North West Women Empowered Through Agricultural Tool Donation in Kabe Village

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has delivered essential agricultural tools to women in Kabe village outside Mahikeng, offering renewed hope and practical support. This initiative aims to strengthen household food security, create livelihoods, and restore dignity within the community. By providing women with the resources to cultivate their own food, the programme encourages self-reliance and promotes sustainable farming practices that benefit future generations. Beyond food production, these tools enable income generation and support local economic growth.

The handover ceremony was led by MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Madoda Sambatha, and attended by MEC for Social Development, Hon. Susanna Basetsana Dantjie, the Chair of Chairs, Hon. Tebogo Modise, traditional leaders of Kabe, and community members. The event highlighted the department’s commitment to empowering women to take charge of food production and economic participation. The gathering showcased the collaboration between government, traditional leadership, and local communities to ensure effective implementation of development initiatives.

One beneficiary, Keabetswe Methikga, shared her gratitude for the support. She explained that the tools would help them farm efficiently, protect crops from birds with nets, and enable consistent production. Methikga emphasized that before receiving the tools, limited resources often prevented proper planting, but now they could grow enough food for their families and even sell surplus produce. This personal account underscores the transformative impact of providing practical resources to rural women in agriculture.

MEC Sambatha highlighted that the tool donation forms part of the Department’s broader mission to empower women and build sustainable food systems. She explained that supporting women in agriculture directly strengthens families, reduces poverty, and boosts food security. “These women are not just beneficiaries; they are producers and partners in the development of our province,” Sambatha said. She also noted that such initiatives help protect communities, especially women and children, from social challenges linked to hunger and poverty.

The traditional leadership of Kabe welcomed the initiative and pledged ongoing support. Kgosana Keesilwe Mokgosi, speaking on behalf of the Royal House, emphasized that empowering women in food production benefits the entire village. He committed to encouraging active participation and ensuring that the tools are used effectively. This partnership between the government and traditional leadership strengthens community engagement and promotes responsible agricultural practices.

The Kabe tool donation represents a practical step in placing women at the centre of agricultural development. It ensures they are active drivers of food production, economic participation, and community resilience rather than passive recipients of aid. Through rural development and food security programmes, similar initiatives will expand across all four districts of North West province. By equipping women with the tools and skills to cultivate their livelihoods, the province fosters self-reliance, reduces dependency, and builds resilient households prepared for the future.