Both black and white farmers indicated during the Small Stock Production Information Day on 3 April 2012 at Hlahla (Moletji area) that they have the responsibility of providing food for the whole nation regardless of colour. They said they were not comfortable with the description of black farmers as emerging farmers.



It would be better to say “the previously disadvantaged farmers than emerging farmers” said one farmer; Mr Lesiba Sebothoma. Sebothoma suggested that farmers must cooperate with one another. “We are all farmers irrespective of colour. What is important is to know your neighbour, black or white.  We [Black farmers] must make friends with them. Let us learn from them. We can talk and talk, but poverty will never go away unless if we go back to farming,” he continued.

Mr Raymond Read, the member of Bosveld Dorper Club and Breed Inspector throughout the province, who gave a talk and demonstration on goat and sheep breeding, said white farmers were willing to assist their black counterparts. He also warned that farming required determination. “Don’t touch farming if you don’t love it. You must have passion. If you are a farmer, you will never go hungry. Nothing on this earth just happens. It needs planning. We can’t teach you everything in one day, but we are willing to help you,” said   Read.

Limpopo Agriculture MEC, Mr Jacob Marule expressed appreciation of the cooperation between black and white farmers in Capricorn. Marule told farmers that production was more important whether it came from black or white farmers. He asked experienced white farmers to share their knowledge with black farmers.

“I am overwhelmed by what I saw today. Let us work together; farmers and government. You are the government. Let us not have armed chair farmers. You are not born a commercial farmer; you work to become a commercial farmer.
“We will not sit in offices but we will assist you irrespective of colour or gender. My doors will always be open to you. The youth in this area and in Limpopo are encouraged to enter into the agricultural sector to demystify the notion that agriculture is for the old people,” said the MEC.