Source: Mmegi Online
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dorcus Makgato-Malesu revealed over the weekend that of 5,441 farmers who took part in the just ended farming season in Kgatleng, 3,181 were women.

"I think this one is interesting-that more women are actually taking up farming compared to men," she said. She however was worried that lack of rainfall and high temperatures will result in low yields. She also said that social welfare programmes were beginning to bear fruit in the district with 47 beneficiaries registered under economic empowerment and rehabilitation programmes.

"This is a good thing. Although none of the beneficiaries has exited social safety net programmes, there are some who have shown commitment to their projects," she noted. Kgatleng already has 10 horticulture (backyard gardens) and three poultry projects. She further revealed that the training of handy-persons is ongoing.

"The main objective of this training is to equip individual destitute persons or potential destitute persons with skills to erect net shades, install water tanks and water pipes to reticulate water throughout the garden," she said.
The district also has 14 backyard nurseries, and assessments of those who could benefit from the poverty eradication programme are yet to be done.  "Beneficiaries will be assisted to procure material for nurseries established under a budget of P14,825 per person," she said.

She added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development is in the process of identifying beneficiaries who will also receive technical assistance. She was delighted to announce that 19 destitutes sold 35,685 blocks and bricks to make P134,367 since April last year.

"This is a very good achievement considering that one has already completed a one-roomed house up to the roof stage. Another beneficiary has completed a one-roomed house through income generated from the project," she said.

Malesu was speaking at a market day organised by the Kgatleng district. Small business owners from sectors such as nurseries, bee keeping, sewing, knitting, catering, poultry and many others, attended the market day to sell their products and meet fellow business people to share experiences.

 

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