatives like these bring together like-minded people to share knowledge and ideas that will take the livestock industry forward,” he said.
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