HGA LEARN

BACKGROUND

This programme was launched in order to offer support to agricultural students from the Esayidi TVET College in Umzimkhulu. Students are undertaking a National Diploma in Farm Management which involves 18 months of theoretical studies following which they are required to obtain 18 months of work-place experience in order to fulfil the requirements of the qualification. At the time the college had no system in place to facilitate their students obtaining this experience and the majority of students were unable to graduate.

National statistics indicate that an individual with a tertiary qualification has a far greater chance of finding employment one day than one without and so we saw this as a great opportunity to support our countries future farmers. The programme was launched in February 2018 thanks to the support of our commercial farming community who host the students and through our partnership with Pannar Seed who are the primary funders of the programme.

SUCCESSES

114 students enrolled to date (55 % female) from 17 different tertiary institutions.
32 host farmers involved.
Of our alumni, 80 % are currently employed, self-employed, completing another internship or studying further and of those employed, the majority have remained in the agricultural sector.

Several students have been offered full-time positions on the farms on which they obtained their training and have moved up the ranks to managerial roles on those farms. (Read about Walter Khumalo)

Others have achieved success in starting their own agri-businesses. (Read about Zikhona Bhantshi)

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO APPLY THESE ARE THE REQUIREMENTS:

The programme caters only for undergraduates studying towards a qualification in agriculture
You will need to submit evidence that you have successfully completed your theory and qualify for the practical/in-service training component of your qualification e.g. a letter from your institution
Students are placed on commercial farmers located across the Harry Gwala District Municipality and is best suited to those who live in or near this region.