Partnership programme for graduates

A PARTNERSHIP between the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture and Tongaat Hulett Sugar amounting to almost R8-million was launched on Tuesday at the graduation ceremony of Agriculture students.

The joint venture is aimed at forming a relationship between the two entities to provide a platform to enrich graduates with skills and abilities to reform rural and poverty stricken communities and create job opportunities.

‘Tongaat Hullet has committed almost R8 million to this partnership and has funded 12 students with full-time bursaries. A plant will be erected and training in the whole value chain and production system, including hot water treatment, will be conducted,’ said Owen Sitole College of Agriculture Principal Siyabonga Mazibuko.

‘Rural development is vital. Creating jobs through community based initiatives is essential. An estimated amount of 500 jobs will be created and the sale of cane will be at a cheaper rate for our community,’ he explained.

Keynote speakers MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development Dr Meshack Radebe and His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini, congratulated the graduates and encouraged the pursuit of further education to transform rural communities through community/corporate based initiatives.

‘Africa’s rural population is unable to move out of poverty due to the lack of skills and abilities. We can’t continue to produce unemployed graduates, therefore this partnership programme to create jobs for graduates is vital,’ said Dr Radebe.

‘I invite you to work with us in uplifting and empowering our society, especially in rural areas. This qualification will open up doors of opportunity but remember to reach back and help someone else. Let us reignite the spirit of Ubuntu,’ said the King.

‘Now, more than ever, KZN needs you to reach higher and hope deeply, education means service to your community. Through you, our rural areas will develop in this lifetime and we are entrusting you with that responsibility.’

The graduation which saw 51 students receiving diploma qualifications in various branches of agriculture also publicised the project enabling graduates in the field of sugarcane and maintenance to be placed in apprenticeship programmes at Tongaat Hullet to enhance their practical skills within the field.

‘We have challenges of food security and malnutrition in our communities, and we therefore trust that with the skills and abilities you have acquired, you will go out there and make a difference,’ said Mazibuko to the young graduates.