By Zwi Maphiri and Matsobane Manaka
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) in collaboration with Elias Motsoaledi Municipality and Tafelkop Farmers Association have undertaken the projects visit to monitor the progress for agricultural activities at Tafelkop farmers ahead of the Presidential Imbizo later in the week.
Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Jaqueline Maisela said the visit is part of build up activities across Sekhukhune District for President’s visit. “The Imbizo will give the President an opportunity to interact with the public. Most importantly, about the level of service delivery in the community and the challenges thereof”, said Maisela.
Monitoring and inspection are underway at Tafelkop farmers’ projects.
Maisela further explained that the visit is part of the District Development Model where all three spheres of government work together in terms of mobilizing resources through integrated planning, budgeting, and development. “It allows government departments at national, provincial, and local levels to combine resources and work together towards the implementation of a single plan – developed locally and coordinated at a district level.
President handed over title deeds to Tafelkop Farmers back in 2021 in a bid to revive the farming activities. Maisela said purpose of this visit is in essence, to monitor the progress made since farmers received the title deeds.
From left: Tshegofatso Mabotja (Agricultural Advisory), Dieketseng Mashego (Municipal Speaker for Elias Motsoaledi), Jaqueline Maisela (Head of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), David Tlale (Elias Motsoaledi Municipal Mayor), Buti Sefulushi (Member of Tafelkop Farmers Association), Jerry Sefoloshe (Member of Tafelkop Farmers Association), Godrich Mashiane (Secretary of Tafelkop Farmers Association), and Mmabatho Tau (Agricultural Advisory) under shade net (funded by the department) with full of fresh produce cabbage ready for market.
“Of course, infrastructure is well-off with all shade nets, irrigation dams in place and mini pack house among others, but what is now needed is the creation of employment and food security”, said Maisela. She maintained that District Model aims to put an end to the
tendency of departments working in silos and how to strengthen the collaboration to overcome the existing challenges of high unemployment rate and abject poverty.
Maisela and Elias Motsoaledi Mayor, David Tlale led the stakeholders in a walkabout in three projects of the Tafelkop Farmers Association.
Left: Mmakgoshi Malope Ramopudu, Dieketseng Mashego and Jaqueline Maisela. Standing on the right are Jethro Nowata, Harry Maboa, David Tlale and Jerry Sefoloshe in front of the signage board of the irrigation dam.
Head of the Department Jaqueline Maisela briefly explains the purpose of the project monitoring.
