The John Taolo Gaetsewe Business Chamber has begun its outreach programmes on a high note.

This comes after its advisor and patron, Mr Kings Tshabalala, took an emphatic task of revitalising the agricultural sector in the region. He said that the chamber is multi-pronged in its business approach, hence he has taken the agricultural wing as his baby to ensure locals can utilise the land to its optimum.

On October 13, 2018 he a visited village where he held an initial and fruitful meeting with highly enthusiastic farmers under Chief Selao Edward Mothusi. Welcomed by the chief and councillor Dimakatso Josoep for ward 14 in Joe Morolong, Mr Tshabalala presented a hope-laden project aimed at empowering community members in the sector.

The project, he said, if given the positive nod by members, will indeed transform their lives and set a new paradigm shift to the entire community. With sufficient running water and arable land in the spacious village, he said that active farming in the area could be resuscitated as long there is collective insight by the community.

The area used to be a farming hub some years back, but due to lack of resources and support, the pieces of land remain fallow and derelict. Unanimously supported by the councillor, community members welcomed the project idea and concurred with the local chief Selao that the vast village has two agricultural proponents – water and land – but only need supporting implements to kick-start the projects.

In his wrap up response that was inundated with questions from the floor, Mr Tshabalala said that the prospective farmers will need to group themselves according to their project preferences and finally lobby for financial assistance from relevant authorities.

He said that cooperatives have always been credible as long as a common objective is envisaged. Farmers, whether in crop or livestock farming, will be provided with the requisite skills. The initial undertaking will be the creation of an enabling infrastructure with fencing set as a priority.