Newly appointed MEC,  Mase Manopole, says mentorship by commercial farmers to small scale farmers is essential in an effort to prepare upcoming farmers to become commercial farmers. OFM News' Christal-Lize Muller spoke to Manopole, who was previously the MEC of Health in the province....

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She says small scale farmers can not be on this level forever. If these farmers don't grown over a period of 15 years, it shows the department is doing something wrong and the necessary support to these farmers are not provided. If  commercial farmers are on board, it will ensure that the industry has the interest of the province at heart.  "I want to work very closely  with commercial farmers," says Manopole. She also wants to meet on a regular basis with farmers to allow a working relationship and provide them with the opportunity to share some of their concerns.  

Manopole says she is excited and passionate  and wants to ensure the Northern Cape is on the map with regard to the produce that the province has to offer. That is why it is important that all roleplayers work together.

She says when she refers to transformation it doesn't implicate she is against all in the sector. "We must work together collectively and move forward together." Manopole adds she is aware of the challenges facing commercial farmers, which include stock theft and invasions on their farms and these are the issues that needs to be addressed collectively.  She is therefor looking forward to working with these farmers to make sure more food is produced and the Northern Cape's economy grows stronger in order to build a modern growing successful province.

With Women's Month fast approaching in August, she is also focusing on creating awareness against gender-based violence, especially in the agriculture industry. Manopole says since the lockdown statistics of gender-based violence have increased, there needs to be greater focus on this to empower more women to be self sustainable. Women need to be informed of policies in government that are there to protect them.

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