02 Jul 2019

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Nonofo Molefhi has urged poverty eradication beneficiaries at Nangos cluster garden to show commitment to the project.

Nangos Cluster garden in Tobane was initiated with the aim to improve the lives of the selected living in poverty through production of fresh produce.

The garden started in August 2017 with 10 beneficiaries, but currently has four.

It has been revealed however, that processes are already underway to replace the other six beneficiaries who left for greener pastures, sickness and loss of interest in farming.

Mr Molefhi, who toured the Nangos cluster garden recently, urged the beneficiaries to look for other markets outside Tobane.

He informed them that NAPRO processing plant in Selebi Phikwe was in low supply of carrots and onions, hence encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunity to sell their produce to the plant.

He said the project needed close monitorin and encouraged them to up security.

The two-hectare garden produced 3.6 tonnes of produce in 2017/2018 and 2.7 tonnes in 2019.

The Chairperson of Nangos, Mr Oabile Lesego said though the garden had improved their livelihoods, they had some challenges due to shortage of water and pests.

He said  water from Motloutse River was not enough to water the garden, adding that the Department of Crops built a well for them to augment the water supply, but it had not addressed the problem as it produces only two cubic metres per day.

The beneficiaries have so far produced cabbage, tomatoes, butternut, maize, beetroots, rape, spinach and onions.

They said the first year of production was not profitable because of shortage of water, but Mr Lesego assured the minster that his team were soldiering on despite the challenges.

He called on the government to help by connecting a standpipe for them, which they would use for drinking but not for watering the garden.

He also requested for power connection to make it easier for them to improve security, adding that one hectare of watermelons was stolen last year.

Mr Lesego also requested for the support of government institutions such as schools as currently they only sell to individuals in Tobane and neighbouring Robelela village. Ends