By REGINALD KANYANE

Various stakeholders believe that commercialisation of cannabis will be a burgeoning opportunity for economic growth. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a much-anticipated two-day hybrid Cannabis Lekgotla at North West University in Mahikeng.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said the aim of the Cannabis Lekgotla was to ensure that the Cannabis Master Plan finds space in agriculture transformation in the province.

She said the event was widely welcomed and appreciated by various cannabis advocacy groups, which amongst them included the Cannabis Council of South Africa, the Rastafarians formations, traditional leaders, academics, interest groups, and individuals as well as farmers.

“This event was the first of its kind in the province and our objective was to discuss the way forward on the rollout of the National Cannabis Master Plan and engage on the economic purpose of commercialisation and development of the herb.

“The department provides a stark reminder that every avenue to create employment and fight poverty must be pursued. This will also allow businesses to grow, emerge and thrive while using the capabilities of the state to create a conducive environment for farmers,” she said.

Mohono further said, this is a dream come true for people of the North West because they too, deserve to benefit from the value chain of this herb. She added that, as government, they always appreciate the direct, considered, and constructive approach that higher institutions of learning take in responding to the challenges facing the country.

“That is why we saw it fit as government to rope in the North West University (NWU) in particular, looking at their research output, which is amongst the best in the entire country.

“This Lekgotla unlocked many opportunities through commissions and the education drive. Going forward, we will march to our traditional leaders as the department in forging a partnership and making sure that our people in communal land are not left behind by the train of this economic hub,” said Mohono.

Meanwhile, the North West University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka said: “We must all work with the government to assist in the review of policy and regulatory framework that will fast-track the industrialisation of hemp and cannabis towards the realisation of economic investment and job creation.

“So, the NWU is ready to contribute towards the implementation of the National Cannabis Master Plan to unlock the economic potential of rural communities.”

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