Today we worked on finding candidate themes for the Center of Excellence we want to shape. We had a good discussion with Lester, the executive manager of North-West university, who gave his view on the province and who helped us get into contact with the right people. Next we met dr. Karabo Mabe from the agriculture department. She passionately talked about the importance of food safety and the NWU Nguni cattle project that aims to re-introduce the indigenous Nguni cattle because they are better suited to the climate (e.g. resistant to drought). They loan 25 cattle to a farmer (24 cows & 1 bull). After five years the farmers have to return 12 cattle to the organization so that other farmers can be helped. The whole process is closely monitored by the university, also including students so they can get practical experience.
At noon we went out to have a traditional African lunch. This turned out to be at the provincial radio station SABC. After the lunch we got an unexpected tour of the facility, showing us first the archive and then one of the studio’s. There was actual live recording going on in that studio, broadcasting to one million listeners. By chance V was sitting close to a microphone and without warning the presenter started to interview her. She did amazingly well, without any preparation!
