03 Dec 2024

In order to continue improving the quality of the local livestock breeds and improve gene pool, the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture will continue with importing livestock as and when the need arises and funds permitting.

Assistant minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti told Parliament recently that the ministry had intentions of procuring 100 dairy cattle from Brazil, however that was cancelled due to financial constraints.

He said having aborted the intention to procure cattle from Brazil, the ministry was not in talks with any individual nor company.

Dr Dikoloti informed the House that the companies that were engaged to procure and import livestock were Strickland Ranch and Exporters and 3 IN 1 Agric Consultancy from the USA and Australia respectively.

He said the companies were selected through a direct appointment method following due procurement processes.

Strickland Ranch and Exporters was paid P221 200 while 3 IN 1 Agric Consultancy was paid P2. 3 million, Dr Dikoloti explained.

He said that the director of Strickland Ranch and Exporters was Rene Strickland and directors of 3 IN 1 Consultancy were Thapelo Setlalekgosi, Katlego Game, Isha Molefe and Kealeboga Seitlhomolo.

Mogoditshane West MP, Mr Galenawabo Lekau asked the minister to update Parliament on the imported livestock from Australia and the United States of America.

He wanted the minister to state companies engaged to procure and import livestock, company directors, how they were selected, how much each company was paid. 

The MP had also wanted to know whether government would continue to import livestock. Ends