The North West agriculture sector is 63 graduates richer after students graduated from the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture with flying colours.
With a pass rate of 63%, 63 students were recently conferred after completing a full-time diploma in mixed farming. Of the group, 27 of the students are male and 36 female.
Aluwani Manyabwe is one of the graduates. Although the past three years challenged him, he emerged as a top achiever. The Limpopo-based student completed his experimental learning at Vukani Piggery.
“Working and living on the farm assisted me in acquiring artificial insemination, boar, and dry sow management skills and knowledge,” Manyabwe said.
Agriculture in the province looks bright
Olivia Mariri walked away with two distinctions. According to her, the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture was her first choice because the college offered both animal and plant production courses. She looks forward to becoming an agricultural entrepreneur.
“I want to impact the lives of young people in our communities because I have realised that agriculture is not regarded as a profession or a career,” explained Manyabwe.
The MEC for the North West agriculture and rural development department, Desbo Mohono, applauded the graduates during a special ceremony. Mohono commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication.
‘Lifelong responsibility to continue learning’
“Your skills must be used for the betterment of your communities. Beyond graduating from this incredible institution, you still have a lifelong responsibility to continue learning to continuously change the lives of our people,” said Mohono.
Excited parents and members of the North West government were also present to celebrate the achievement with the graduates. Their course material included modules on agricultural management, agricultural engineering, animal production, and plant production.
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