The North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono, says while the support shown by strategic partners in advancing women in the agricultural sector is appreciated, substantial and inclusive assistance remains crucial.

Mohono said this last night, 29th August 2013, during a congratulatory ceremony organised by the Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBP), in honour of Chaneng Farming and Primary Co-operative for the Blind, the overall winner of the 2013 North West DAFF Female Entrepreneur Award. The ceremony was held at the Queen’s palace in Sun City.

Mohono who was addressing the gathering on the need for increased support for female farmers, reiterated her contentment about the efforts made by Chaneng Farming and Primary Co-operative for the Blind in promoting household food security, this despite their visual impairment.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment as a department to ensuring that the necessary support is continuously provided to women managed agricultural projects like this one”, said MEC Mohono, adding that the department will ensure that the infrastructure worth R1million won by the co-operative assist them to increase production.

The CEO of Royal Bafokeng Platinum Mr Steve Phiri who insisted that these women’s achievement was worth a celebration, said they demonstrated their zealous intent to work for the communities, irrespective of the hardships they have gone through.

Phiri conceded that the group’s reward came at a time when the mining sector was experiencing its down moments, saying however that, the award serves as a great encouragement for RBP to do more, seeing that Chaneng Farming and Primary Co-operative for the Blind is one of the beneficiaries of the company’s social responsibility programme.

Expressing her gratitude, Ms Ntebo Sedikwe, the Chairperson of Chaneng Farming and Primary Co-operative for the Blind, said they would not have made it, if it was not for institutions such as the Mbeki Trust, Royal Bafokeng Platinum and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“We are certain that the support provided thus far was as a result of our displayed passion for food production and job creation, and not because of our visual challenges. We are honoured by your gesture and words of encouragement. We believe the sky is the limit, and commit to ensuring that the financial and infrastructure support provided are used prudently and profitably”, said Ms Sedikwe.