By Matsobane Manaka and Belemu Ramafalo
From left: Susan Mutakusi, Thomas Kgapane and Moses Makhubele vow to update their constituency about the development following their engagement with LDARD leadership.
MEC Thabo Mokone, together with the Acting Head of Department (HOD), Jethro Nowata, re-assured the executive committee of People with Disability in Agriculture and Rural Development (PDARD) that the revival of annual awards to acknowledge and honour them was work in progress. Nowata noted that the austerity measures stand in their way but will bring it back in a different and innovative approach.
MEC Thabo Mokone and Jethro Nowata (Acting Head of Department) assure the committee representing People with Disability in Agriculture and Rural Development that the department is determined to strengthen the working relationship with them.
MEC Thabo Mokone said this matter should not discourage them to relax their operations since they play a meaningful role by contributing towards economic growth and food security in the province. He advised them to continue to share their good agricultural practice after listening to the way they relate their operation in their field.
Nowata reminded them to work closely with extension officers on the ground to grow their businesses. He said their working relationship continues to strengthen despite their challenges.
Thomas Kgapane, Chairperson of PDARD highlighted the success of PDARD since its inception in 2016. He explained in length that their members, who are 606 in numbers whose project are active, were recognized in a form of awards, benefited from relief vouchers during Covid-19, benefited from the livestock re-sale scheme and benefited from farmer support programme and many other existing programmes within the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD).
PDARD committee representatives voice their compliments and complaints to LDARD leadership.
He indicated that the support has cemented their working relationship with LDARD.
Nowata advised them to create their own market. However, he mentioned that they should sell their produce among themselves as a starting point (in a form of exchanging their produce). Their business will therefore grow steadily to another trajectory.
MEC Thabo Mokone and Jethro Nowata (Acting Head of Department) address PDARD committee representatives on issues affecting their operations.
In his concluding remarks, MEC said what made him happy was the fact that the are doing something, somehow more than what an able-bodied can do, which make them self-sufficient.
MEC’s meet and greet programme with PDARD was part of the activities in commemoration of the Disability Rights Awareness Month that is celebrated annually from 03 November to 03 December.
Back row: Mandisa Mawasha, (Deputy Director: Employee Wellness and Special programme) Thomas Kgapane (Chairperson of PDARD committee) Jethro Nowata (Acting Head of Department), Ndnhuho Todani, Cedrick Tofile (Tofille project), Kgahliso Lebyane (Agricultural Advisor) and Violet Hamed (Kgopotso Green Acress). Front row: Mutakusi Suzan (Phija projects), Lydia Nemafhohoni (Rofarana Disability People Cooperative), LDARD MEC Thabo Mokone, Eunice Nkosi (Averton Self Help Group), and Moses Makhubele (Ntluri Greenery Disabled)
