AgriCentre Building
Cnr. Dr. James Moroka and Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039,
Mmabatho 2735
Republic of South Africa
Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684
Fax: +27(18) 384 4571
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
CHIEF DIRECTORATE: CORPORATE SERVICES
DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES
MEDIA ADVISORY
Applications for participation in the NW/IDC Nguni Cattle
Development Project now open.
Tuesday, 16th April 2013
Mahikeng: The North West Province’s farming communities who meet the
requirements for participation in the NW/IDC Nguni Cattle Development project are
once again invited to apply for participation in this project. The closing date for
submission of applications is 30th June 2013.
This project is a tripartite partnership between the Department, the Industrial
Development Corporation (IDC) and the North West University (Mafikeng Campus),
founded in 2006.
Among the criteria set for inclusion in the project is that at least 350 hectares of fenced
grazing land should be available to accommodate livestock numbers, and that
applicants must be in possession of certified proof indicating land or farm ownership.
Applicants are expected to participate in a selection process that will include short
listing of potential beneficiaries, physical interviews and an on-site visit by the project’s
Technical Committee, for verification of information provided on the applications.
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Each successful applicant will receive 24 Nguni cattle, (23 heifers and one bull), for
which a commitment must be made contractually, to adhere to the project conditions
for a period of five years.
Beneficiaries will at the end of the five-year term, return back to the project the eleven
heifers and one bull loaned by the IDC, and keep the remaining numbers provided as a
grant by the Department, including any progeny resulting from good management of
the herd. To date the project has distributed 1272 Nguni cows to subsistence farmers in
the Province, out of which, 144 have been returned back to the project for further
distribution to new beneficiaries.
In encouraging interested farmers to apply, the North West MEC for Department of
Agriculture and Rural Development Ms Desbo Mohono, urged them to take advantage
of the development platform created by the Department and its partners, by ensuring
that they do not miss this opportunity.
Public servants and their immediate families as well as communities currently
benefitting from any beef project originating from the participating institutions are
prohibited from taking part in the project.
The project seeks to empower subsistence farmers with livestock farming skills and to
further develop their entrepreneurial aptitude. Unlike other cows, this indigenous breed
is known for its very low maintenance, reputed to have high fertility rate and is able to
withstand harsh conditions and livestock diseases.
Application forms are obtainable from all Departmental District Offices and Local
Development Centres, through the Agricultural Extension officers.
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Issued by the Directorate Communication Services
Contact Person: Bonolo Mohlakoana (Ms)
082 901 2435 / 018 389 5719
bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
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