Chief Directorate: Corporate Services

AgriCentre Building Cnr. Dr. James Moroka and Stadium Rd Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735 Republic of South Africa Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684 Fax: +27(18) 384 4571 E-mail: [email protected]

CHIEF DIRECTORATE: CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES MEDIA RELEASE

MEC Mohono’s engagement with farming community gains momentum

Monday, 5th November 2012

Mahikeng: The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has in its concerted effort to enhance the dissemination of agricultural information among its external clients, forged an enlightening relationship with Motsweding FM and four community radio stations across the districts of the province.

The partnership with the national broadcaster, Motsweding FM, is seeing MEC Desbo Mohono steering as the department’s Chief Communicator. The 20 minutes-long discussions on agricultural services are broadcast live every first and last Monday of each month, from 20h25 till 20h45.

The partnership with the four community radio stations which started two years ago, has been enhanced to give the farming communities a platform to share their successful farming experiences with the local communities, while not leaving out information on amongst others, departmental support programmes, livestock and crops

WE BELONG WE CARE WE SERVE production, land-care, veterinary services, trade and marketing, and other information that might be of benefit to farmers and prospective farmers. The 30 minutes-long structured slots on Mafikeng FM and Radio Mafisa are aired on the second and last Wednesday of each month from 14h15 and 15h30 respectively, while the broadcasts on Vaaltar FM and Star FM are every second and last Thursday of each month from 14h00 and 15h30 respectively.

Mohono says the department’s resolve to promote integration of its communication channels will contribute greatly towards ensuring an informed community, more so agriculture is viewed as a sector that affects all of us.

“ Information is liberating, particularly when it is shared using the language that is understood better by the community,” said MEC Mohono who urged community members to be part of this information dissemination platform by listening, as that will help them to better manage their approach to being part of the sector.

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Issued by the Directorate Communication Services Contact Person: Bonolo Mohlakoana (Ms) 082 901 2435 / 018 389 5719 [email protected]

WE BELONG WE CARE WE SERVE