Issued by: North West Communication Service
SPEECH BY THE PREMIER OF THE NORTH WEST AT SCHWEIZER-REINECKE TODAY (MARCH 20 1996) ON OPENING UP THE FRONTIERS OF FREEDOM
The Premier of the North West province, Mr Popo Molefe, today (Wednesday) appealed to an Afrikaner women's organisation to broaden its outlook by accommodating black women.
Mr Molefe made this appeal during an address to the Vroue Landbou Unie at the organisation's annual general meeting in Schweizer-Reinecke in the North West.
"I urge you to formulate strategies that would empower those women historically discriminated against by your organisation passing on expertise in agriculture so that they also can produce food for basic subsistence," said Mr Molefe.
The North West premier also pointed out that discrimination against women in agricultural activities would diminish the capacity of agriculture throughout the country in feeding the nation.
The premier also highlighted the critical role of agriculture in the economy of the North West province.
Access to finance by women in agriculture, particularly for those from the disadvantaged communities was vital and strategies should be employed to facilitate this.
Mr Molefe invited delegates to work hand in glove with the Department of Agriculture to assist in delivery of RDP projects, especially in rural communities.
The address by Premier Molefe is believed to be a watershed in the North West as it further reflects growing Afrikaner acceptance of the role of the North West Government.
Contact: Willie Modise: 082-5584-087