Unit for Technical Assistance (UTA)
The Unit for Technical Assistance (UTA) is a dedicated support facility within the Agricultural Producer Support and Development Programme of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA).
Its primary function is to coordinate internal and external technical expertise for project appraisal and enterprise planning across the various stages of programme and project management. The UTA also incorporates the responsibilities of the Land Reform Advisory Desk (LREAD).
Casidra is responsible for implementing the UTA through the coordination, management, and provision of secretariat functions.
Contact Information
Belvin Namoobe
Tel: 021 863 5000
Email: bnamoobe@casidra.co.za
The UTA provides technical support through the following core functions:
- Sourcing technical and legal expertise to assist WCDoA clients in complying with statutory requirements.
- Supporting agricultural enterprises with technical input to meet compliance standards for market access.
- Assessing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) levels in farming partnerships to support transformation goals.
- Advising on project and business planning, implementation strategies, and conducting evaluations through a network of vetted service providers—ensuring long-term viability and sustainability of new and existing farming enterprises.
- Ensuring alignment of project planning with the Department’s selection criteria and strategic priorities.
- Evaluating project feasibility, including financial viability, sustainability, production capacity, training needs, member capability, and relevant social and security factors.
All requests for support must be directed to the Chief Director: Agricultural Producer Support and Development (APSD) through one of the following channels:
- An official letter of request from the Commodity Project Allocation Committee (CPAC) for designated commodities, or from the WCDoA District Manager for non-designated commodities.
- Minutes of the Departmental Project Allocation Committee (DPAC) that include a formal request for planning support.
- A request from a WCDoA District Manager, subject to completion of the “tiers of elimination” process, which includes:
- Initial screening by the Extension Officer
- Endorsement by the commodity organisation
- Recommendation by the District Subject Matter Specialist
- Final recommendation by the WCDoA District Manager