By Matsobane Manaka & Zwi Maphiri
MEC Thabo Mokone (with red outfit) together with HoD Jaqueline Maisela unveil the face of the brand-new pool fleet for extension services.
MEC for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Thabo Mokone has officially handed over a fleet of brand-new vehicles to Extension Services to serve across all districts in a bid to maximise service delivery.
The ceremony was held at Polokwane Golf Club.
The move will further strengthen relations, thus increasing productivity between Extension Practitioners and producers as well as the communities. This will also ensure visibility and heighten access to agricultural services to the benefit of producers and communities.
MEC Mokone (with red outfit) hands over keys of one of the pool vehicles to agricultural advisor representing Capricorn District
In her address to field officers, Head of Department (HoD) Jaqueline Maisela said these vehicles are the tools that you most need to execute your functions.
“The main objective is that you need to be responsive to farmers’ needs and be able to be seen. We appeal to officials who will be responsible to take care of the vehicles. Without these vehicles, we won’t be able to respond to the needs of the farmers. You know the dos and the don’ts. It is not just about buying the cars, but also about taking care of them and maintaining them so they can last us longer”.
MEC Thabo Mokone reassured the agricultural advisors about their worth in relation to their closer proximity with farmers. “You are the most important people because you closer to the rest of the population. You possessed knowledge to teach our people even under difficult conditions”.
MEC noted that something that stood out was the caller from a crop farmer in Dalmada who called and thanked the assistance she received from extension advisors, citing that is something rare as he used to get calls about complains.
HoD appreciated the initiative and effort taken and committed to continually provide similar tools of trade as enablers to carry out duties.
Briefing in session ahead of official handing over of vehicles at Polokwane Golf Club
Ephenia Kekana (Capricorn District Director: Agricultural Advisory Services) renders the opening and welcoming address.
HoD Jaqueline Maisela urges recipients of the vehicles to look after them.
Agricultural Advisors were happy with the new arrival of vehicles that will ease their work.
