Mmadinare Agric Show enlists BOCCIM�s help
Onalenna Kelebeile | Tuesday July 14, 2015 14:30
Seipato said in an interview that they have realised that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and small-scale entrepreneurs never attend in impressive numbers, hence the roping in of BOCCIM’s assistance.
He said NGOs and entrepreneurs are key service providers whose attendance to agricultural shows is crucial. Seipato added that this year’s show, which is billed for August 1, would be graced by BOCCIM president Lekwalo Mosienyane as the guest of honour.
Seipato said many people are already showing interest to secure stalls for the show as compared to the previous events. He added that they anticipate many companies to attend and showcase their products.
“We invite all stakeholders to come and grace the occasion and we have requested BOCCIM to extend our invitations to all its membership,” he added. He said the challenge they experience is that due to the last Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Zone 7, where Mmadinare falls under, many farmers are not keen to embark on cattle farming and showcasing of their breeds at the show. He also said prize monies are also low, hence farmers are demoralised to participate in the shows. “We are currently doing our best to solicit support from different companies to increase the prize monies to try and motivate the farmers,” he said.
The chairman further said they have a challenge of raising the standard of the show amid the little money they raised from previous shows’ gate takings that also comes once annually coupled with vandalism at the showground that needs the committee to make renovations ahead of the event.
“We intend to ask Mmadinare Development Trust (MDT) and the Village Development Committee (VDC) to request that the showground be allocated at least two Ipelegeng workers on permanent basis, on our behalf, to prevent vandalism,” he added. Meanwhile, the show committee has not been able to clear the lease rental debt it owed to the Mmadinare Sub Land Board because of the financial challenges. This is despite several pleas in the past for the business community to assist.
“They have written us several letters so far, but at the same time they have the spirit of compassion because they understand that the showground belongs to the community.
“People of Mmadinare working in different areas will have a meeting in the village this coming Saturday where I am convinced the issue together with the construction of kgotla shelter will be discussed. I believe that a decision will be made at the meeting,” he added.
The showground lease rental arrears currently stands at around P50,000 and the committee has not managed to pay anything since last year because of the little gate takings they raise from the shows.