Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 November 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha is set to lead his department’s Provincial Grain Planting Launch, marking the start of the 2025/26 planting season in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. Sambatha said for the 2025/26 summer grain season, the programme will support 50 farmers across 2700 hectares in all five local municipalities of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
“The R23 million allocation will be used to provide inputs, technical guidance, and essential resources to promote sustainable grain production and enhance food security.
“Farmers attending the event will benefit from live demonstrations on key aspects of the planting season, including soil profiling to assess fertility and guide fertilizer application, proper soil preparation for optimal seedbed conditions, planter and boom sprayer calibration to ensure uniform seed placement and safe agrochemical use, and effective weed control techniques to enhance crop yields,” he said.
Sambatha further said the launch forms part of the government’s Crop Massification Initiative, which targets fallow land in communal areas and strengthens access to productive resources for vulnerable farmers. He added that they will engage with farmers and experts at the start of a productive planting season in the North West.
“The launch is scheduled to take place at Retladirela Agricultural Cooperative in Dwaalskraal, Sannieshof on Wednesday at 9am.
Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 August 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the province is entering a bold new chapter. This comes after Sambatha, recently announced the official return of the iconic North West Agricultural Show scheduled to take place at Vryburg Showground from 18 until 21 September 2025.
He further said this flagship event marks a significant milestone in positioning agriculture as a competitive, business-driven industry, reigniting pride, creating economic opportunities, and promoting skills development across the value chain. Sambatha said this is a collaborative effort between the Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality, Naledi Local Municipality and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, that aims to unite stakeholders and reignite agricultural celebration.
“We are bringing back a platform that once united farmers, producers, youth and innovators, a true celebration of agriculture.
“The revived show, now inclusive of the Vryburg event, will no longer be a once-off occasion. From 2026, each district will host its annual show before the end of June, laying the groundwork for the main provincial event in Vryburg every September,” he said.
Sambatha said once dubbed the: “Texas of South Africa”, Vryburg will now serve as the permanent home of the provincial show. He described this approach as a transformative intervention that reimagines agricultural events as platforms for impact.
“The North West Provincial Agricultural Show and its District Agricultural Shows will act as a vehicle to attract and trigger concerted focus on agriculture as a business by our farmers.
“The show would provide a platform to showcase and market agri-businesses, attract buyers and off-takers and strengthen agricultural marketing while boosting agro-tourism,” said Sambatha.
He said although the primary goal is to encourage market-oriented, sustainable production, the North West Agricultural Show (NWAS) will also empower farmers through knowledge-sharing and create a conducive space for interaction among stakeholders to promote agricultural development and sustainability.
He said the re-launch in September 2025, will see the Vryburg Showgrounds, under the Naledi Local Municipality, become the permanent host venue within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
“Held over three days (18–20 September 2025), the show will feature master classes, exhibitions, and one-on-one sessions connecting farmers with financial institutions, industry leaders, and agricultural machinery manufacturers.
“This revival is a strong demonstration of the District Development Model (DDM) through effective intergovernmental relations (IGR),” said Sambatha.
He said the event will showcase emerging and established producers, highly competitive livestock exhibitions. Sambatha said insightful panel discussions addressing innovation, resilience and sector growth will also be in attendance.
“It will also offer career guidance to inspire and equip future agricultural leaders. This is more than a gathering; it is a statement of intent, a celebration of excellence, and a bold showcase of the province’s agricultural strength.
“The event aims to position the North West as a national benchmark for integrated agri-development, strategic partnerships, and agro-tourism potential,” he said.
Sambatha described NWAS as a welcome addition: “For many years, North West has been the food basket of South Africa. Here, agriculture is not just a livelihood, but a source of pride and legacy.
“NWAS will be a platform to showcase the best of our province. We know the resilience and ingenuity of our farmers, and this will be celebrated on a grand scale,” he said.
Sambatha said he extends an invite to all in the province, the country, and neighbouring countries to descend on Vryburg to witness what they have to offer. He said further details will be shared in the coming weeks as preparations for the September launch intensify.
Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 July 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said his department has committed R36.856 million to the Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme, a targeted intervention aimed at repositioning the province as a major player in South Africa’s red meat economy.
Sambatha made the announcement during his department’s Policy and Budget Speech at the North West Provincial Legislature on 23 July 2025.
“The programme is set to directly benefit 7242 farmers, including 4728 men, 2219 women, 252 youth, and 43 people living with disabilities, through structured production support, access to value chains, and market integration.
“The initiative will be implemented through the Beef Beneficiation Aggregation Model, a framework designed to enhance farmer coordination, improve processing capacity and establish sustainable linkages to commercial markets,” he said.
Sambatha further said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District will be prioritised, given its concentration of beef farming operations and its strategic role in the provincial livestock value chain. He added that, in addition to supporting production, the programme is projected to generate 321 temporary and 87 permanent jobs, particularly in areas such as aggregation, logistics, technical extension, and feedlot operations.
“This aligns with the department’s broader goals of advancing rural development, increasing household incomes, and reducing unemployment in underserved communities.
“We have also declared the R36.8 million injection into the red meat industry a decisive turning point for the North West agricultural sector. This is more than just funding, but a bold statement of intent,” he said.
Sambatha said they are transforming the red meat value chain, unlocking opportunities for emerging farmers and positioning the province as a powerhouse in livestock production. He said this investment is a clear demonstration of their steadfast commitment to building a transformed, competitive and inclusive red meat industry in the province.
“Through this programme, we are not only empowering our farmers, but also driving economic growth, boosting job creation, and laying a solid foundation for long-term food security and agro-industrial development,” concluded Sambatha.
Meanwhile, the Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme forms part of NW-DARD’s strategy to broaden participation, enhance local beneficiation, and stimulate growth across rural economies, while contributing meaningfully to the provincial and national GDP.
Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Facebook
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 July 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said in affirmation of a vision of a province, agriculture is not just a sector, but a foundation upon which they build food security, economic dignity and rural prosperity. Sambatha said this during the tabling of his departmental budget for 2025/2026 financial year at the North West Provincial Legislature on Wednesday.
He further said the heart of this foundation lies with the farmers, the men and women who rise before dawn to work the land with resilience and feed not just their families, but the entire communities. Sambatha added that hence the saying that, “when you support a farmer, you grow a nation” because a thriving farmer, means a thriving family, a thriving village and ultimately, a thriving province.
“The agricultural sector is irrefutably swamped and faced with hindrances and hitches that have had a huge impact on the sector during the past fiscal year 2024/2025. This budget vote is aligned with the 2025 United Nations International Year of Cooperatives Theme, stipulating that “Cooperatives Build a Better World”.
“As a province, we still remain with a staunch confidence that Cooperatives and other similar formations have their core existence tied to delivery mandate for sustainable livelihoods and a significant contribution towards inclusive participation, community development, job creation and economic growth,” he said.
Sambatha said the departmental total budget of R1 276 612 000 will be allocated accordingly. He said administration will be allocated R362, 488 000, Sustainable Resource Use and Management will receive R49 436 000, Agricultural Producer Support and Development will be allocated R472 839 000, while Veterinary Services will receive R165 578 000.
“The launch of Agri-Hub should be properly understood as not replacing nor collapsing the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and roles and responsibilities of the North West University [NWU].
“But, the NEW AgriHub should be seen as the centre of excellence on coordination and implementation of the Aggregation Model within the identified Commodities/Sectors in a cycle of three years. This solely means, in each cycle the AgriHub will have identified agricultural sectors to primarily focus on, whilst the normal functions of both the NWU and DARD are proceeding uninterrupted, and this will be in alignment with the Agricultural Agro-Processing Master Plan [AAMP],” said Sambatha.
He said the 2025-2029 priority sectors within the AgriHub will be Beef Beneficiation, Goat Massification, Crop Massification – current priority focus, with Sheep Massification, Feed-Mills with Animal Feed, Poultry- Broilers and Layers to be added effective April 2026. Sambatha said the work of the AgriHub aggregation will be driven for excellency through the appointment of Aggregators.
Picture: North West MEC Madoda Sambatha and Jabulani Galubetse of JT Farm Fresh in one of the greenhouses the department has funded for production of vegetables
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
17 February 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said in a move to advance agricultural development and bolster small-scale farming in the province, he had officially handed over greenhouse tunnels worth R2.5 million to JT Farm Fresh.
Sambatha said the Bokfontein-based enterprise located in the Madibeng Local Municipality, received the investment on 14 February 2025, as part of the Provincial Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, (Thuntsa Lerole Reloaded) reinforcing the province’s commitment to sustainable farming and food security.
“The handover of these greenhouse tunnels aims to enhance the production capacity of TJ Farm Fresh Enterprise, enabling year-round cultivation of various crops and contributing to the local economy.
“The enterprise specialises in the production of vegetables, this initiative will greatly benefit the production with the new infrastructure, which is set to improve the quality and quantity of their crop yields,” he said.
Sambatha further emphasized the importance of empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs to contribute to the economic growth of the province, while ensuring that communities have access to fresh, locally grown produce. He added that, by investing in small-scale farmers like JT Farm Fresh, they are building a strong foundation for agriculture that can withstand challenges such as climate change and rising food prices.
“These greenhouse tunnels will help improve production efficiency and sustainability, ultimately benefiting the entire community. The support the department has given JT Farm Fresh is substantial towards ensuring the long-term success of small-scale farmers in the district.
“It assists in creating employment opportunities, and enhancing food security for local communities. The department will continue to work closely with emerging farmers in the province, providing them with the tools, resources, and guidance necessary to succeed in the agricultural sector,” said Sambatha.
Meanwhile, the JT Farm Fresh owner, Jabulani Galubetse, expressed his gratitude for the support received from the department.
“This support will significantly enhance our operations, allowing us to scale up our production and meet the increasing demand for fresh produce in the region,” said Galubetse.
Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said he aims to strengthen partnerships within the agricultural sector. Sambatha met with Organised Agricultural Associations/Unions on 1 July 2024, and the purpose of the meeting was to identify the challenges within the farming communities.
He further said his department will positively contribute towards enhancing efforts of improving food security and addressing the triple challenges that affect the province. Sambatha added that he would like to work with solution-oriented stakeholders to improve services to the farmers of the province during the 7th administration.
“Working together with all stakeholders to form sectoral contributions will assist the department and its associations to perform very well for food production, we need each other to make a better contribution to the economy of the North West.
“We acknowledge the appointments of both the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso. The mobilization of agricultural associations with all their contributions to work together will form part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in attempts to boost the sector, expand production, grow the economy and create employment,” he said.
Sambatha said he will additionally engage with all stakeholders of the department around the province for a meet and greet session in the coming weeks to kick-start planning for the new administration.
Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono, together with Head of Department, Thupi Mokhatla, handing over tractor to Daniel Soya at Goedgevonden village/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said in an effort to bridge the gap between the commercial, emerging and subsistence farmers, her department handed over agricultural mechanization to Daniel Soya in Goedgevonden village, who is a soybeans producer.
Mohono said this was part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsa Lerole.
“The mechanization, which includes a tractor, planter and harvester amongst others, is one way of addressing food insecurity in the province. The use of agricultural mechanization is significant for smallholder farmers because it advances production efficiency, reassures large-scale production, and increases the quality of farm produce.
“We are committed to ensuring that farmers have access to contemporary agriculture mechanization that would enhance their productivity in this competitive environment,” she said.
Mohono further said they want to maximize and increase the potential net worth of the agriculture sector and improve its contribution to the agricultural sector. She added that, to contribute towards achieving provincial priorities, mechanization encourages large-scale production and enhances the quality of farm produce from smallholders.
“Without proper mechanization, the development of the sector with smallholder black farmers as meaningful participants in the economy will be greatly affected, thus farmers will be compelled to change land use from agriculture to other lucrative non-agricultural uses.
“The implements were one way to address food insecurity and the mechanization would increase household food production,” said Mohono.
She said agricultural mechanization has significantly aided, which is an enhancement of the farming community in the overall economic upliftment. Mohono said the usage of agricultural mechanization by smallholder farmers has produced an increase in farm returns than those with no agricultural mechanization usage.
Meanwhile, Soya said: “I am very grateful to the department as the cost of mechanization was not affordable. They contributed with mechanization so that I can grow my own produce and maximize food security.
The Guardian 