Madoda Sambatha, MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West, handed over Nuguni bulls to 24 farmers.

The handover took place on Friday 13 September at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture.

Mr.T. Mokhatla, HOD, said in his speech about the purpose of the day, that the project received many applications from farmers who were interested in receiving the bulls.

Launched in 2006, the Nguni Cattle Development Project is a collaborative effort between the Industrial Development Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and North-West University. This initiative aims to reintroduce Nguni cattle to the province, enhancing local livestock quality and sustainability. The bulls being distributed have undergone a stringent selection process, including fertility testing, and some have been classified as Stud Bulls, making them prime candidates for breeding purposes.

This initiative addresses the significant challenges faced by rural livestock farmers, including the high cost of breeding bulls, which often leads to inbreeding and lower-quality livestock due to the reuse of the same bulls year after year. By improving the genetic quality of their herds, this program is expected to significantly boost the commercialization of rural farming, enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and financial sustainability for the selected farmers.