By Matsobane Manaka
From left: Mogau Mashishi, Eudia Mahlo and Koketso Mampane are the new hopes of growing agricultural sector
Chief Director Agricultural Development and Farmer Support Service, Jethro Nowata who was acting as Head of Limpopo Department of Agricuture and Rural Development (LDARD) congratulated and encouraged about 58 graduates from Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture (TSCA), who received their diplomas after three years of studies, during the ceremony held at The Ranch Resort, outside Polokwane.
“I know people looked down on you the moment you chose agriculture as your career path. Little do they know that there is no important other sector in the whole world than agriculture. At the end of the day, people with different career choices will have to eat, thus the critical part of agriculture.
“A medical doctor will advise you to eat (which is agriculture) before taking medicines and ironically, the very same medications are coming from agriculture”, said Nowata.
Among the graduates, whose studies comprised of both theory and practical, seven walked away with Cum Laude certificates, of whom three are under Animal Production and four under Plant Production.
Louisa Lesufi (in absentia) won the Best Performer in Animal Production and subsequently named an overall performer.
Speaking on behalf of academic core, lectures, whole community of the college and as the leader, Mashiloane Lesley Principal and Rector of TSCA urged graduates to become job creators than job seekers. He maintained that the country is currently facing poor economic growth, job losses, and joblessness that is trending.
He made mention of previous students of TSCA such as Steven Matsapola who is in the Bee production,selling honey and Mahlako Sekgale from Mphanama village in Makhuduthamaga, Sekhukhune, who is having a small stock and chicken layers.
Sekgale graduated from TSCA in animal production in 2017 and entered the unemployment graduate programme where she spent one year and half under practical training in farm management.
In conclusion, Nowata further encouraged graduates to engage Departmental programmes that are tailor-made to support their desire to get into agricultural space yet with limited resources. He said the Department has a partnership with established farmers with huge experience and resources, who are prepared to assist potential farmers to grow and sustain themselves.
