15 Apr 2024

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Mr Tumiso Rakgare on Saturday went on a familiarisation tour of small stock farming and Tsabong Cultural Centre projects in and around Tsabong.

The visit forms part of the countrywide tour of various projects that were funded through the Youth Development Fund (YDF).

One of the YDF beneficiaries, Tlotlo David said she got P95 000 from the fund and managed to buy 52 goats, which she keeps at the Berry Bush Farm, near Tsabong Camel Park.

The 20-year-old said she decided to follow her dream of becoming a small-stock farmer in 2022. Her initial step was to approach the ministry for financial assistance.

“I used to watch my parents’ livestock business grow, and one thing I am grateful for is their support towards what I do,” she said. Unlike other youth in the farming business, David has fewer  challenges as she has access to free land and water, thanks to a neighbouring farmer.

Her major challenge is predators preying on baby goats.

So far, she has lost 20 kids and a buck. “Nonetheless, I am happy with the project. The grace period for my loan ends in May, thereafter the repayment begins.”

Besides farming, David has a catering business as a side hustle.

Another YDF beneficiary is 30- year-old Tshepang Van Wyk whose project is amongst the Modipane syndicate in a cattlepost on the outskirts of Tsabong.

Van Wyk also got 52 goats last year May through the fund.

“I intend to religiously service my loan so that I will be able to seek further financial assistance from CEDA so that I can increase my flock and start breeding for commercial purposes,” he said.

Sadly for him, predators are a nightmare to his business.

“Also, this area has salty water and this takes a toll on the goats as it dehydrates them. They do not appear healthy at all,” Van Wyk said.He said currently he could not afford to hire anyone as he did not make enough money to pay at the end of the month.

“I run the business on my own and often get help from neighbours, but I am positive and hopeful that I will get ‘there’ one day,” he said.

Mr Rakgare commended David and Van Wyk for using YDF to improve their livelihoods, and also encouraged them to show perseverance and commitment towards their small stock farming businesses.

He also urged them to repay their loans, as failure to so disadvantaged those on the waiting list.

“Remember this is a revolving fund. Please repay the loan component to enable government to sustain the programme. It is also a way of demonstrating your responsibility and accountability,” he said.He also urged the young entrepreneurs to support and learn from one another.

At the Tsabong Cultural Centre, the Programme’s officer, Keabetswe Motswasele took the minister through the facility and shared insights on some of the works they had on display.

The cultural centre is a host to exhibitions by some of the community’s finest contemporary artists and various museum galleries and archives that depicted extensive natural and historical collections. ENDS