By Jimmy Cgina and Tebogo Rampora
MEC Kekana joined by the Acting Executive Mayor of Mopani, Cllr Mbhalati, the Mayor of Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality Cllr Molapisani, the office of the National DoA represented by Mr. Mashiloane, The Acting Chief Director Agricultural Development and Farmer Support Mr Masaka Mabilo and, the Circuit Manager.
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Ms Nakedi Grace Kekana led the team on a visit to Merensky Agricultural Academy in Tzaneen, Mopani District as part of the Back-to-school Agricultural Crusade, this crusade forms part of the Limpopo Provincial government’s back-to-school programme which started on the 14th January 2026.
As part of the collaborative efforts, to motivate the learners to commit to their studies, the MEC was joined by the Acting Executive Mayor of Mopani, Cllr Mbhalati, the Mayor of Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality Cllr Molapisani, the office of the National DoA represented by Mr. Mashiloane, officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Circuit Manager, the school principal Mr. Magnus Steyn and the school management.
The MEC congratulated the circuit and the Merensky Agricultural Academy for their academic achievements of the class of 2025 citing that she was very proud to witness the scooping of awards by the school at the NSC Results Announcements.
The school obtained 100% pass rate, 98.98% qualifying to study at tertiary, 359 distinctions and 88.61 qualifying for university admission. The MEC extended gratitude to the educators and the SGB. She further urged the municipalities to continue to give support to the school and continue to deliver services to the school.
The MEC on the day officially commissioned and handed over a state-of-the-art modern 1200 capacity layer house project to the school as part of the department of Agriculture and Rural Development continuous plan to support and development agricultural schools in the province.
MEC Kekana proceeded to the town of Tzaneen to visit OK Minimark, on Sugar Hill, where the Merensky Agricultural Academy had secured a shelf, where they sell eggs produced from the infrastructure sponsored by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
This landmark investment by the department is designed to ensure that Agriculture remains a premier subject of choice, empowering learners with the hands-on skills needed to drive food security and provincial economic growth. The same contribution to the Academy will soon be realised by Dimani Secondary School in the Vhembe District where the same project is 99% complete.
#LimpopoMakingAgriculturefashionable
#MogomaAoTseneTemong
#LetsGrowLimpopoTogether
#LeaveNoOneBehind
#Limpopobacktoschoolagriculturalcrusade
