In Mthatha, at Food For Mzansi’s 2024 AgriCareers roadshow, concerns regarding the impact of technology on rural job creation and the future of agriculture became evident. This, as Eastern Cape new-era farmers continue to embrace technology to improve farming practices and increase productivity.
The AgriCareers event, hosted at St John’s College, attracted nearly 650 high school learners, underscoring the importance of addressing these concerns in agriculture. Since its inception in November 2018, Food For Mzansi has reached more than 90 000 learners to introduce them to study and career opportunities in the sector. This year, the programme is powered by Standard Bank and AgriSETA.
During discussions at the Mthatha event, many learners from different high schools expressed their concerns about the increasing use of technology in agriculture. They are concerned about how this might impact job creation in rural areas and their future in a province where the agricultural sector is the major employer.
“With the integration of technology into agriculture, are you not concerned about what this means for rural jobs?” asked a learner during a panel discussion in which they were introduced to different agricultural jobs.
Jacintha Willard, a regional coordinator at Tangible Africa, encouraged learners to embrace technology. The organisation develops interactive and educational games that introduce children to coding concepts and digital technology.
“When it comes to technology, a lot of learners in rural areas are afraid of technology because they fear the unknown,” Willard said. “They are not exposed to such. Never mind not having computers, others don’t even have a phone or TV in their houses.”
The key to a smarter future
The questions around technology highlighted the need for discussions about the role of technology in agriculture, its impact on job creation, especially in rural areas, and the future of the sector as a whole.
Willard suggests that learners in South Africa should grasp the history of the industrial revolution, which happened in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They should see its positive impact on various sectors, rather than viewing it negatively, especially considering the ongoing technological revolution.
The current technological revolution means that technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, the internet of things (IoT), big data, and machine learning are quickly getting better and more popular. These technologies are changing society a lot, including how we do farming.
“To be successful in the future, [it is important] for them to embrace {technology} as it’s smarter and just keeps advancing.
“We need more development in the tech space in rural areas as well. Government or funders need to work with NPOs and the community to make this happen,” she said.
EC learners sparkle
For the Eastern Cape leg of the AgriCareers roadshow, learners travelled from far and wide and were particularly inspired by the story of young farmer Mzimasi Jalisa, who is the co-owner of Jay Jay Farming in Mthatha.
On Facebook, Jalisa described Food For Mzansi’s AgriCareers programme as “agri gospel”. “Let’s share what we know, yonke futhi for the betterment of the upcoming generation,” he said.
Eastern Cape learners also appeared to have a particular interest in animal health, as evidenced by the Afrivet stand, which was buzzing with questions directed to animal health technician Lindokuhle Zilwa and sales representative Yanga Makalima.
Thanks to Dr Hannibal Musarurwa, a lecturer at Walter Sisulu University, and Lizwi Gwaza from Nelson Mandela University, learners also had the opportunity to ask questions about admission requirements and learn more about what these institutions have to offer.
Mthatha learners dream big
Anike Botha from Majali Technical High School in Port St. Johns, along with her fellow schoolmates, travelled close to two hours to attend the AgriCareer roadshow in Mthatha.
“It’s very far, but it was important for me to be here because next year I want to do a qualification in agriculture. So, I wanted to get more exposure to agriculture, and I did,” she said.
“What stood out for me was the importance of choosing a career that you will benefit from and that you are passionate about. In South Africa, we need more people who are interested in agriculture.”
She plans to attend the Cape Peninsula University of Technology after matriculating.
Dobe Thobela from Sandi Senior Secondary School in Libodi said he learned a lot about careers and what he should do to achieve his goals in agricultural science.
“Agriculture is very important, and I want to be a veterinarian one day. I’ve heard that there is a shortage of vets in the country, and I want to make a difference in dealing with livestock animals. I would like to contribute and be an example to others to join this profession,” he said.
Sinyolo Bonkolo from St John’s College shared, “I learned that there are many opportunities that come with the agricultural sector. Currently, agriculture as a career path is a third option for me.
“I would like to be a doctor. The best doctor in South Africa. I want to specifically be a general practitioner,” Bonkolo said.
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