MINISTERIAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME BOOSTS LOCAL AGRICULTURE IN TSHESENG, QWAQWA

• The Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Ministerial Outreach Programme launched initiatives in Tsheseng Village, QwaQwa, Free State, where the National Development Agency (NDA) provided modern agricultural machinery worth over R1.5 million to the local cooperative, Mavuso Cornelias Vincent Acricomologitic (MCVA).

• The handover ceremony, attended by numerous community leaders and members, underscored the importance of agricultural development in the region, with additional support including the donation of 347 hectares of land by Landmark South Africa to enhance local farming productivity and food security.

• This outreach initiative not only provides vital equipment but also aims to promote sustainable development and self-sufficiency, empowering local cooperatives and fostering economic growth in Tsheseng Village and the broader agricultural sector in South Africa.

By Sello Tang

The Department of Social Development (DSD) Ministerial Outreach Programme recently launched its initiatives at the Tsheseng Tribal Authority offices in QwaQwa, Free State. As part of this outreach, the National Development Agency (NDA), an agency of Social Development, handed over a modern Landini tractor, potato planter, and harvester machines to the local cooperative Mavuso Cornelias Vincent Acricomologitic (MCVA). The equipment, valued at R1,515,487.80, is part of NDA’s ongoing programme aimed at uplifting disadvantaged communities across South Africa, now in its 30th year.

Despite the chilly weather, community leaders and members of Tsheseng Village turned out in large numbers to attend the handover ceremony. Their attendance highlighted the significance of the event and the community’s resilience and commitment to agricultural development.

In addition to the machinery, the Landmark South Africa purchased and donated 347 hectares of land in Kestell to the cooperative. MCVA, which already owns 25 hectares of potato seed at WeGrow, plans to use this land to grow potatoes that will be sold in local markets, including the prominent Polopat Market.

Besides potato farming, the MCVA cooperative is also involved in poultry farming in Matsikeng village, QwaQwa.

Tsheseng Village, nestled in the picturesque region of QwaQwa, is known for its tight-knit community and scenic landscapes. The area, however, faces numerous socio-economic challenges, making the support from the DSD and NDA particularly impactful. The introduction of advanced agricultural machinery is expected to enhance local farming productivity, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and improving food security.

The outreach programme aims not only to provide equipment but also to foster sustainable development and self-sufficiency within the community. This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering local cooperatives and enhancing their capacity to contribute to the broader agricultural sector in South Africa.

As the tractor and planting machines were officially handed over, the profound excitement among the attendees reflected a shared hope for a prosperous future. This handover ceremony symbolises a new chapter for the people of Tsheseng and the MCVA cooperative, where modern farming techniques and government support converge to create lasting positive change.