21 Oct 2014

Kgalagadi District is one of the areas that receives little rainfall annually and therefore not suitable for livestock farming.

This is the reason why most people are for small stock farming than arable farming. Ms Tshalang Hengari did not shy away to get involved in this lifetime opportunity as she was one of the first people to benefit from LIMID in Omaweneno.

She said she first heard about the programme during a Kgotla meeting in Omaweneno. After the meeting, she searched for more information because she had developed an interest in the programme.

“I haven’t tried my luck in other programmes as most of them have age restriction like YDF so I decided to go with other programmes that favour everyone,” said Ms Hengari explaining why she chose LIMID over other government programmes.

She further explained that after gathering enough information she decided to apply in 2007. Furthermore she said lack of job opportunities made her not to hesitate to take the decision.

She was approved in 2008 and she was given 30 goats, 29 females and a buck. Ms Hengari said they were also provided with money to purchase feed and medicines for the goats.

She explained that her life has changed ever since receiving the goats because she was doing something rather than just sitting home doing nothing. She is determined to live a different and peaceful life and she did not have to worry more about what tomorrow might bring.

She mentioned that she chose goats because during harsh environment they can survive with available shrubs, trees and grass. “Goats can be a major source of income when they are all taken care of and being provided with enough nutrients and they are friendly as they enjoy being around people,” she noted.

She revealed that after three years her goats started multiplying enabling her to sell some so as to fence the yard and build a house for herself. Ms Hengari now stays in her own house with her two children and can put food on the table as well as pay school fees for her children.

She stressed that last year most of her goats were lost due to drought. She is also worried by stray dogs that kill her goats. She also revealed that high cost of veterinary services, long distance to LAC and lack of transport are major challenges that she is facing and sometimes there is short supply of some drugs that she needs for the goats.

She encourages other people to try their luck in the available programmes so that they can live a better life. She thanks God for the opportunity and knows that, “ He will continue blessing me with more as with LIMID my life has now changed for the better.”  Ends