25 Jul 2013

Tonota will host an agricultural show on August 4. The show would provide a platform for business people to showcase their projects.

In an interview on July 23, the chairperson for the organising committee, Mr Motshegetsi Masoba said the show that will be held under the theme: Transforming Agriculture in the Wake of Climate Change, would kick start with an official opening on August 3.

He added that the absence of cattle in the area would not be a blow towards the success of the show, but rather, it was an opportune time for those in any business industry to fully utilise the event.

Mr Masoba said cattle had been the main point of focus for the past shows, but due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that has affected their zone; they would not be let down. He further stated that unfortunately, for those who were rearing either sheep or goats, they would not be able to exhibit during the show because of their restricted movement.

He emphasised that the show would not limit those who had long waited to showcase local products in their village, and it will not even cost them much apart from paying for exhibiting stalls. Mr Masoba said this year, they will broaden the show as big businesses and companies such as Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) would grace it.

He further noted that companies such as CEDA were considered integral in the show as through their services, residents will be capacitated with business skills they have been lacking for years.

He stated that despite the loss of value and collapse of the show in certain villages, for them the secret recipe towards its success is their focus towards its benefit to residents of Tonota.

He said they want to expand the show by building modern stalls for exhibitors to cater for products, which are sensitive to harsh weather conditions such as wind. Concerning the funding, he said they are sponsored by business people and they also ask for donations from individuals.

He said during last year’s show, Tati East MP Mr Guma Moyo pledged a tune of P30 000 to sponsor the show. For his part, the treasurer for the organising committee, Mr Tlhabologo Mmolawa said the payment for stalls varies according to businesses.

He said exhibitors on corporate business will pay P500, single standard businesses P300 and agricultural products will be P150. Furthermore, he said best exhibitors will be awarded by ministry of Agriculture. ENDS