North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

09/08/2026

🇿🇦 70 YEARS OF WOMEN’S COURAGE, RESILIENCE AND EMPOWERMENT

Today, 9 August 2026, South Africa commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, when more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the extension of Pass Laws and the Urban Areas Act.

Led by iconic women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the march became a defining moment in South Africa’s struggle for human rights, gender equality and social justice.

Their powerful message, “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” — you strike a woman, you strike a rock — continues to inspire generations and reminds us of the strength and resilience of South African women.

As we commemorate this important milestone under the theme “Empowered Women Empower the Nation”, we also recognise the contribution of women who continue to build communities, create livelihoods and strengthen the economy.

In agriculture and rural development, women are at the centre of food production, entrepreneurship, farming, job creation and community development.

Government remains committed to expanding opportunities for women through skills development, access to funding, entrepreneurial support and multi-sectoral partnerships, ensuring that women are empowered to participate meaningfully in key sectors of the economy.

The 70th Anniversary forms part of the broader Milestones of Freedom Campaign, under the theme “Honouring the Past, Delivering the Future.”

As we honour the women who paved the way, we must continue creating opportunities for the women of today and tomorrow.

MEC Madoda Sambatha wishes all women farmers, and all women actively involved in agriculture and rural development, a happy and meaningful Women’s Day.


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07/08/2026

Call for Funding closing date extended to 21 AUGUST 2026

07/08/2026

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development has successfully concluded its four-day oversight programme in the Bojanala District, led by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Sipho Dial, with MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, also joining the final day’s programme.

The day began with a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination and ear-tagging campaign at communal grazing camps in the Rustenburg Local Municipality. The Portfolio Committee and the MEC witnessed the Department’s ongoing efforts to safeguard livestock and the encouraging progress being made towards achieving the province’s vaccination targets.

The programme then moved to the Healthy Life for Achievers Citrus Farm in the Madibeng Local Municipality, where the Portfolio Committee, MEC Sambatha, the farmer, and departmental officials engaged on the challenges facing the project and explored practical solutions to strengthen its sustainability and productivity.

06/08/2026

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development continued its Oversight Week programme today with a visit to Los Mei Cherri in Welgevaal Village, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, in the Bojanala District.

The oversight focused on the Department’s ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) response, where livestock received FMD vaccinations and ear tagging as part of efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, traceability and the protection of the province’s livestock sector.

The visit was led by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Sipho Dial, accompanied by the Chairperson of Chairpersons, Mme Tebogo Modise, and Members of the North West Provincial Legislature. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development delegation was led by the Head of Department, Ms Lebo Diale, together with Chief Director Mme Arlene Dikolomela, the Bojanala District Director and officials from Veterinary Services.

The oversight provided Members of the Legislature with an opportunity to assess progress on the ground, engage with officials and farming communities, and monitor the implementation of critical animal health interventions aimed at safeguarding the province’s agricultural economy.

05/08/2026

MEC Madoda Sambatha condemns the brutal murder of a farmer in Modikwe. The Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Taung Agricultural College Potchefstroom College Of Agriculture Farmer's Weekly SA Department of Land Reform and Rural Development NORTH WEST Provincial Government Agricultural Research Council AgriSETA Farmers Review Africa SABC News North West Office of the Premier - North West Province - South Africa MotswedingFM Grain SA/Graan SA YOUFM 898 Department of Communications & Digital Technologies. The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Farmers Magazine South Africa Madoda Sambatha National Department of Agriculture

04/08/2026

North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Agriculture started its Oversight Week programme with a visit to Ngobi Village in the Moretele Local Municipality, Bojanala District.

Led by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Sipho Dial, the oversight engagement brought together members of the Legislature, officials from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, particularly Veterinary Services and Extension and Advisory Services, and local livestock farmers.

The purpose of the visit was to engage directly with farmers, listen to their concerns regarding departmental services, and assess the progress of programmes aimed at supporting the agricultural sector.

Head of Department, Ms Lebogang Diale, assured farmers of the Department’s continued commitment to combating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), highlighting the ongoing vaccination rollout programme being implemented in partnership with the national Department of Agriculture.

The Portfolio Committee Oversight Week provides an important platform for strengthening accountability, improving service delivery, and ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard as government works towards a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

31/07/2026

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Naledi Local Agricultural Office in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, brought together poultry industry experts to the farming town of Stella to equip backyard and subsistence farmers with practical skills in poultry production, nutrition, biosecurity, disease prevention and meat safety.

Kudos to the Naledi Local Agricultural Office for organising such an impactful knowledge-sharing platform.

Today, farmers leave Stella better equipped, better informed and more confident to grow their poultry enterprises and unlock new opportunities.

Taung Agricultural College Potchefstroom College Of Agriculture Agricultural Research Council Farmer's Weekly SA YOUFM 898 Department of Land Reform and Rural Development MotswedingFM NORTH WEST Provincial Government AgriSETA Farmers Review Africa SABC News North West Office of the Premier - North West Province - South Africa Department of Communications & Digital Technologies. Grain SA/Graan SA Madoda Sambatha Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa Farmers Magazine South Africa Future Farmers Agri-Co

31/07/2026

The Department’s Sustainable Resource Use and Management Unit successfully concluded the final day of the wildfire management training, where farmers took part in practical demonstrations on how to safely extinguish fires and operate a skid unit.

The hands-on training equipped participants with essential fire prevention and firefighting skills to help protect lives, property and natural resources.

The programme was officially closed by Dr Mushia and Mr Malala, who delivered closing remarks on behalf of the Department, thanking all participants and partners for their commitment to strengthening wildfire preparedness and response.

31/07/2026