**SayPro North West Agriculture and Rural Development on Cannabis Master Plan

Department stands firm on cannabis master plan implementation

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. This follows the Department hosting the much-anticipated hybrid Cannabis Lekgotla at the North West University from Wednesday, 14 September to Friday, 16 September 2022. 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 first of its kind in the North West Province, the gathering met its objective of discussing the rollout of the National Cannabis Master Plan and engaging on the economic purpose of commercialisation and development of the herb.

MEC Desbo Mohono in her opening remarks said that the department provides a stark reminder that every avenue to create employment and fight poverty must be pursued, allowing businesses to grow, emerge and thrive, while also using the capabilities of the state to create a conducive environment for farmers. Mohono said, “This is hands on deck indeed and a dream come true for people of the North West province, for they too deserve to benefit from the value chain of this herb. 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 North West University, in particular, looking at their research output, which is amongst the best in the entire country”.

The Hybrid Lekgotla which was hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the North West University was graced by Principal and Vice Chancellor of NWU, Dr Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka who vouched support for the master plan rollout. “We must all work with the government to assist in the review of policy and regulatory framework that will fast-track the industrialisation of hemp and cannabis towards the realization of economic investment and job creation. The North-West University is ready to contribute towards the implementation of the National Cannabis Master Plan to unlock the economic potential of rural communities,” said Dr Tyobeka.

Breakaway discussions by experts, business community, the public, cultural and religious groups took place and report backs on the envisaged roll out plan were shared with the department. In heeding the recommendations of the commissions, Head of Department Mr Thupi Mokhatla presented the adopted and approved the Programme of Action. The gathering resolved that the province will establish Provincial Cannabis Structure with clear powers, functions and reporting lines. The gathering also agreed that Action Plans and/or the adopted Programme of Action [POA] by the Cannabis Lekgotla will be implemented. The gathering has also developed terms of reference for the Provincial Cannabis Structure and that the structure will meet on a quarterly basis.

All these will be actioned by delegated institutions and stakeholders by the stipulated time frame.

In conclusion, MEC Mohono said the Lekgotla unlocked many opportunities through commissions and the education drive. “In going forward, we will march to our traditional leaders as the department in forging a partnership and making sure that our people in communal land are not left behind by the train of this economic hub. The department will also set aside a certain amount of money in making sure that we train our farmers fully about how to be experts in this field. This will be done through roping in experts that we have met in this Lekgotla because we do not want to take a ride with our people’s time,” explained Mme Mohono.