This community meeting was a consequence of the meeting Zokwana had a week ago with various community development committees. During the previous meeting with the community, they expressed their willingness to be assisted with small-scale fishing, as they are a fishing community, as well as assistance with commercialising their agricultural activities in the form of Small Scale Farming.

According to Zokwana, the community has an interest in ecotourism, and says his department will pilot macadamia nut plantations for commercial purposes. He adds that the government will expand their support, and they have already issued fishing rights to fishing cooperatives.

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With only ten days to go before the start of one of the biggest agricultural events in South Africa, the NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show that is held annually in Bothaville in the Free State, is set to significantly boost the economy of the province. 

The show represents national agricultural production and generates millions at the small farming town. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the exhibitors spend about R8 million and visitors spend about R27 million annually on accommodation, food and merchandise. The chairperson of the Nampo Harvest Day committee, Danie Minnaar, tells OFM News the show has grown by leaps and bounds, and this year will see the highest number of exhibitors since the inception of the festival 18 years ago.

He adds the growing number of exhibitors at the show can be attributed to a number of factors, including the positive sales reaction experienced at the show in recent times. Nampo will this year have over 750 exhibitors showcasing new technology and equipment - including 60 additional exhibitors, and about 18 000 visitors are expected to attend the show daily. 

The festival will take place from 14 - 17 May.

OFM News/Michael Thlakudi