Tag Archives: Madoda Sambatha

Taung positioned as provincial lucerne hub through Janties Boerdery packhouse

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Picture: Tshepiso Jantjies addressing farmers and experts attending the packhouse launch/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 September 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding agro-processing, creating jobs and strengthening farmer participation in the agricultural value chain with the launch of the Jantjies Boerdery Packhouse Project in Taung. The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, joined by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nokuzola Capa, officially unveiled the value-adding packhouse at Jantjies Boerdery on Monday.

Sambatha said the project is aimed at strengthening lucerne production and processing in Taung and forms part of government’s broader efforts to support farmer-led enterprises that move beyond primary production and create greater value within the agricultural value chain. He said the investment should not be viewed as support for one individual enterprise, but as an intervention that will benefit the wider farming community in Taung.

“This investment is not only for Jantjies as an individual. Taung has one of the greatest concentrations of lucerne producers, which is why we are supporting lucerne aggregation. There are a number of lucerne farmers in the area, and our vision is to position Taung as a provincial lucerne hub.

“The development of the lucerne value chain has the potential to increase agricultural production and create employment opportunities in the municipality. The production of lucerne in Taung should help increase the capacity of the area to create jobs,” said Sambatha.

He further said the equipment provided to Jantjies is intended to assist not only this enterprise, but other farmers in and around Taung to produce and process lucerne. Sambatha added that the department has supported the initiative with lucerne harvesting machinery, processing and value-adding equipment, as well as packaging materials.

“The support is intended to increase production capacity, promote agro-processing and create opportunities for farmers to participate more meaningfully in the agricultural value chain. We encourage farmers to collaborate and make use of opportunities presented by agro-processing.

“The department is committed to assisting farmers with value-adding machinery to increase production capacity, create jobs and support the development of farmers. We encourage farmers to collaborate and ensure that agricultural products are processed and value is retained within our communities,” he said.

Sambatha said initiatives such as the lucerne aggregation project and Hemp Hub demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting farmers beyond production by creating an enabling environment for value addition, enterprise development and participation in agricultural markets.

Meanwhile, Tshepiso Jantjies said Jantjies Boerdery is a farmer-led enterprise specialising in the production, harvesting, processing, packaging and distribution of lucerne products for the livestock feed market. Jantjies said the enterprise currently supplies markets beyond the North West and exports to Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.

“We also have supply contracts with companies in other provinces. The business had worked for more than three years to establish the necessary systems and comply with requirements across the agricultural value chain.

“We plant, harvest, package and supply. I specialise in lucerne. It took us more than three years to get to where we are because there are a lot of compliance procedures that we had to meet to work across the entire value chain,” he said.

Jantjies said the government support with machinery has been instrumental in enabling the enterprise to move from primary production into value addition. He said as a lucerne agro-processor, it is important to comply with industry standards, including the machinery that you use.

“With the lucerne pellet mill, I can process the product into pellets. Had it not been for the department’s support with the machinery, I would not have been able to produce a product such as pellets. Compliance involves several aspects of the operation, including the packhouse facility and processing equipment.

“The enterprise currently employs local residents, while the new packhouse is expected to create additional opportunities for farmers to bring their lucerne to the facility for processing and value addition,” said Jantjies.

Jantjies also plays a role in developing emerging farmers through mentorship and regular masterclasses aimed at equipping smallholder farmers with practical knowledge on lucerne production and processing. He said through these interventions, farmers are supported with knowledge on how to plant and manage lucerne and process it into livestock feed products.

“The packhouse is expected to strengthen this support by creating a platform where local producers can access processing and value-adding opportunities without having to operate across the entire value chain individually.

“The initiative contributes to the department’s objectives of promoting rural industrialisation, job creation, farmer development, food security and inclusive economic growth,” said Jantjies.

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46 Taung Agricultural College graduates encouraged to be innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators  

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Picture: Taung Agricultural College graduation ceremony/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 June 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Taung Agricultural College (TAC), the only institution in the country offering a NQF Level 6 (Diploma in Agriculture Irrigation), celebrated a significant milestone on 5 June 2026, by conferring diplomas on 46 graduates from the 2025 academic cohort during its Winter Graduation Ceremony. Held during Youth Month and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising under the theme: “RESET@50: The Future Calls”, the ceremony marked the successful completion of an intensive academic and practical training programme aimed at producing highly skilled agricultural professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of the sector.

Addressing the graduates, the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, challenged them to become innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators, highlighting the vast opportunities available within farming, agro-processing and agricultural services. Sambatha encouraged them not to limit themselves, but to be bold and fearless.

“Explore opportunities not only within our country, but beyond our borders. Exposure to new environments, technologies and markets will enrich your skills and broaden your horizons. Go out there and participate meaningfully in the development of our agricultural sector and contribute towards building a province that works for all.

“We further encouraged them to develop bankable business plans that can attract investment and unlock access to funding opportunities. We also urged them to take advantage of government support programmes and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering young people in agriculture,” he said.

Sambatha further emphasised that the agricultural sector presents immense opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship and called on graduates to use their knowledge and skills to establish enterprises that create jobs, strengthen food security and stimulate economic growth. He added that TAC reaffirmed its commitment to producing the next generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs.

“The institution remains dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security and contributing to economic development through quality agricultural education and training.

“The graduation ceremony stands as a testament to the College’s continued role in developing competent and industry-ready graduates equipped to respond to the evolving needs and challenges of the agricultural sector,” said Sambatha.

Speaking to the overall achiever, Aobakwe Molatowagae (22) from Cokonyane village in Taung said: “Life is going to pull

us in opposite directions, but we all share the same vision. We all want to become well-established farmers in the future. Let us continue to thrive and work hard to ensure that the vision we share today becomes a reality.”

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DA slams Sambatha for slow response to Foot and Mouth outbreak in North West

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Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West calls on the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Russell Dial, to summon the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, before the committee to report on the plan and progress made in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province.

The DA is concerned over the alarming delay and lack of preparedness demonstrated by MEC Sambatha and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in responding to the confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province.

The DA spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West Provincial Legislature Jóhni Steenkamp who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) said, despite the FMD outbreak being confirmed as early as 16 June 2025, the provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC) only convened its first meeting on 23 June 2025, more than a week later.

“This unacceptable delay in activating the JOC has put our province’s livestock industry at serious risk, undermined containment efforts, and exposed devastating gaps in provincial biosecurity protocols. This is not just an administrative oversight; this is a failure of leadership.

“Moreover, it has come to our attention through credible sources that farms placed under quarantine were allowed to move livestock without consequence and shockingly, some were quarantined without the department first establishing how many animals were on-site,” he said.

Steenkamp further said clearly the department cannot even perform the most basic functions of record-keeping and enforcement, let alone manage an outbreak. He added that the National Department of Agriculture, under Minister John Steenhuisen, has demonstrated urgency and decisive action in coordinating a national response, including the rollout of over 900 000 vaccine doses and tightening animal movement regulations.

“However, Sambatha continues to fall short in matching that momentum at provincial level. He must be held accountable for the administrative chaos and complacency that have defined his department’s response to this outbreak. The farmers of the North West deserve better.

“The DA demands urgent action and will not sit back while provincial inaction jeopardises the livelihoods of farmers, the provincial economy, and our biosecurity standards,” said Steenkamp.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said his department was alerted by a Private Veterinarian, who had visited the farm and saw suspicious signs. Sambatha said the State Veterinarian collected samples, which were sent to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) to test for the disease.

“Another incident was first detected at an abattoir in Madibeng. The clinical signs of the affected animals were missed at ante-mortem inspection but were detected on the slaughter line during the Meat Inspection process. Tissue samples were sent to the laboratory and the results came back confirming both SAT 2 and SAT 3 types of the virus.

“The unslaughtered animals were escorted back to the farm of origin, a feedlot in Ventersdorp, through a Red Cross permit. Both farms linked to the outbreak have been put under quarantine, prohibiting the movement of animals and animal products,” he said.

Sambatha said his department has identified all the farms that are linked to the Gauteng outbreak and are being sampled for testing to confirm if they are positive or not. He said all such farms have also been put under precautionary quarantine until the test results are back.

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2000 learners to benefit from white beans project

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Picture: White bean farming project

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 June 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied by the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, will lead the launch of a large scale dry white beans farming project, which covers three thousand hectares of land. Mokgosi said the primary objective of the project is to empower rural communities through agriculture-based skills development to fight the scourge of poverty and create sustainable employment job opportunities for locals.

He further said close to 2000 learners are expected to undergo training with Bright Ideas, which has secured an off-take agreement with Harvest Hub Africa under government’s Labour Activation Plan Initiative. Mokgosi added that the project which is being implemented in collaboration with Baga-Maidi Agricultural Initiative under the stewardship of Baga-Maidi Development Agency is aimed at revitalizing Taung’s agricultural economy through high-value farming.

“The event will take place at Manthe Community Hall on Friday at 9am,” he said.

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North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha accused of mismanagement

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Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha 

By OBAKENG MAJE  

17 February 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, to urgently address the critical feed crisis at the Armoedsvlakte Livestock Research Station in Vryburg. According to the DA, the station, which is home to approximately 700 livestock animals, is facing severe nutritional shortages due to the department’s failure to procure the necessary feed, lick, and salt supplements.

The DA Constituency Head in Naledi Local Municipality, Hendriëtte van Huyssteen said the department’s administrative failure threatens both the health of the livestock and the station’s vital agricultural research. Van Huyssteen said, to ensure the health of livestock and the attainment of research objectives, Armoedsvlakte requires 2028 bags of feed, lick, and salt annually.

“These supplements are essential for maintaining the animals’ health and productivity, particularly during the winter months when natural grazing is insufficient. Shockingly, only 360 bags were procured for the entire 2024 year—a mere 18% of the required amount.

“This severe shortfall has dire consequences, including mineral deficiencies, malnutrition, arthrosis, and even death during calving.

This crisis is a direct result of provincial-level administrative failures. Budget votes under the guidance of Sambatha, have been misallocated, with funds meant for feed, lick, and salt procurement being placed on the wrong budget vote,” she said.

Van Huyssteen further said this misalignment has effectively tied the hands of the department’s supply chain office, preventing timely procurement. She added that, the DA cannot and will not sit idly by while such negligence continues.

“The MEC must be held accountable for this mismanagement. We will call on him to explain why these budget vote misallocations have persisted since his appointment and what immediate corrective steps he plans to implement.

“Furthermore, we demand a comprehensive plan to ensure that procurement processes are streamlined and that feed, lick, and salt are delivered on time for each season,” said van Huyssteen.

She said to escalate the matter, the DA will formally report the department’s administrative shortcomings to the National Minister for Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, for his monitoring and intervention, where needed. Van Huyssteen said it is crucial that national oversight helps rectify the issues at a provincial level and ensures that such failures are not repeated.

“It is unacceptable that poor governance continues to hinder agricultural progress and job creation in a province with the highest unemployment rate in South Africa at 53.6%.

“The DA will continue to fight for a well-functioning, accountable government that prioritises the needs of its people,” she said.

Van Huyssteen said they believe in a future, where the agricultural sector thrives, job opportunities are abundant, and every resident of the North West province has the chance to live a life of dignity and prosperity.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said they wish to clarify that the claim of a feed crisis at the Armoedsvlakte Livestock Research Station is inaccurate and exaggerated. Setlhako said the department has consistently procured the necessary feed, including lick and salt supplements, to support the well-being of the livestock.

“While the department, like any other government entity, has faced budgetary constraints, they remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring adequate nutrition for all animals at the station. The department acknowledges the budgetary constraints that have impacted the provision of feed.

“However, we wish to clarify that while there have been challenges, there has not been a severe shortage of feed. The department remains committed to ensuring that available resources are allocated equally to these critical state-owned farms,” said Setlhako.

She said the department has consistently procured feed for the animals at Armoedsvlakte and remains committed to their well-being. Setlhako said there has never been a failure to meet these requirements.

“In addition to previous procurements, a purchase order has been issued to secure additional feed, further supplementing the existing supply at the farm.

“For the current financial year, over six hundred bags of essential feed, including lick and salt supplements, have been procured for the farm in question. An active purchase order is in place to secure additional bags of this feed,” she said.

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A farmer left dejected after his 53 cattle struck lightning

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Picture: The cattle of a farmer struck by lightning/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 November 2024- In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the livelihood of Ngaka Modiri Molema farmer, Christopher Maema, was severely impacted when a lightning strike tragically claimed the lives of 53 of his valuable cattle on his farm located 40km North West of Zeerust town on 10 November 2024.

Despite this devastating loss, Maema found solace in the unwavering support extended by the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, who personally visited his farm on 13 November 2024, to show solidarity and offer encouragement.

Expressing deep empathy for Maema’s plight, Sambatha acknowledged the severe financial and emotional toll of this unexpected event.

“It is heart-wrenching to witness the challenges faced by our farmers, especially when nature strikes in such an unforeseen way. Upon learning of the incident, the department promptly dispatched a team to Maema’s farm.

“The team conducted a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the damage and is currently compiling a comprehensive report to guide support efforts in the wake of this unfortunate event,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maema said through this show of solidarity, the department reaffirms its commitment to the farming community, ensuring that no farmer stands alone in the face of hardship.

“I am visibly moved by the department’s gesture and I expressed my gratitude. Having the support of our leaders and the department has given me a renewed sense of hope. I know I am not alone in this and as a man, I will have to soldier on,” he said.

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Small scale farmers receive 24 Nguni bulls as donation 

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Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha together with Agnes Thibelang/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 September 2024- In a bold move to uplift the economic status of farmers and enhance the productivity and value of their livestock, North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, handed over 24 Nguni Bulls to farmers in a ceremony held in Potchefstroom on 13 September 2024. Sambatha said this strategic intervention underscores the department’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture and driving the prosperity of rural communities across the province.

He further said this latest donation of 24 bulls follows closely on the heels of a similar initiative by the department last month, which specifically targeted female-led farms across the Province. Sambatha added that by increasing access to fertile, productive bulls, the department is taking a crucial step towards improving livestock quality and supporting the long-term economic viability of farmers in the province.

“The donation of resilient Nguni bulls by the department, represents a major effort to boost agricultural productivity and support community-driven farming. Beyond livestock distribution, the initiative underscores the department’s commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening the livestock sector, and promoting sustainable practices for future generations.

“Agriculture plays a critical role in driving economic growth and ensuring food security. The bulls donated today are of high standards. Bulls play a major role in determining the future performance of the herd, and that is why we encourage our farmers to take good care of these bulls, so they can, in turn, take care of them,” he said.

Sambatha highlighted how the Bulls Sire programme is poised to strengthen the red meat commodity in the North West. He further said the handover of the Nguni bulls offers farmers improved livestock genetics, reducing the need for supplementary feeding and veterinary care while boosting milk production, growth rates, and overall livestock productivity.

“The initiative also aligns with the department’s broader goals of promoting rural development and ensuring the sustainability of the livestock sector. The Nguni bulls, beyond their agricultural benefits, serve as symbols of cultural heritage.

“The department is dedicated to enhancing agricultural practices, promoting rural development, and ensuring these contributions have a lasting impact on farming communities throughout the province,” he added.  

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Agnes Thibelang, who is a farmer from Ganyesa, expressed her gratitude for the department’s contribution to the economic development of the province.

“The Nguni breed is well-suited to my dry region due to its adaptability and low maintenance. These bulls are of exceptional quality and will enhance the overall value of my herd,” she said.

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North West Provincial Legislature wishes MEC Madoda Sambatha a speedy recovery 

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Picture: The horrific accident that involved North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Chief Whip of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Motlalepula Rosho on Tuesday, wished North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, who is also the South African Communist Party (SACP) provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha a speedy recovery. This comes after Sambatha and his protectors were involved in a car accident on R30 near Derby on Monday. 

Sambatha allegedly insisted to be ferried to a public hospital in Klerksdorp, while his protectors were admitted at a private hospital. According to information, Sambatha was on route from official duty in Rustenburg driving towards home, where he was to join bi-elections programme in ward 1 and 25 in Matlosana.     

Rosho said: “We wish Sambatha a speedy recovery, healing and restoration on behalf of the ANC Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature. We are grateful that he survived the horrific accident with minor injuries. 

“Rosho pointed out that Sambatha’s incapacity occurred at a crucial stage when MECs are preparing themselves to next week present departmental policy statements and budget speeches that will contribute towards accelerating service delivery and deepening transformation,” she said.

Rosho further said while this is a setback, they are confident that as a courageous revolutionary cadre, he will bounce back to good health in time to discharge his duties with passion and dedication. She added that they also wished Sambatha’s two protectors, who were with him in the vehicle when they met the accident a speedy recovery.

“One has already been discharged from hospital, while the other was to undergo an operation,” said Rosho. 

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SACP wishes Madoda Sambatha a speedy recovery 

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Picture: SACP wishes its provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha a speedy recovery 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the North West said it wishes its provincial secretary, Madoda Sambatha, who also serves the masses as the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development together with his VIP Protection team a speedy recovery after being involved in a car accident last night on the R30 road from Derby to Ventersdorp. 

SACP provincial spokesperson, Jeffrey Lesie said fortunately, the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) responded timeously and reports indicate that there are no fatalities although they are in hospital having suffered some injuries. Lesie said the protector drivers were taken to a private care facility, while Sambatha insisted on being taken to a public health care facility. 

“We take inspiration and pride in the confidence our leader has placed in the public health care system. There can be no better testament to the good work he and the team did at the Department of Health during the 6th administration.  

“May Sambatha and the protection team recover timeously and continue to serve the people in pursuit of a better life for all,” he said.

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The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi to officially opened Boikhutso Clinic in Ventersdorp

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Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi will officially open the Boikhutso Clinic at Ventersdorp on 11 April 2024. Maloyi, who will be accompanied by the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, said the revamped facility valued at R5.6 million, serves over 88 000 residents and forms part of health facilities which render Comprehensive Primary Health Care Services in Ventersdorp and surrounding areas.

“The clinic provides amongst others, Integrated Child Health Services (IMCI & EPI), Maternal health services, Acute Health services, Chronic health services HIV testing and Reproductive health (Family Planning), Emergency Services, Outreach services such as School Health and Adolescent Youth Friendly Services (AYFS),” he said.

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