In the report compiled by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, it states that the locals were persuaded to sell their cattle on the basis that the government would donate dairy cows to them, which never happened. From the evidence that was presented before Zondo, it gives the impression that beneficiaries were told half-truths and were plainly lied to by officials. The project was established with the aim to empower 100 individual small farmers who would each get a donation of 10 cows via government funding.

The dialogue event between the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and young farmers is currently underway. The event happening at the Vreugde Farm in Steynsrus is led by the provincial premier, Sisi Ntombela, together with the Agriculture MEC, Thembeni Nxangisa. Nxangisa explains to OFM News that the purpose of the dialogue is to inform young farmers in the province about the opportunities that the agriculture sector has to offer.

AND

The De Aar Abattoir in the Northern Cape will be able to remain in business after the provincial Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform delivered on their promise to provide them with a permanent state veterinarian.  The announcement that the department has managed to get the service of a private veterinarian to assist at the abattoir was made by MEC Mase Manopole. The process of appointing a veterinarian permanently will be finalised in the current financial year. The appointment will ensure that the abattoir remains registered for the lucrative export market to the European Union, and that the current employment of personnel is guaranteed.

OFM News