Agriculture is the future says South West Gauteng college
The first-ever agricultural open day was held at South West Gauteng TVET College recently and this will now become a yearly event.
The South West Gauteng Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College recently held their first agricultural open day.
The open day was held to expose and entice interested learners who are passionate about the primary agriculture course.
According to TVET College marketer and communications officer Patience Makhaphela, the college has been offering the course since 2007 combining theory and practice in such a way that it provides students with the knowledge and skills they need in the agriculture field.
It is designed to teach the broad principles of farming such as animal and plant production as well as a show to run a farm as a business.
Although this was their very first open day, they do plan on hosting it every year going forward. The attendees of this open day were grade 9–12 learners from Ludirele High School, Mosupatsela High School, Matla High School, Mafaesa High School, Thuto Lefa High and Magaliesburg Secondary School.
Learners also got to experience a walkabout and were exposed to programmes that teach farming principles, for instance how the milking process with cattle unfolds. They also saw sheep, goats, pigs, broiler chickens, and layer chickens as well as ostriches.
They then had the opportunity to interact with big industry role players like Selemo Valley Farms which is considered the largest flower farm in South Africa and produces a variety of bouquets and supplies industries worldwide, SGS South Africa, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. As well as the Agricultural Research Council which is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital, and fosters innovation to support and develop the agricultural sector, the South African Pork Producers Organisation deals with everything pork as well as EPOL which deals with animal feeds.
“It is important for the future of agriculture that young people know where their food comes from. As a college, we have to create awareness for and encourage young people to become involved with agriculture and even consider it as a career option. This narrative was achieved,” concluded Patience.
