BY REGINALD KANYANE

PROVINCIAL MEC for rural, environment and agricultural development department, Manketsi Tlhape said they will continue to empower women and youth. Tlhape visited women and youth various food projects in Dr Ruth Mompati region this week.

“It is a befitting honour and gesture from our department as we commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the Women’s march and 40^th anniversary of the Class of 1976. It is our belief that all their efforts were not in vain. We will continue to recognise the gallant contribution made by these groups.

“We are aware that women and youth specifically on agriculture and rural development are making an effort to establish them. We have lot of cooperatives in the names of these groups so far. It is our role as government to keep on encouraging them,” Tlhape said.

She added that women and youth from these projects remain exemplary to others. She further added that their contribution towards economic growth of the province was immensely.

Tlhape also added that the visit was to assess all projects. She said they wanted to ensure that agriculture remains the key provincial economic driver.

“We want to see your businesses being sustainable. We will act upon and ensure that inclusion of women and youth in mainstream economy takes place. We will continue to visit other projects in various districts,” she said.

Tlhape also visited Matshediso Mooketsi and Thandeka Moseki farms. They were the previous winners of Female Entrepreneur Awards.

Both women have grown their farming since their winnings. They have both used the funds to expand on their infrastructure, livestock and inputs for their produce.

Moseki said despite challenging market distance from her Driekiesrus farm which is 40km away from Stella, she is still in business.

“I am not deterred by distance. I continue to look for other markets for my produce. I sell spinach, cabbage and carrots and potatoes and fruits. I am currently using my 3,6 hectares and looking forward to expand,” Moseki said.

Mooketsi said: “I have employed six employees permanently. I envisage that my business will flourish and will employ more people. My business has received support from government and grown in bounds. I also have 121 Nguni cattle and 30 Bonsmara breeding cows. We have another 61 Boer and Kalahari Red Goats and 1500 Layer Hens. I have also started with vegetable production.”

-TDN

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