By Samson Mabunda
About 30 Extension and Agricultural Advisory Services officials of Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) were awarded certificates and trophies in recognition of their excellence regarding servicing farmers when the COVID-19 had restricted such. This occurred at the Provincial Extension and Advisory Service Awards (PEASA) held at Bolivia Lodge on 09 March 2022
“I personally appreciate the appreciation we have received from the department. It really encourages us. Being given a pat on the back is a motivation on itself. I am happy about the token of appreciation although it was not in prize money. It feels good, therefore, I urge my colleagues not to lower our standards,” indicated Hollic Netshitungulu, one of the Extension Practitioners who were acknowledged.
In her address, LDARD MEC Nandi Ndalane said the positive public response about Extension Practitioners’ services that her department received, was encouraging.
“Whenever you visit Agriculture establishments you are identified as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and that pleases us quite greatly. We are saying this with confidence and without fear of contradiction because the feedback we receive is heart-warming. You all deserve a warm round of applause. About three weeks ago, I visited Kgoshi Nchabeleng who called us to conduct project visit to the community’s irrigation schemes. While we were there, we discussed a few Agriculture related matters, however, I believe it is important to inform you that both Kgoshi and the local farmers spoke highly about Extension Practitioners working under our District Director, Mr Maboa,” said the MEC.
From left to right: MEC Nandi Ndalane, LDARD official with certificate of service excellence and trophy, LDARD EAS Practitioner, MT Toona, Polokwane Local Municipality Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Tshepo Nkwe, and HoD Jacqueline Maisela during the awarding of excellent Extension and Advisory Services Practitioners with certificates and trophies at Bolivia Lodge-Polokwane on 09 March 2022
She also gave the marching orders that Extension Practitioners should be in their uniform when on duty. Ndalane mentioned that such is mandatory. The PEASA is in accordance with National Extension and Advisory Services Awards (NEASA) objectives. These are among others; recognition of outstanding performance in Extension and Advisory Services (EAS), and motivating EAS Practitioners to further promote innovation and best practices in EAS.
The PEASA occurred in the second day of the three day Extension and Advisory Services conference held at the same venue under theme: Safeguarding agricultural productivity and food security through adapted extension and approaches in the epoch of Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.
