Category: English

For emerging farmer Thapelo Madumo, farming is more than growing vegetables; it is an opportunity to build a future, create opportunities and contribute to his community.

With support from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Madumo is gaining access to infrastructure and agricultural extension services that are helping him strengthen his farming enterprise and look towards growth.

His experience took centre stage on Tuesday, when North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha officially handed over the Cassper Agri-Life Vegetable Packhouse in Mogogelo Village, Moretele Local Municipality.

For farmers like Madumo, access to facilities to handle and prepare produce for the market can make a significant difference. Without adequate infrastructure, smallholder and emerging farmers often struggle with post-harvest losses, maintaining product quality and meeting the requirements of formal markets.

The new packhouse aims to help overcome these challenges by providing facilities for grading, sorting, washing, packaging and storing vegetables before they are distributed to market.

“I am truly grateful for the packhouse and the extension services that I have been receiving. These resources have strengthened my farming journey and given me confidence to grow and improve,” Madumo said.

He said the support has helped him appreciate that farming is not only about producing food but also building a sustainable future.

“The guidance and support from the department have shown me that farming is not just about producing food; it is about building a future and creating opportunities,” he said.

While government support can open doors, Madumo believes aspiring farmers must also be prepared to put in the work.

He urged young people interested in agriculture to take the first step, remain disciplined and approach farming with the commitment required to build a viable business.

“My advice is simple. You need to start and put in the work before you can ask for help from the department. Farming requires commitment and discipline. You need to change your attitude as farmers, embrace hard work, and show dedication. Once you take that step, support will follow and you will see the difference it makes,” Madumo said.

His message reflects the broader objective of the department’s investment in agricultural infrastructure: helping emerging farmers move beyond production challenges and build enterprises that can compete in the market.

The Cassper Agri-Life facility is expected to increase vegetable production, improve market access for local farmers and create employment opportunities in Moretele.

The department funded and established a fully equipped packhouse, production tunnels, a borehole, a backup generator and mobile cold room facilities. Together, these resources are intended to improve production capacity, preserve the quality of harvested vegetables and help farmers reach wider markets.

For emerging farmers, the ability to handle and store produce properly is an important step towards reducing losses and improving the returns on their hard work.

The facility is the third agricultural packhouse launched by the department as part of its efforts to strengthen agricultural production, agro-processing and rural economic development across the province.

It follows the opening of the MOR Farming Packhouse in Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality and the Jantjies Boerdery Lucerne Packhouse in Greater Taung Local Municipality.

While the vegetable packhouses provide facilities to prepare fresh produce for the market, the lucerne packhouse supports fodder producers with baling, packaging and storage services.

Speaking at the recent handover ceremony, Sambatha said investments in agricultural infrastructure are essential to creating an enabling environment in which farmers can grow their businesses, access markets and contribute to food security.

“The department remains committed to creating an enabling environment for farmers to thrive. Through strategic investments in agricultural infrastructure, we are improving market access, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that farmers can participate meaningfully in the agricultural value chain while contributing to food security and rural economic development,” Sambatha said.

Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Executive Mayor, Suzan Nthangeni, said Moretele has significant agricultural potential and encouraged residents to make use of available opportunities and support services.

“Moretele is a home of agriculture, and we must stand up and use that strength. Our community members should make full use of the municipality and the DARD offices to access information that can uplift them,” Nthangeni said.

Nthangeni also called for more young people from Moretele and Bojanala to pursue opportunities in agriculture.

“Farming is the future, and it will bring us joy to see more young people from Moretele and Bojanala succeed in the agricultural sector,” she said.

For Madumo and other emerging farmers, the value of the investment will ultimately be measured by the opportunities it creates to grow their enterprises, reach more customers and build sustainable livelihoods.

With better facilities and continued agricultural support, the packhouse is expected to strengthen local farming businesses while contributing to employment creation and economic growth in the North West. – SAnews.gov.za
 

0

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received 868 626 applications for the 2027 funding cycle since applications opened on 18 September 2026.

According to the latest application dashboard earlier this week, female applicants account for 616 558 (70.98%) of the total applications, while male applicants make up 252 068 (29.02%).

Of the applications received, 800 382 are from prospective university students, while 68 244 are from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college applicants.

The figures also show that 653 778 applicants are South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries, while 214 848 are non-SASSA applicants.

NSFAS has thanked prospective students who have submitted their applications and reminded those who have not yet applied that the closing date is 31 October 2026, with no extensions.

READ | NSFAS 2027 application cycle opens

Applications can be submitted through the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za or via the official NSFAS mobile application.

“Applicants must ensure that their information is accurate and complete and that all required supporting documentation is submitted,” the  NSFAS said in a statement.

NSFAS has also warned applicants against fraudulent social media accounts and unauthorised individuals who demand payment for application assistance or promise guaranteed funding.

“These platforms are not authorised by NSFAS, and applicants are urged to exercise caution, protect their personal information, and never pay individuals or organisations claiming to facilitate or guarantee an NSFAS application or funding outcome.

“NSFAS applications must be submitted through official platforms, and no one can guarantee a funding outcome. Suspected fraud can be reported anonymously to the NSFAS Fraud and Corruption Hotline at speakup@nsfas.org.za,” NSFAS said.

Prospective students are encouraged to consult NSFAS’s official communication platforms for application guidance and updates.

Within the first four days of the application window, the scheme had received 51 474 funding applications. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recorded an overwhelming response to its online recruitment drive for 5 500 police trainees, with 156 131 profile registrations recorded nationwide in less than 24 hours after the portal opened at midnight on Wednesday.

The recruitment drive invites South Africans under the age of 35, irrespective of race or gender, who meet the requirements to apply for an opportunity to pursue a career in policing and contribute to the fight against crime.

“Of the 156 131 individuals who registered profiles, 78 473 completed the profile verification process. A further 53 716 initiated their applications, while 29 013 successfully completed and submitted their applications through the online portal.

“Given the high volume of traffic, prospective applicants are urged to exercise patience when accessing the portal and completing their applications. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that they meet all the requirements and submit their applications before the closing date,” the police said.

Eligible applicants who have no criminal record and no pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal: https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/

 The closing date for applications is 13 November 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) are today participating in the Lesotho–South Africa Steering Committee (STEERCO) meeting aimed at strengthening border management operations.

“The upcoming meeting in Ladybrand [in the Free State] will provide South Africa and Lesotho with an opportunity to advance bilateral discussions on shared border-management priorities and strengthen cooperation towards more secure, efficient and integrated border operations,” the BMA and SARS said ahead of Thursday’s meeting.

Key areas of discussion include progress on the joint action plan, smart-border initiatives, One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) arrangements at Maseru and Ficksburg, border infrastructure and the Border Operating Model.

“Other agenda items include risk management, traveller processing, enabling legislation and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) pilot. The discussions will contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination between the two countries, improve border operations and support regional trade and economic development,” the two parties said in a joint statement.

The meeting forms part of the World Bank–Southern Africa Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (SARTFP) Technical Joint Working Group and Steering Committee engagements aimed at strengthening border management and trade facilitation in the region.

The BMA’s participation at the meeting is led by Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, while the revenue services’ participation is led by Director of Customs Border Operations, Ports of Entry and Customs Compliance, Beyers Theron.

SARS and the BMA said the meeting follows previous engagements held in Oshoek in August 2026, which involved South Africa and Eswatini, and Komatipoort in September 2026, involving South Africa and Mozambique.

The engagements focused on trade facilitation, border reform and the implementation of joint action plans to improve border efficiency and facilitate the movement of people and goods across the region. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

0

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that a reported bomb threat involving FlySafair flight FA388 was successfully de-escalated at King Phalo Airport in East London in the Eastern Cape.

Passenger Services received a call reporting a bomb threat involving the flight at 07:59 on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

The relevant terminal supervisor and airport security were notified, prompting the activation of established security protocols.

“I wish to assure all travellers and users of our ACSA airports that the situation was successfully handled by all relevant authorities and that all passengers and crew are safe,” ACSA Acting CEO Charles Shilowa said in a statement.

ACSA operational teams, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Fire Chief, the bomb squad, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities immediately coordinated the security response through the Emergency Control Centre (ECC).

“By the time the aircraft landed, all emergency protocols had been activated. The necessary personnel, emergency vehicles and bomb squad were positioned in the designated isolation area, away from the terminal, to receive the aircraft and conduct the required security checks.

“At 09:38, the pilot authorised passengers to disembark. A comprehensive explosives-detection sweep was conducted in accordance with all applicable aviation procedures, airport safety requirements and SAPS protocols,” ACSA explained.

Once all required checks had been completed, the incident was resolved and formally stood down at 10:58, allowing airport operations to continue.

Business continuity plans were activated alongside the emergency procedures, ensuring that there was no further risk to lives.

“ACSA urges members of the public, travellers and all airport users to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity, unattended items or other security concerns to the nearest airport security official or staff member.

“Members of the public should not investigate suspicious items. Instead, they should follow all instructions from airport personnel and security officials, as cooperation is essential to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment. ACSA remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.” – SAnews.gov.za

8