By Pelane Phakgadi
Seated from left: HOD Mpho Mashamba, MEC Nakedi Kekana and Prof Nesamvhuni
The MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in Limpopo Nakedi Kekana met with the outgoing Colleges Advisory Board at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane. The meeting was convened to receive the handover report of the Board, which has completed its extended three-year term of office. The session provided an opportunity to reflect on the role the Board played in strengthening governance and supporting the transformation of the Province’s Colleges of Agriculture.
In her closing remarks, MEC Kekana commended the Advisory Board for the seriousness with which it had carried out its mandate since October 2022. She noted that the Board had been established as an alternative to fully autonomous councils, in line with the Higher Education Act, but nonetheless exercised critical authority over academic governance, policy guidance, and operational oversight. The MEC highlighted the Board’s hands-on role in graduations, curriculum alignment, and institutional policy direction.
The MEC further emphasised the Board’s contribution to ensuring that the Colleges of Agriculture remained aligned with departmental priorities, national frameworks, and the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.
Their advice guided decisions on financial accountability, staffing models, infrastructure priorities, and student support systems. She praised the Board for ensuring that the colleges functioned as incubators of future farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, rather than merely training centres.
Reflecting on the handover report, MEC Kekana described it as a testimony to the Board’s thoughtful and principled stewardship. She acknowledged the delicate balance the Board managed in “serving two Lords” — the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as the Department of Higher Education and Training. Despite this dual responsibility, the Board was able to provide clarity, fairness, and strategic direction.
Looking ahead, MEC Kekana expressed confidence that the incoming Advisory Board will build on the strong foundation laid by its predecessors. She assured the outgoing members that their work has left the colleges in a stronger position and better prepared for their transformation into Agricultural Training Institutes of excellence. She concluded by thanking the Board for its dedication, integrity, and service to the province.
MEC Nakedi Kekana commends the Advisory Board for the seriousness with which it had carried out its mandate since October 2022.
