Mayisela, whose presentation focused largely on the spirit of working together, said the departmental employees and stakeholders’ dedication in improving the department’s public image is now evident. Mayisela told the legislature that his department managed to spend a remarkable 97, 2% of the budget allocated in the previous financial year, thereby enabling the North West farming community to better their lives. Agricultural flagship projects completed include the Bedwang Auction sales pan in the Moretele area valued at R1,2 million, the mechanisation support programme, the bulk fencing programme, the Western Frontier Beef Beneficiation Project, the Nguni Cattle Development Project and the Taung Irrigation Scheme.
Mayisela told the legislature that 103 emerging farmers were subsidised as part of the department’s livestock improvement programme. “We intend to increase the number of beneficiaries to 150 in the production of breeds such as Brahman, Bonsmara, Simmentaler and Afrikaner,” Mayisela said. Regarding the planned transformation of the hunting industry in the province, Mayisela informed the house that the department is ready to launch the first public-private partnership project in game farming that will involve the participation of traditional leaders.
“The traditional leaders’ participation in this regard will ensure adequate access to communal ground as this is a land-hungry and capital-intensive industry,” said Mayisela. Mayisela said his department will this financial year prioritise decisive projects such as the Merafong area relief plan, the launch of the Wolmaranstad Goat Project, finalise the Provincial and Disaster Management Policy and Plan, finalise the Biodiversity and Conservation Bill, and implement the Environmental Regulatory Framework. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment was granted a total amount of R506 million to ensure constant service delivery to the North West farming community. – Staff reporter
