By Zwi Maphiri, Matsobane Manaka and Tshifiwa Muifha
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development from Limpopo Provincial Legislature has conducted an oversight visit at two projects – Dimani Agricultural High School and Tshilwavhusiku Secondary Cooperative, in Vhembe District on 28 May 2025.
The physical verification sought to ensure that the departmental reports match the value of the infrastructure supplied to the projects.
The Committee’s first leg was conducted at Dimani Agricultural High School in Thohoyandou. The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) had, through Comprehensive Agriculture Support Program (CASP), built a 1000 capacity broiler house for the school and further supplied a 1 hectare (Ha) of irrigation facilities.
On the other hand, Tshilwavhusiku Secondary Cooperative had, through the Revitalisation of Agricultural Agro-Processing Value Chain Equitable Share, got funded with packing sheds, cold rooms, solar systems, ablution facilities, reservoirs, drilling and equipping of boreholes, drip irrigation material and shade nets.
With the irrigation system, Dimani Agricultural High School is currently growing mixed vegetables such as spinach and chomalia. Tshilwavhusiku, which is comprised of four farmers, produces pepper dew that is sold to Pepper Dew International.
Regular oversight visit seeks to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs of local communities, promoting sustainable agricultural development for food security and economic growth. The team, led by Honourable Bela Kupa, acknowledged, and noted the challenges raised by the project owners.
The committee proceeded to Tshilwavhusiku Secondary Cooperative.
