North West Agriculture and Rural Development on delivering essential equipment to boost food production

Ventersdorp – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to demonstrate its commitment to service delivery by providing critical agricultural support to communities. This week, the department rolled out a comprehensive intervention in the Ga-Mogopa community near Ventersdorp, where households, community-based projects, and local facilities benefited from resources aimed at strengthening food production and improving nutrition.

One of the key beneficiaries, Kistner and Duchrow Crèche, received much-needed gardening equipment alongside the planting of fresh vegetable seedlings. This intervention will help ensure that children at the centre have access to nutritious, home-grown produce as part of their daily meals.

The department also supported a group of 37 Community Work Programme (CWP) beneficiaries consisting of 36 women and one man, who actively plant and supply vegetables to the crèche. Any surplus produce is shared among the members, helping them improve household nutrition and reduce food costs. This initiative not only promotes food security but also fosters community self-reliance and economic empowerment.

At the Mogopa Satellite Clinic, the department provided gardening tools and resources to CWP members to cultivate vegetables for the benefit of chronic patients who often struggle with access to nutritious food. The produce grown at the clinic garden will be distributed to patients in need, ensuring that healthcare services are complemented by nutritional support.

The donation included essential items such as water tanks, forks, hose pipes, vegetable seedlings, and various seeds to enable sustainable production.

In addition, livestock farmers were not left behind as the department handed over 20 does and two bucks to two female beneficiaries within the same village. This livestock support will help improve household incomes and contribute to poverty alleviation.

Banyana Moate, one of the CWP beneficiaries, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the department, saying, “I am deeply thankful to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for this incredible support. These tools and seedlings are not just gifts; they are opportunities for us to grow, sustain our families, and support our community. Before this, it was a struggle to provide enough food, and we often worried about how to meet the needs of the crèche and our own households.

“Today, we feel empowered and motivated because the department has shown that they believe in our potential and in our work. This support will help us improve our vegetable gardens, supply nutritious food to the children, and share surplus produce with those who need it most. We are truly grateful for the hands-on service delivery and for recognising the role of women in feeding families and building stronger communities. This programme is changing lives, and we feel proud to be part of it,” Moate expressed.

The initiative was supported by senior managers and the dedicated Team DARD, reinforcing the department’s hands-on approach to service delivery and sustainable agriculture across the province.

Closing the visit in the area, Head of Department Mr Thupi Mokhatla said, “Our work in Ga-Mogopa reflects the department’s commitment to bringing agricultural services closer to the people. We are not only providing equipment and seedlings, but also creating opportunities for our communities to improve their food security and livelihoods. Women, who form the backbone of household production, are key beneficiaries of these initiatives, and by supporting them, we strengthen entire communities. Every tank, seedling, and livestock donation is designed to make a lasting impact, enabling households to grow their own food, improve nutrition, and generate income. Many wards continue to benefit from this programme, which is part of the government’s broader effort to combat hunger and ensure that no community is left behind. By delivering services ward by ward, we ensure that every intervention contributes to sustainable development and economic empowerment.”

Through these interventions, the department is taking concrete steps to address food insecurity, empower rural women, and promote sustainable agriculture in line with its mission to transform communities and improve livelihoods province-wide.

Image 676A0338 & 676A0387: Head of Department Thupi Mokhatla, together with senior managers and beneficiaries from Ga-Mogopa, during the recent Thuntsha Lerole programme. The department donated essential agricultural resources, including water tanks, forks, hose pipes, vegetable seedlings, and seeds, to support sustainable food production. Additionally, two female beneficiaries received 20 does and two bucks to enhance livestock production and improve household livelihoods.

Enquiries:
Ms Emelda Setlhako
Director: Communication Services
E-mail: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za

Ms Khutala Tshangela
MEC’s Media Liaison Officer
E-mail: ktshangela06@gmail.com / KTshangela@nwpg.gov.za

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