By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Desbo Mohono has officially launched and handed over the Mogopa Livestock Auction Pens in Mogopa village near Ventersdorp. Mohono said she believes that the village, under the jurisdiction of Bakwena Ba Mogopa Trust, will use the pens with seven other villages within its vicinity.
She further said the project is fully-equipped with a security fence, office and ablution facility, borehole siting and drilling, auction kraals, pavilion, eight-sided cattle scale and a solar system.
Mohono added that the pens were established in 2023 by the department as part of an intervention to link livestock smallholder farmers to formal markets.
“The 10% commission charged was paid by the department to the auctioneer. The monies saved can be used by farmers for other needs such as fodder, medication, etc.
“We are aware of the challenges faced by farmers during auctions, hence we saw it befitting to fully support and encourage farmers to participate in this auction that will see them using these facilities in future to sustain their businesses,” she said.
Mohono said this will also boost the local economy and increase the household disposable income that will curb food insecurity in Mogopa. She said the pens will ensure that farmers meet the increased demand for functional marketing infrastructure and to serve as a deterrent to current and prospective livestock speculators.
“To support previously disadvantaged business owners in the agricultural sector, the Ga-Mogopa Livestock Auction Committee contracted a reputable black auctioneer registered with the South African Institute of Auctioneers.
“Boitshenolo Auctioneers performed auctioneering services during auction sales of pigs, sheep, goats and cattle. In addition, strict biosecurity measures were followed by the Veterinary Services Directorate to ensure that all livestock adhered to the required health protocols and were disease-free,” said Mohono.
She said the three auction pens in Ganyesa, Khunwana, and Mogopa, are part of her pronouncement during the 2023/2024 budget speech. Mohono said the auction pens will benefit Mogopa and seven other villages within the area.
Meanwhile, one of the smallholder farmers from Ga-Matlala village, Humphrey Motswatswe said: “We are excited as farmers in JB Marks Local Municipality to have kraals nearer to us. In the past, we had to spend money on transportation and other logistics to ensure that livestock got to auctions that are always far from our area.
“Jobs have been created through the construction of these pens, families and the communities around Mogopa, will continue to benefit from the launch. From now on I will be part of the farmers that take care of this project that we have been supported with.”
Motswatswe, who is also a local bonsmara stud breeder said, the commitment displayed by the department in empowering black farmers is amazing. He said that will bring the much-needed auction kraals closer to farmers who use auctions as a market.
“This will relieve them from the strain and challenge of risking their livestock not being bought, but spent monies on logistics or being exposed to possible theft due to trading their animals at distant auctions.
“A guaranteed opening special offered to sellers by the department saw farmers not paying a commission and assisted with logistics to have their livestock at the auction,” said Motswatswe.
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