Members from the National Emergent Red Meat Producer Organization (NERPO) went to his home and borrowed a trailer, saying they were to transport a heifer that was to be bought by somebody.

In his heart, he told himself that he was going to charge them for the use of the trailer.

Little did he know that the trailer was to carry a heifer, which was a gift in recognition of his contributions towards livestock farming in the province and nationally.

Madambi Wilson Muvhulawa attended the Vhembe Livestock Association’s 27th Annual Review function at Madzivhandila College of Agriculture at Mphego village outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo in his capacity as NERPO national chairperson, but went home a shocked man with the heifer that was said to have been bought by a client. He was presented with a certificate and a permit for the heifer.

The heifer was presented to him by the NERPO Vhembe executive in the presence of Limpopo HOD of Agriculture Prof Edward Nesamvuni as a token of appreciation for his selfless sacrifice in seeing to it that livestock production amongst communities in Vhembe and Limpopo was taken to another level.

He is the founder of the organization and he served in different capacities for 27 years.

Mr Tshianeo Mathidi, Vhembe NERPO’s chairperson, said the occasion served as a year-end function for the organization where members come together and do a postmortem of the passing year. “It is a time of assessing ourselves and we give our members the chance to make inputs. We also look at the past year´s achievements, shortfalls and even areas which need attention. Where we have achieved results, we strive to keep the standard and where we have failed, we look at ways to improve, “he said.

Muvhulawa was hailed as a generous person who shared his vast knowledge of livestock with all people who came to him for help. “This is a man whose exemplary leadership is worth emulation. He is our mentor, he encouraged most of us to take livestock farming as a business and we will always be indebted to him, “said Mathidi.

Muvhulawa said he would always look back with pride because, as an organization, they managed to unite all livestock farmers. Muvhulawa has two farms, one outside Louis Trichardt and one at Schoemansdal.

He farms with bonsmara cattle.