The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is set to establish a National Milling Academy at the Potchefstroom Agricultural College, a move expected to strengthen skills development in grain milling and agro-processing while supporting job creation and food security.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
The announcement was made by MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha during his recent budget vote speech in Mahikeng. The academy will be developed in partnership with the National Chamber of Milling and its industry training partner, the South African Grain Milling Academy (SAGMA).
According to Sambatha, the academy will combine industry-aligned theoretical training with practical workplace experience to prepare future millers, lecturers, students and industry professionals.
“The academy will contribute to youth development, artisan training and recognition of prior learning while strengthening South Africa’s agricultural value chain,” he said.
Beyond skills development, the facility is expected to promote agro-processing, improve industry competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth and employment creation.
Also read: North West sets sights on 1 500 agricultural jobs and skills development
Agri-hub support expands
Sambatha also outlined several collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s agricultural sector through its Agri-hub programme.
During the previous financial year, the Agri-hub supported the goat, beef and crop value chains.
As part of efforts to grow the goat industry, the department hosted a goat development and beneficiation information day at Koedoesberg Farm, attended by 170 aspiring goat farmers. Six emerging goat farmers also received support through the programme and collectively own 150 commercial goats.
In the current financial year, the department will invest R1 million to procure breeding stock for a coordinated goat breeding programme based in Molelwane.
The crop programme continues to benefit from collaboration with North-West University, where crop trials are being conducted at the university’s Potchefstroom farm to generate research that can assist producers. Makouspan Village has also been designated as an agricultural pilot site, where soil testing, community engagement and fencing infrastructure have already been completed.
To strengthen farmer support, the department plans to sign collaboration agreements with organisations including the Land Bank, National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), Grain SA, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), MDA and SERNIC.
The Agri-hub will focus on developing emerging commercial producers and stud breeders, with 50 producers expected to receive mentorship, training, technology support, market access and assisted reproductive technology services during the current financial year.
Farmers will also benefit from mobile soil laboratories, plant clinics and assisted reproduction technology units.
Also read: North West sets aside R424 million for farmer support and agro-processing
Commercialisation and new enterprises
The department intends to commercialise 50 farmers over the next three years in partnership with the Land Bank, Absa and other financial institutions.
This year will focus on identifying qualifying farmers, registering participants and preparing them for funding through financial and non-financial support.
Emerging agricultural enterprises such as beekeeping, rabbit production and cannabis cultivation will also receive support as part of efforts to diversify agricultural opportunities.
The department further announced plans to host a donkey symposium in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District in partnership with the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS). The event will explore opportunities around donkey production following studies confirming the feasibility of donkey meat consumption.
Breeding programme to boost communal herds
The department will distribute at least 71 breeding bulls during the 2026/27 financial year to improve cattle genetics across the province. The programme includes 56 bulls for traditional authorities, with additional allocations to youth, women, military veterans and people living with disabilities.
Sambatha also announced that mining company Sibanye-Stillwater has donated 12 breeding bulls for communal farmers in Marikana through a partnership with the department. The department has added two more bulls, bringing the total to 14, with the official handover planned for 9 July 2026.
Also read: Corruption stealing funds meant for emerging farmers; skills and infrastructure key to livestock growth
Intensifying the fight against FMD
A significant portion of the department’s intervention strategy will continue to focus on controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which has affected the entire province.
As of 18 June 2026, North West had recorded 414 FMD cases. The province has received more than one million vaccine doses, with approximately 879 000 animals – about 86% of the target population – already vaccinated.
Sambatha said the department would continue strengthening vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance and public awareness to reduce transmission.
Veterinary services remain central to the province’s disease control strategy, with investments being made in biosecurity infrastructure, laboratory upgrades and early detection systems.
The department has allocated R10 million towards FMD interventions, including R7 million for biosecurity measures and R2.7 million to revitalise the Potchefstroom Veterinary Laboratory.
An additional 40 Animal Health Technicians will be appointed to strengthen disease control efforts, while RMIS has committed to deploying eight technicians to support affected areas across the province.
Also read: KZN unveils R9.1m goat programme; encourages youth to break into dairy farming
Agro-processing and export opportunities
The department also announced a partnership with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the National Emerging Farmers Association of South Africa (NEFASA) to establish coffee production and processing in the province.
The project includes planting 2 000 coffee trees on five hectares and constructing a processing facility for de-husking, roasting and packaging coffee destined for local and export markets.
Meanwhile, government plans to revive strategic grain silos through private sector partnerships, including reintroducing milling operations at Springbokpan Silos to strengthen maize meal production and animal feed manufacturing.
The province also intends to expand support for black-owned abattoirs and feedlots as part of efforts to strengthen the beef value chain and capitalise on new export opportunities following South Africa’s improved market access for red meat from vaccinated livestock.
In addition, a three-year blended finance programme is expected to support 60 agricultural enterprises annually between 2026 and 2029, including 15 grain producers each year, while the department is also exploring a lucerne aggregation project for irrigated farmers in Taung.
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