MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa Conducts Oversight Visit to GDARD-Funded Projects in West Rand

Today, MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa led an unannounced oversight visit to several GDARD-funded initiatives in the West Rand, engaging directly with farmers, school projects, and community food gardens. The visit aimed to assess progress, understand challenges, and strengthen support for local agricultural projects.

The day began at Zuurberkom Clinic, where the department supports the facility’s garden through production input starter packs and technical advisory services. The garden provides fresh produce to patients on chronic medication, promoting health and enhancing food security. MEC Ramokgopa highlighted the importance of such projects in addressing both nutrition and wellbeing within the community.

Next, the MEC visited DK Piggery, where farmers shared challenges related to production, market access, and sustainability. Ramokgopa stressed the need to explore ways to aggregate support for the piggery sector, enabling small-scale farmers to access resources, markets, and training collectively. This approach aims to strengthen sector resilience and long-term growth.

The visit concluded at Zuurberkom Primary School’s Seeds of Life Project, a school-based agricultural initiative that empowers learners and the wider community. The program provides practical experience in food production while inspiring the next generation of farmers. MEC Ramokgopa praised the project for fostering agricultural skills and promoting community engagement.

Through these oversight visits, GDARD continues to ensure accountability, support sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen the impact of agricultural projects across communities. The department’s hands-on approach underscores its commitment to empowering farmers, improving nutrition, and promoting inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.