The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD), in collaboration with the North West University (NWU), recently held a lekgotla in Mahikeng, themed “Breaking the barriers, towards the Cannabis Agenda in the North West province", from 14 - 16 September 2022.

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The department notes that the gathering was “welcomed and appreciated by various cannabis advocacy groups” which amongst them included the Cannabis Council of South Africa, the Rastafarians formations, traditional leaders, academics, interest groups and individuals, as well as farmers.

“The wheels of change are rolling and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development stands firm on ensuring the Cannabis Master Plan finds space in agriculture transformation in the province,” reads a statement from the department, released after the event.

An approved programme of action (PoA) was presented by the departmental head during breakaway discussions at the lekgotla. The province will establish a Cannabis Structure with clear roles, functions, and reporting lines.

This Provincial Cannabis Structure has already developed its terms of reference, and it is expected to meet quarterly.

It has been agreed that the PoA will be implemented, however, there are currently no set date for when the PoA will be implemented.

As part of the National Cannabis Master Plan for economic growth, the lekgotla was held on to explore inclusive and representative entrepreneurship opportunities for the North West community.

 “As the government, we always appreciate the direct, considered and constructive approach that higher institutions of learning take in responding to the challenges facing our country. That is why we saw it fit as the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to rope in the North-West University, in particular, looking at their research output, which is among the best in the entire country,” said the MEC for NWDARD, Desbo Mohono.

There were various issues discussed at the Hybrid Lekgotla, including the regulatory framework for cannabis producer support systems, scientific developments, and how to get people access to the cannabis market.

According to NWU's Vice Chancellor, Bismark Tyobeka, the university is ready to assist the government in implementing the National Cannabis Master Plan to boost rural economies.

“The NWU is ready to make a contribution towards the implementation of the National Cannabis Master Plan to unlock the economic potential of rural communities,” said Tyobeka.

In a statement released after the lekgotla, the NWU also noted that North West premier Bushy Maape encouraged the youth, and particularly women, to participate in the cannabis value chain as business owners.

“He has also vowed that the province will implement the National Cannabis Master Plan to the benefit of the people in the province to alleviate the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.”

OFM News/Bambatha Giko