AgriBulletin Newspaper November 2020

November 2020

FAR NORTH MEDIA

“ONS SAL HULLE HELP”

Foto: Joe Dreyer

2

November 2020

Publication of: F A R

N O R T H

M E D I A

Personnel Redakteur / Editor Joe Dreyer 072 930 1462 joe@bulletin.us.com Joernaliste / Journalists Roelof de Jonge 078 672 7306 roelof@bulletin.us.com Billy Sibuyi 081 429 2040 billy@reallysa.co.za Drukker/Printer: Novus Print Office: 064 650 7123 Ontwerp / Design Tessa Thompson 079 653 6317 tessa@bulletin.us.com Ontwerp / Design Deborah Varrie debz@bulletin.us.com Bemarking / Marketing Chrizelle Dreyer 082 628 4181 chrizelle@bulletin.us.com Admin / Finance Jacqueline Allan admin@bulletin.us.com

Distribution Tzaneen • Haenertsburg Modjadjiskloof • Mooketsi Letsitele • Gravelotte • Mica Trichardtsdal • Ofcolaco Lenyenye • Nkowankowa Giyani • Phalaborwa

Contact Details Pobus/P O Box 3838, Tzaneen, 0850.

Tel: 015 306 0198 072 930 1462 (Joe) Fax: 086 502 1853 24 Rooibos Street, Tzaneen Copyright © 2020 Far North Bulletin All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or be transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission by Far North Bulletin.

Website Visit our website at www.reallysa.co.za and read the latest news, as well as back copies.

www.reallysa.co.za

FAR NORTH MEDIA

F A R

N O R T H

M E D I A

Treating cattle to prevent malaria ■

Joe Dreyer

It was only after University of Pretoria (UP) graduate Takalani Makhanthisa began her postgraduate studies in entomology that she realised that more than half of South Africa’s cases of malaria occur in the Vhembe District in Limpopo, her home. Now Makhanthisa hopes her research towards her masters, focusing on malaria and other vector-borne diseases, will help make a real difference in the lives of those in her community.

Makhanthisa, who works with the University of Pretoria’s Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, graduated recently during a ceremony held virtually because of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Her BSc degree in genetics and honours in biochemistry at UP also focused on malaria-related projects.

“Growing up I was aware of malaria but I did not know that it was affecting so many people from my district until I went to varsity and started reading more about it at postgraduate level.

I was made aware of its burden when I visited relatives in malaria-endemic villages. I would hear stories of family members’ neighbours who had passed on because of malaria. It is devastating,” she said.

Makhanthisa, who obtained her masters with a distinction, said about 60% of South Africa’s malaria cases occur in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. During her studies, she realised that most malaria-endemic villages in the Vhembe District have lots of livestock. “So, I decided to investigate the malaria and vector-borne disease strategy because I thought this would be feasible in the

region.”

She was awarded the Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship for Entomology in 2018 by the Malaria Consortium, in memory of its co-founder Dr Sylvia Meek who was a leading international scientist in the fight against vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria.

The scholarship was established to ensure future generations of entomologist continue Dr Meek’s legacy.

“I am grateful for such a great opportunity.

I was also a bit overwhelmed because I knew I had to do very well and be an example to future scholars,” she said.

Supervised by Dr Heike Lutermann from UP’s Department of Zoology and Entomology in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, and Professor Leo Braack from Mahidol University in Thailand, Makhanthisa investigated the effectiveness of a possible outdoor malaria vector control strategy: cattle-administered endectocides. “The current malaria control strategies of bed nets and residual spraying are indoor strategies and do not protect people from malaria when they are outdoors. There is a need for development and implementation of an outdoor malaria control strategy,” she explained.

“My findings propose that cattle/

livestock-administered endectocides could potentially be used as an outdoor malaria control strategy if used strategically. This strategy might work in malaria-endemic regions such as the Vhembe District in Limpopo where there are high livestock numbers.”

Endectocides are drugs already used to treat parasites such as ticks and worms in livestock and which, Makhanthisa said, have been found to be effective against the survival and egg production of malaria mosquitoes.

“Treating cattle and other livestock with these drugs in malaria-endemic regions might help reduce malaria-vector mosquitoes and could potentially be implemented as a control strategy.”

She explained that field studies investigating these drugs are limited, and

much research is required before the strategy can be implemented. “To the best of my knowledge, this was the first study in South Africa to investigate the use of cattle-administered endectocides. Such studies have been conducted only in a few other countries.”

Makhanthisa is pleased to have completed her master’s and is grateful for the doors it has opened. “We are getting the first manuscript ready for publication and I am excited about it,” she said, smiling. She has registered for a PhD in medical entomology after being awarded another international scholarship by EcoHealth Alliance, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife and public health from disease.

Letaba Brandwag bedank graag: Hiermee bedank ons die volgende individue / instansies vir hul bydraes vir die verligting van die brandgesteisterde Vrystaat en ook die droogtegeteisterde Karoo : 1. PPS (Muis Joubert) – Vervoer vanaf Tzaneen na Ottosdal.

2. Stefan Van Heerden – Vervoer vanaf Tzaneen na Ottosdal.

3. Gert Koch – Vervoer - 2 trokke (interlinks) vanaf Standerton na Carnarvon.

4. Divan Venter van Standerton vir 2 vragte bale teen kosprys.

5. Anonieme instansie wat die bale betaal het van R 14 000.00.

6. Louina en Willem Oosthuizen, Culles en Heidee du Plooy vir 1 vrag bale.

7. Pierre Homan en Dirk Joubert vir 70 bale.

8. Ian Meintjies vir 200 bale lusern.

9. ADA verspreiders vir skoonmaakmiddels.

10. Johan en Retha Meyer vir 1000 Panado pille.

11. Kobus Herman van Letaba Snacks vir 1000 pakkies Niknaks.

12. Anonieme persoon vir 100 sakke x 12,5kg mieliemeel.

13. Rhino Chemicals vir skoonmaakmiddels.

14. Alfred Scott vir klerasie.

15. Pieter Henning vir 100 behandelde heiningpale.

16. Hannes en Marnus Engelbrecht van Star Trailers vir 2 sleepwaens.

17. NTK Tzaneen wat 50 beeslek-blokke gedeeltelik subsidieer.

18. PA Sales vir 50 kartonne Chakalaka Speserye.

19. Johan Duvenhage vir die reëlings dat VIVA Garage al ons brandstof vir die bakkies sal dek.

20. Maria Barkley vir die 3 x “Boks vir 'n Boer”.

21. AP Kerk en sy lidmate vir die ruim donasies. Dankie, Amalea Alberts vir die reëlings.

22. Sarel Du Toit – R 1 000.00

inbetaling.

23. SJ Auto – R 2060 inbetaling.

24. Peter Meyer – R 1 000.00 inbetaling.

25. Anonieme inbetalings teer waarde van R 30 900.00.

26. Dieter en Anicke Blank, Vanessa en Jacque Pienaar, Willie en Angelique van der Grijp.

27. Whilene en Thys Toerien en Charlene en Juan de Beer vir die verskeidenheid van skenkings.

28. Billy en Mirinda van Staden vir die kontant bydrae.

29. Johan en Lize-Ann van Zyl vir die 4 x “Boks vir ’n Boer”.

30. Lady & The Tramp vir die kontant donasie.

31. Mango rolle van ’n vriend en vriendin.

32. Brenda Kruger vir die bydrae.

33. Imperial Logistics vir 1 x 8-ton koeltrok.

34. Susan Larson en Martella van Zijl vir jul inbetalings.

35. Jasper Visser vir 70 bale lusern 36. Leon, Marina en Luan van Mugg & Bean vir die

verversings en kos Maandagaand.

37. Hansie Hoffmann van die Spur wat ons kom besoek het en vir die dames wat die verpakking gaan doen op Dinsdag- en Woensdagaande van kos gaan voorsien.

38. Sampie Liversage wat so getrou die kos aanry en sorg dat niemand honger ly nie.

39. Alida Liversage vir die reëlings van die kosse.

40. Miami Canners wat 1800 blikkieskos skenk.

41. Giam Fourie wat 10 Palette (1600) koolkoppe skenk 42. Past. Hein Husselman van die AGS gemeente Letsitele vir hul donasie van kruideniersware 43. Thys du Toit vir 10 sakke pampoen en 20 sakke butternuts.

44. Kobus Gouws en Frans Le Grange wat R 5 000.00 kontant geskenk het.

45. Nog Anonieme inbetalings van R 1 300.00 (Totaal nou R 32 200.00)

Projekbestuurders: Groente www.zz2.co.za Vakatures is beskikbaar vir Projekbestuurders in die Limpopo-provinsie.

Ons benodig dinamiese en kundige persone met ‘n passie vir landbou, wat doelgerig en sistematies take kan uitvoer, asook suksesvol kan afhandel binne die ZZ2 etiese kode en

Primêre pligte en verantwoordelikhede sluit in: ● Optimale en effektiewe bestuur, benutting en

aanwending van alle hulpbronne in die boerdery; ● Verbouing van vrugte, groente en ander hoë

waarde produkte; ● Optimalisering van produksieprosesse met die

gevestigde waardestelsel.

oog op verhoogde opbrengs en produktiwiteit; ● Uitvoering en ondersteuning van projekte;

Minimum vereistes wat insluit:

● Kwaliteitsbeheer van uitsette en hantering van

alle personeel aspekte; ● Bewese kennis en ondervinding (minimum 5 jaar) van ● Instandhouding van vaste bates; verbouingspraktyke in landbou; ● Daaglikse uitvoering en bestuur van take inlyn ● Bewese kennis van vestiging van boorde, snoeipraktyke en met die waardes van ZZ2. arbeidswetgewing word verlang; ZZ2 bied ‘n onderhandelbare ● Kandidate met ‘n toepaslike kwalifikasie in landbou of markverwante vergoedingspakket aan. beroepsgerigte opleiding sal voorkeur geniet; ● Kandidate moet oor uitstekende kommunikasie-, Stuur asb u CV per e-pos aan talent@zz2.co.za. probleemoplossing-en besluitnemingsvaardighede beskik; Dui asb in die onderwerplyn, die pos ● Rekenaarvaardigheid asook ondervinding in die gebruik van waarvoor u aansoek doen aan.

Microsoft Office pakket dien as voorvereiste; Sluitingsdatum: Rig navrae aan ● ‘n Geldige rybewys is ‘n vereiste.

13 November 2020

Johané van der Merwe by 066 023 1612, gedurende kantoorure.

www.reallysa.co.za

F A R

N O R T H

M E D I A

FAR NORTH MEDIA

November 2020

3

Kalafatis – the farmer with his head in the clouds ■

Joe Dreyer

“Basically, I’m still farming, but only from up there,” said Eugene Kalafatis with a bit of a chuckle as he pointed towards the sky. “My roots lie in farming as I’m a mac-farmer myself so I understand the orchards and the struggles that accompany them. The only difference is that my tractor has blades and makes one heck of a noise.”

This interesting analogy is where Kalafatis found the inspiration for naming his company “Heli-Tractor” when he first started two decades ago in 2000. Though his base of operations is situated right in the heart of Kwazulu-Natal’s sugar industry, he has been a regular sight in the lowveld sky for many years. Particularly over the orchards in the Letsitele valley. What you see when you look overhead at the red and white chopper whizzing by, is something resembling irrigation pipes protruding from the sides of the craft. These are called irrigation rigs and back in the day, Kalafatis was the guy who literally piloted the very first commercial helicopter ag operation in South Africa.

Since then, Heli-Tractor and Kalafatis have grown and their operations expanded to include operations in a wide range of areas, even rhino relocations and firefighting. Just last year, Bulletin reported on a chopper handover at Letaba Fire Prevention Association in which Kalafatis was heavily involved.

“But my big love remains farming, and in particular crop spraying. Which is why I’ve been spending so much time in the skies over your neck of the woods. The system we employ has proven beneficial and cost-effective to the farmers in this area which has led to a higher demand for our services.”

The “system” he referred to is known as electrostatic spraying. It may sound like a mouthful, and if you really dig into the science behind it, it likely is. But the basic concept is one that is rather simple to explain and very easily understood. The conventional spraying methods, especially with a chopper that generates a lot of down winds, results in the chemicals hovering above the trees for a period as gravity pulls them down.

The spray drifts off with the wind before it hits the plant canopy (this is called drift potential). This causes wastage and losses and although the method is not ineffective, and has been used for many years, it is just not as effective as electrostatic.

Electrostatic spray technology was invented in the early 1930’s and the aim was to improve spray deposition on the canopy. It works on the basic law of opposites attract. In layman’s terms, the water droplets (which the pesticide is diluted with) are charged with a positive charge. The Earth is negatively charged and the two attract one another. The water droplets act as a vessel to transport the chemicals to the plant. With the law of attraction at play, the spray literally drops to the canopy like a blanket without drift and provides exceptional coverage.

Other advantages according to the research conducted on this method of spraying over the last 80 years, is that the size of the droplets can be decreased allowing for a greater surface coverage. This is the reason that electrostatic techniques are employed in the motor vehicle industry when applying paint to the steel body and chassis of motor vehicles.

“Interesting to note is that because of the charging of the droplets, they don’t just cover the top of the leaf, but actually wrap around the bottom as well. If you observe the method in action it seems almost unreal as the droplets behave counter to what you would expect them to. As the charged

spray droplets reach the target, they induce an opposite charge on the plant, thus activating electrostatic forces and attracting the charged droplets to both the upper and under leaf surfaces.”

In summary Basically, the long and the short of it is simply that you save time and money using the electrostatic application system because you use less water, but produce six times the amount of droplets providing superior coverage over much larger surface area. Added to that is a significant decrease in drift potential. For more information on this and other services offered

by Kalafatis and his Heli-Tractor team, head on over to their website www.helitractor.co.za

4

November 2020

www.reallysa.co.za

FAR NORTH MEDIA

F A R

N O R T H

M E D I A

Drie Sanparke personeel vas oor renosterhorings ■ Joe Dreyer Drie Sanparke-werknemers is vandeesweek met ‘n stel pas gestroopte renosterhorings in hul besit betrap. Twee van die drie boosdoeners was as veiligheidswagte binne in die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin in diens, terwyl hul makker in die tegniese afdeling by ‘n onbekende ruskamp in dié wildtuin werksaam was.

Volgens SANParke se woordvoerder, Ike Phaahla, is die drie werknemers net buite die Kruger-hek vasgetrek nadat die voertuig waarin hulle gery het, deur beamptes agternagesit is. Hulle is binne in die motor met die renoster horings gevang. Die inhegtenisneming het blykbaar Dinsdagmiddag afgespeel.

Op sy beurt het die besturende direkteur van die Krugerwildtuin, Gareth Coleman, gesê dat voorvalle soos hierdie ‘n klap in die gesig van die organisasie is. In ‘n onderhoud met die media het hy gesê dat wanneer Sanparke-werkers vir renosterstropery gevang word, verloor ander werknemers asook die publiek, hul vertroue in die organisasie. “Dit is altyd ontmoedigend waaneer ons eie personeel by kriminele aktiwiteite betrokke is.

Hierdie tipe voorvalle het ‘n invloed op ver-

troue tussen werknemers wat dan weer ‘n uitwerking het op ons verantwoordelikheid om op te tree as ‘n effektiewe bewaringsowerheid wat die inwoners van Suid-Afrika dien.”

Die VF Plus het die inhegtenisneming van die drie werknemers verwelkom. “Die inhegtenisneming stuur 'n sterk boodskap uit aan amptenare wat na bewering by stropery betrokke is dat hulle met die volle mag van die gereg te doen sal kry indien hulle hul skuldig maak aan hierdie soort misdaad,” het Werner Weber, VF Plus LP in Mpumalanga, gesê. “Die VF Plus dring aan op ‘n swaar vonnis indien die persone skuldig bevind word om as afskrikmiddel te dien vir ander voornemende stropers.”

Oor die afgelope paar maande het wetstoepassers verskeie inhegtenisnemings gemaak as deel van ʼn omvattende optrede teen stroping. In die laaste kwartaal het Sanparke 16 vermeende stropers in die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin in hegtenis geneem en beslag gelê op sewe swaarkaliber-gewere. Altesame 410 stroper-aktiwiteite is waargeneem. Daar is steeds 166 renosters in net die eerste helfte van 2020 gestroop.

“Hierdie inhegtenisnemings is van kritieke belang om dié bedreigde spesie te bewaar,” het Weber bygevoeg.

Dendron three denied bail ■ Joe Dreyer Magistrate Charlene Govender rejected the bail application of the three suspects in the attack on Chris and Leonise Joubert of Dendron, and they will remain in custody until the trial commences. The attack happened on the 6th of August this year, and the suspects were apprehended through rural safety structures within six hours. There is no set trial date yet.

Since the arrest of the suspects, one who has been identified as being the son of the Joubert’s domestic worker, hundreds of farmers from the Tzaneen, Letsitele, Gravelotte, Mooketsi and surrounding areas arrived at the court in Soekmekaar to show their support. The trail was postponed the first time for further investigations, the second time due to loadshedding and the third time because there was not enough time to hear the testimonies of all three suspects. The continious postponement led many within the farming communities to feel

Be a better YOU! Health & Fitness Gym . Cnr Windsor & Agatha St, Tzaneen. 073 265 2650 • 076 413 9257

frustrated, and fuelled pre-existing tensions that eventually escalated to the events that occurred in Senekal earlier this month.

Magistrate Govender mentioned the immense economic impact of a farm attack, especially in Limpopo where agriculture is the biggest direct and indirect employer, in the Morebeng (previously Soekmekaar) Magistrate’s Court. She referred to the social unrest and political polarisation a farm attack causes in a community.

The TLU SA and the community around Dendron in Limpopo are overjoyed that the court acknowledges the value of farmers in the economy.

“We are convinced the courts took note of the peaceful protest at the Soekmekaar Magistrate’s Court, as well as the demonstrations in Hartswater, Thabazimbi and Naboomspruit,” said Drickus Botha, the regional manager of TLU SA in the North. “We are happy they noticed the pain such an attack causes in a community. We want to thank each person who took part, for their support. It played an important role.”

Limited space Book your spot at reception

Fitbox every Monday & Wednesday @ 17:10

www.reallysa.co.za

F A R

N O R T H

M E D I A

November 2020

5

AFASA mourns Dr Mahlati Yellow streaks over ■ blue skies Jeff Jackson

October 13th 2020, was a devastating day to African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) members, leadership and the entire agricultural sector because no single farmer nor any person would have thought that today AFASA will be mourning the untimely death of its leader and President, Dr Vuyo Mahlati. This was the heartfelt statement released by AFASA at the news of the death of the much-loved Dr Mahlati.

Revered by many of her peers within the agricultural sector, one of the sharpest and loudest voices for the commercialisation of black farmers is no more.

“Dr Mahlati will be remembered for speaking for the poor and voiceless black farmers in the country. The South African farming community, agricultural sector and the landless masses of our country will remember this President of AFASA, and also as the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture,” said AFASA National Chairperson, NH Masithela. “Besides being the leader in the agricultural sector she will also be remembered as the voice of the struggle for women’s emancipation and economic empowerment”, Ntuthu Mbiko-Motshegoa from the AFASA’s women’s desk chair reiterated.”

As a result of her passing, from today when discussing the transformation of the agricultural sector with other stakeholders and particularly government, AFASA delegation without Dr Vuyo will be poorer. Her passing on has robbed the country and the industry of her valuable contribution for the development and monitoring of the country’s agriculture transformation plan and inclusive agribusiness sector

plan. The details of her death were never made public and it is reported that she died from an undisclosed illness.

“Dr Vuyo Mahlati passed on just a few days after government gazetted the revised Expropriation Bill which is now subject to parliamentary processes. Her death also came just a few days after minister Didiza announced the distribution of state land (700 000 hectares) to the landless farmers”, explained AGRA chairperson Mike Gcabo. “Both milestones have Dr Mahlati’s fingerprints all over them.”

REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Grow essential skills today to secure a future for tomorrow

Plant Production Mixed Farming Systems

• Control pests, diseases and weeds on all responsibly • Store and control agrochemical products responsibly • Handle and store cleaning equipment and materials • Maintaining Occupational Health and Safety

• Demonstrate an understanding of Occupational Hygiene • Handle, transport, store and utilize hazardous construction site • Controlling hazardous/ dangerous and dangerous goods • Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace

•

by road

• Identify and use equipment in general construction • Operational courses for tractors, forklifts, cranes, front end loaders and more

A WORKFORCE HOLDINGS COMPANY

■

Joe Dreyer

You’ve seen them flying around the orchards in the Greater Tzaneen region for many years.

In fact, the yellow planes have become somewhat iconic to the area. Sandriver Crop Protection is based in Tzaneen and specialise in agricultural spraying, seeding and dusting. As a family-owned and managed business, they carry with them the advantage of community awareness. They know the area and the families that farm within it, intimately and have successfully protected their precious livelihoods for more than 16 years.

The legend of the crop sprayer pilots is far reaching and, in the industry, they are believed to be some of the best pilots in the world because of the extremely low-altitude and speeds they operate at. But there is a lot more to being a successful crop sprayer than the ability to show off your skills in the cockpit. Pilots need to be familiar with the orchards and the pests they are targeting on any given day. They must have a feel for their environment and understand the mechanism and delivery methods of a variety of chemicals and their applications. Sandriver Crop Protection pilots are well versed in the needs of their farming communities and have proven to be a vital component to any agricultural operation.

But is there really a difference between

fixed wing applicators and helicopters? Is the one better than the other, or is it a question of preference? “Well it’s truly a simple answer, they are the same, but different,” explained Leon de Lange, Financial Manager at Sandriver Crop Protection. “Both are vital in the combat against pests, they both perform the same function, and both require skilled pilots. The only difference is in the environment. Big fields, big running, the airplane excels. Small fields, a lot of obstacles and congested areas, the helicopter excels.”

Though Sandriver Crop Protection employs mainly fixed wing aircraft in their arsenal, but their sister company, Sandriver Rotor Services offer the services of a Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter. With the use of this chopper, they can offer services like game counting, agricultural spraying and even specialised charter services.

To add to their impressive resumé, Sandriver Crop Protection operates satellite bases in 10 areas which include sites from Tzaneen to Mozambique, Prieska and Parys. They specialise in Fruit Fly baiting, cover crop seeding, spraying, fertilizing, sterile insect distribution and night-time aerial applications.

Their fixed wing fleet consists of three Air Tractor 502B’s, four Air Tractor 402 A’s, one Air Tractor 301 and a Piper PA25. Their sister company Sandriver Rotor Services, utilizes a Robinson R44 chopper.

6

November 2020

www.reallysa.co.za

FAR NORTH MEDIA

F A R

N O R T H

M E D I A

Maruleng to plant maize in winter ■ John Mthembi Rarely does efforts and initiatives to stimulate food security programs by agents of change cater for indigenous knowledge of targeted communities. Yet such a missing dimension could in some instances add value, and thorough commitment to the utmost use of scarcely available resources, towards food production, and in a way be a strategic point for science and technology reception.

Climate change and its impact, manifests itself in several ways particularly amongst small scale farmers. Not only to farmers around Maruleng municipality which is found in the Mopani district of the Limpopo province, but throughout the country. Quite noticeable is rain fall patterns and its uneven distribution even within one district. Together with such unfavorable weather and climatic conditions are appearances of pests and diseases which were previously unknown. Not only to small scale farmers but to all the farming community. The Fall Army worm being a typical example. Despite of all its devastating effects to grain producers, at Maruleng it triggered in a process of thorough consultations and learning amongst all role players towards finding an affordable and sustainable solution for this problem. As spraying with chemicals just could not be afforded due to its cost.

Consultations for affordable and sustainable solutions.

To address this problem which constitutes a huge threat to food security in the country, extension officers in the area had to consult with role players like chemical supply companies and traditional authorities for their inputs. Interestingly, from one chemical supplier company the following valuable inputs were recommended: • Use or planting of BT seeds • Winter maize planting Indeed, these were found to be valuable inputs as BT seeds are said not to be much attacked by worms. Winter maize planting was recommended as it is said that in cold areas, the worm is not prevalent. Therefore, it could be assumed that during the winter season its effects could be less than experienced during summer seasons. Small scale farmers at Maruleng produce maize during the summer season and under rain fed conditions. That had been the practice for generations.

The two valid inputs require a shift of mind and practice from the conventional production patterns. And a learning atmosphere and attitude between both officials and the community had to be set. The Mohlabe Traditional authority was consulted and a trial project idea discussed and agreed upon. The trial pro-

ject was staged at Sofaya scheme at the wetland portion. The portion is being used by both farmers from Mahlomelong and Sofaya villages for both vegetables and grain production.

Benefiting from indigenous knowledge For the learning process to be informative and successful, different types of maize cultivars were planted on the plots of eight farmers. Amongst them were two BT maize cultivars. The rest were the usual high yielding cultivars. Farmers were also allowed to carry out the process in accordance with how they prefer to do it and think it is right to do so. Hence small quantities of ordinary maize grains from a milling company was planted on three rows. Planting took place in the first week of May 2019. Monitoring of production practices were regularly done with the eight group of farmers.

Obserations during the project During the project life, the following observations were made: • BT maize cultivars were less affected by worms • Those not of BT were seriously affected by worms • Ordinary grains from milling companies planted as seeds were also seriously affected by worms despite all having been spayed for protection purposes.

• Indeed, watering or irrigation was not that much intensive.

• At one plot the farmer removed all the tussles from her maize.

That with the belief that the practice positively influences the quality of the cob.

Farmers day event.

On the 2nd of September 2019 a farmer’s day was held under the theme “Ensuring food security from marginal land.” where the wetlands community of producers, traditional authority and officials of Agriculture, Land and Rural Development, Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism came together at the project to learn on how the project went. Participants had the opportunity to share experiences as explained by plot owners. At this event Mr. Daniel Mathole from Tzaneen Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism highlighted to farmers and officials the importance of proper wetlands management to ensure food security. “Land is a scarce resource and does not increase yet as we can see today, from this marginal portion food can be produced throughout the year,” he said.

Encouraging signs of the project.

Much could be learnt from this project towards achieving the goal of sustainable food production. That ordinary small-scale farmers in their environment could produce and sell good quality maize at this time of the year is quite encouraging. Also, that maize

could be produced twice a year by the same Small-scale farmers was indeed encouraging. “Thanks to the willingness of all role players to learn together. Combining indigenous knowledge with improved production practices could strengthen productivity towards ensuring food security within rural areas.” Said Rirhandzu Shingange an Agricultural Advisor responsible for the project.” We must continue with the learning process until we come up with the most suitable and affordable production practice to our area. Through the project we as agents of change towards better living are coming closer to what we should do and also how to do it. That will save us from a hit or miss type of development approach. However, a single trial is not enough. As indeed general rules cannot be made from a single observation,” she concluded.

Concluding remarks.

In conclusion, Daniel Baloyi from the Mopani district offices attached to the Crop Production Component assured the farming community at this event that proper care of scarcely available resources like marginal land for food production, is in the interest of the department. Hence such an initiative deserved full support. “Also with the next project which you have already planned to implement towards the end of this month we shall always be with you. Particularly that we are also learning how best indigenous knowledge could be used with modern practices to ensure food security”, he explained. Mohlabe who spoke on behalf of the Mohlabe Royal Council assured the community of the royal council’s support throughout all production programs.

For your wireless Communication needs, contact us!

Call Centre: 086 101 7488 • Fax: 086 606 4606 •Email: info@letaba.net