Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency

01/06/2026

BOCMA hosts Information Day for Resource Poor Farmers in Calitzdorp.

The Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, hosted an informative and engaging Information Day for Resource Poor Farmers (RPF's) in Calitzdorp on 29 May 2026.

The event brought together farmers and representatives from various organs of state to share valuable information, create awareness, and provide opportunities aimed at supporting and empowering local farmers. BOCMA hosted a variety of collaborating partners that included the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the Department of Local Government through the Community Development Worker (CDW) Programme, and Casidra.

Throughout the day, presentations were delivered on several important topics relevant to the agricultural sector and sustainable farming practices. Topics covered included the water use authorisation process, Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) funding and its application process, food gardens and rainwater harvesting tanks, animal identification, as well as available training opportunities.

The information-sharing session also created an important platform for Resource Poor Farmers to engage directly with representatives from the various departments and organisations. Farmers were able to ask questions, seek clarity, and discuss opportunities that could positively contribute to their farming activities and livelihoods.

At the conclusion of the event, several attendees expressed their appreciation to BOCMA, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, and Casidra for the meaningful work being done in the area. Farmers also welcomed the opportunities created through such engagements, highlighting the value of continued support and collaboration to strengthen local agricultural development.

26/05/2026

Bringing GIS to life in the CAPS Curriculum through IWRM.

Learners from Porterville High School (HSP) participated in a practical demonstration on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) within the context of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
Geography learners in Grades 10 to 12 were introduced to the practical application of GIS, with particular focus on CAPS-aligned topics such as the impacts of drought, floods, and desertification.

Real-life scenarios were explored, giving learners the opportunity to contribute meaningful insights during the discussion. A typical Grade 12 final examination question was also examined, followed by an engaging discussion on possible answers and how GIS can be applied in interpreting geographic challenges.

The session was well received and sparked lively, interactive discussion, highlighting
the value of practical learning in making GIS concepts more accessible and relevant
to the CAPS curriculum.

Pictured here is Mr Fabion Smith, Water Use Specialist at the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency, (BOCMA) who presented the session. Also pictured, is the top three Geography learners from Grades 10 to 12 with their teacher, Ms Laetitia Huma.

24/04/2026

17/04/2026

10/04/2026

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture hosted a Farmer’s Information Day in the Breede Valley Municipal Area and invited key stakeholders such as BOCMA and Land Bank to participate. Central topics to the presentations and discussions of the day was access to water and access to funding.

19/03/2026

Water Week 2026: Invest in Water 💧
Water Week 2026 highlights the critical importance of safeguarding one of our most valuable natural resources under the theme “Invest in Water”. This theme calls on individuals, communities, and institutions to recognize that sustainable water management is not just an environmental responsibility, but a long-term investment in our future, health, and economic well-being.
As part of this year’s awareness campaign, BOCMA visited three schools in the Hessequa municipal area: Melkhoutfontein Primary, Molen River Primary, and Goedgegun Primary. These visits aimed to educate young learners about the importance of water conservation and responsible usage.
During the engagements, learners actively participated in discussions and gained valuable knowledge on how small daily actions can contribute to protecting water resources. Educational promotional materials were distributed to reinforce key messages and encourage ongoing awareness beyond the classroom.
By investing in water education and empowering young minds, initiatives like these play a vital role in building a generation that understands the value of water and is committed to using it wisely. Water Week 2026 reminds us that every drop counts, and every effort matters in securing a sustainable future for all.

17/03/2026

Breede Valley Municipality Youth Career Expo Day held.

17/03/2026

03/03/2026

Water Week Career Exhibition at Bella Vista High School, hosted by BOCMA.
Learners received information on what different (exhibitor) careers entail and also how to pursue those careers in the water and environmental sector.
Water and environmental conservation was the key focus and message of the day.
Exhibitors:
-Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency
-Department of Agriculture
-Cape Nature
-Witzenberg Municipality
-DFFE
-Iziko Museum
-Western Cape College of Nursing

16/02/2026

Awareness session held with Goudini High School in Rawsonville.
Partners that presented on their respective subject matters and exhibited on the day included the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, WCDOA: Agricultural Economic Services, Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency,
Office of the Consumer Protector, Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC),
Commission for Gender Equality (CGE),
Breede Valley Municipality: Community Development and Old Mutual.