Despite the fact that Progress Milling has been under business rescue since March 2016, it was business as usual while finalisation of the business rescue process that is eminent, was awaited.
Progress Milling’s Personal and Entrepreneurship Development Programme that was launched in 1997, was one of the programmes that proceeded through the tough times and last Thursday saw the graduation of 120 young women from rural areas in the province who received their certificates at a ceremony at the Progress Milling plant in the city.
The event was attended by dignitaries which included acting MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nandi Ndalane, Polokwane Executive Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng and traditional leader Letsiri Phaahla.
Progress Milling’s Corporate Communications Director, Masenya Masenya, said that the training took nine months and that it was facilitated by an external contractor.
“We secured a farm at Dalmada where the training took place and the students were transported from their homes every day,” Masenya explained.
According to Masenya, the programme included personal development training, maize production and entrepreneurship development.
“We have already secured 100 hectares of dry land for 30 of the students that are now ready to become entrepreneurs in their own right.
“A further 600 hectares have been identified for this purpose as well and will be provided through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Farmers’ Support Programme,” Masenya said and added that if every young farmer could produce maize on 10 hectares of land, it will make a huge impact on the surrounding community.
Makgabo Sekobane, one of the students, spoke on behalf of the group and thanked Progress Milling for the opportunity to better themselves.
“I came to the training as an ignorant young woman but now I am capacitated and ready to take on the challenge to be an entrepreneur. I will be able to provide for myself and for others as well,” she said.
Story and photos: BARRY VILJOEN
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