MEC MANOPOLE INDUCTS THE NEWLY ELECTED YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE.
29 November 2022
The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform held a successful two-day Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) conference in Upington from 27-28 November 2022, with the theme: "Fighting for Youth inclusive economy, barriers to entry within the sector and celebrating 15 Years of YARD in existence."
The YARD structure, which is overseen by the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, has been in existence nationally since 2007. Some of the main objectives of YARD are to encourage and promote the active participation of youth in the agricultural sector, and to respond appropriately by implementing relevant programmes, policies and services.
Speaking to the youth and the newly elected office bearers of YARD, MEC Mase Manopole, urged the youth to refrain from employing old methods of farming that were used by the older generation before them, and begin to be innovative in order to modernise the sector.
She further challenged delegates to come up with resolutions that are aligned with the Provincial Government's vision of a "Modern, Growing and Successful Northern Cape."
"There are lots of opportunities which are lying ahead of you, to mention but just a few; the Northern Cape has been identify as a leader in both green hydrogen and solar energy. As a Province, we are boasting strong winds and scorching sun rays, which generates loads of megawatts into our Provincial energy grid. The agriculture sector can be a big beneficiary because in terms of food security, we will be able to generate our own electricity to pump water from the dams and store our produce in a cool place."
"Majority of our corporates which are supported by the Department, are owing millions of rands to Eskom. That is preposterously unbelievable, because that is eating from their profit and savings. Hence I am saying, we need to change how we do business, by being more innovative and take advantage of natural benefits brought about by the winds and the sun," said MEC Manopole.
MEC Manopole sad through YARD, "we see agriculture evolving and reaching a stage where it can be more attractive to the young generation."
"However, we need to work harder, to get more young people involved in the sector as professionals and entrepreneurs who will be able to contribute to the agricultural value chain. The National Youth Policy places young people as key players in the development of their lives, communities, nations, the continent and globally.
MEC Manopole said for the youth development agenda to unfold, there was a need to involve key stakeholders who will be willing to work in partnership with young people through corporations and mentorships. "Big agricultural corporations in the Province should be persuaded to partner with young and upcoming agricultural entrepreneurs and professionals to develop their skills, as part of a long-term solution, which will open opportunities for the youth to participate in and take advantage of what the Northern Cape has got to offer," she said.
There were some good stories to tell from some of the youth delegates about their successes, and how the department assisted them.
One such story was from Letlhogonolo Leserwane from Kuruman. He is cultivating chilies from his backyard. It took him some laborious efforts and research to ultimately cultivate a certain cultivar of chillies, the Thai Chillies. From these, he produces sauces and chilli archer. Currently he has five permanent employees. This product is very popular in Kuruman and surrounding areas and the demand for this unique sauce is soaring. Leserwane's ultimate goal is to see his product in major retail stores.
The second day of the conference, delegates were addressed by various stakeholder sectors about services that they offer that can enhance their entrepreneurial endeavours in agriculture. Some of these organisations were, Land Bank, Raisins SA, Agriseta, Rural Development, SEDA and NYDA.
Delegates were challenged to deliberate challenges affecting them and also come up with solutions. These were done through commissions to discuss the following:
- Lack of access to water.
- Lack of funding.
- Lack of markets.
- Lack of access to water.
- Effects of climate change.
The conference closed by successfully announcing the following committee members to lead the YARD Provincial structure for 5 years:
Chairperson : Kgomotso Itumeleng,
Deputy Chairperson : Nqobile Khumalo,
Secretary : Neo Masenge,
Deputy secretary : Elvin Britz,
Treasurer : Bulelani Matole,
The MEC congratulated the newly elected committee members and called on them to champion issues confronting young people in the Province.
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Issued by Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Affairs. For more information, please contact: Zandisile Luphahla, Media Liaison Officer on 083 391 5388, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.