120 agriculture graduates placed on farms
By Thozi kaManyisana
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) DGG for Agriculture Leon Coetzee yesterday welcomed 72 of the 120 graduates that will be placed in the different agricultural enterprises and in the department over the next 24 months.
The induction ceremony for the Entrepreneurial Graduate Placement Programme took place at Bhisho Showgrounds today. The remaining 48 graduates will be inducted tomorrow as the department is sticking to Covid-19 regulations.
“We are appreciating that you have shown an interest in this sector as it needs more young people to be entrepreneurs. Always know that there are no short cuts in life, stick to doing the right thing in a correct way.
“When I arrived here with my degree, I thought I knew it all but that was a serious mistake I made and I was brought down on my knees quickly so ensure that you learn as much as you can,” Coetzee said.
DRDAR director of Technology Research Services Dr Awonke Sonandi who was one of the selectors and examiners of the graduates told them that they needed to be “very dynamic and learn more things that you do not know because entrepreneurship goes far beyond being a business and you will be given vast experience by your hosts.”
Reverend Luxolo Mantini while opening the ceremony told the graduates, who mostly come from poor backgrounds, that “you are the key for your family to make a better life. The glitz and the glamour you are going to see should not make forget where you come from.”
Director of structured agriculture education and training Bukiwe Madyibi said the graduates, who will be getting R7 000 stipends for a period of 24 months, should treat themselves as the “blessed ones” because there were many applications that were received from the other graduates.
“Let us not disappoint parents and the department that has chosen you because you were chosen among many hopeful and do not take that for granted,” she added.
Fort Hare University Agriculture Economics graduate Neliswa Mate from Peddie said the “programme came at a ripe because I had started my business for layers and this will assist me to grow further. The seed of entrepreneurship is already on the soil and I thank DRDAR for coming with this programme that will us the seed to grow.”
Xola Joboda said he was grateful to be part of the programme.
The graduates will be hosted by the Humansdorp Ko-op, Talitha Pharma, Summerpride, DICLA, Sunnyside, Eden Agri,Ukhanyo Farmer Dev, SM Livestock, Lisa Lightfoot, Shiloh and DRDAR’s Vet services