Photo caption: (from left to right) Cllr. Solly Matobo, DR Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, MEC for North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Madoda Sambatha, Minister of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Willie Aucamp and Mayor of Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, Cllr. Mosimanegape Diphikwe
TOSCA – The Mayor of Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, Cllr. Mosimanegape Diphikwe, hosted the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Willie Aucamp, together with the Acting Executive Mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Cllr. Solly Matobo, at the World Food Day commemoration held today in Tosca.
This year’s World Food Day was commemorated under the theme “Innovate today. Nourish Tomorrow”, echoing the global call to ensure food and nutrition security for all, with a special focus on vulnerable communities.
In a major boost for emerging farmers, Minister Aucamp handed over two Nguni bulls to Mr. Joseph Motaung of Eaden Farm Commonage. The Nguni breeding programme is a strategic intervention that secures immediate input capital, addresses genetic fertility and stabilises tenure for emerging farmers.
Demonstrating government’s commitment to improving animal health and herd quality, the Minister also vaccinated and ear-tagged livestock at the Eaden Farm Commonage.
In addition, other emerging farmers and community beneficiaries received JoJo tanks, water pumping equipment and mini generators from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to aid and preserve agricultural activities in the area, especially in the face of water scarcity and energy challenges.
As part of the outreach, Tosca Primary School, with a roll of 186 learners – most of whom come from economically vulnerable families with limited household income and food insecurity affecting regular access to nutritious meals – was served with warm kitchen soup sponsored by Shoprite.
World Food Day 2026 in Tosca successfully mobilised a wide range of stakeholders, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Shoprite, Tiger Brands, ZZ2, Oceana Group Limited and other government departments, who brought more than enough food parcels and support for the community of Tosca.
As part of the celebration, food parcels were handed over to the Thusang Bagodi Service Club – a community-based organization dedicated to promoting active ageing, protecting the rights and dignity of senior citizens, and curbing the isolation of older persons who stay alone at home.
The Thusang Bagodi Service Club is also a proud beneficiary of tower gardens, an innovative initiative aimed at addressing infrastructure blockages, transitioning the club toward sustainable food production, and improving compliance with the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan.
This intervention will empower senior citizens to produce their own fresh, nutritious food, promote household food security, and generate income through sustainable agriculture.
World Food Day serves as a reminder of our collective commitment to eradicating hunger, improving nutrition and building resilient food systems – leaving no one behind, especially our elderly.