“There is a clear gap between what is taught in our institutions and what the industry requires. We need a new generation of agriculturalists who are skilled in agribusiness management, climate-smart farming, and advanced technologies.”
These were the words of Sharon Sepeng, chairperson of the AgriSETA board, who opened their historic first Agri-Edu Symposium at Unisa’s main campus in Pretoria this morning. Among the nearly 400 attendees are representatives from all of the nation’s agricultural colleges, universities, post-school education institutions, and key figures from the agriculture sector.
At the heart of the symposium are discussions on the critical transformation needed within South Africa’s agricultural education system to ensure it aligns with the dynamic needs of the sector.
Sepeng highlighted the significance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders to shape a sustainable future for agriculture in South Africa. She stressed the need for innovation and inclusivity in the agricultural education sector.
“Today, we gather under a shared purpose – to bridge the gap between agricultural education and the sector’s evolving demands,” she stated, noting that agriculture is more than just food security; it is a cornerstone of economic resilience, job creation, and rural development.
Sepeng pointed out a critical disconnect between the theoretical knowledge imparted in educational institutions and the practical skills required in the agricultural sector.
“There is a clear gap between what is taught in our institutions and what the industry requires. We need a new generation of agriculturalists who are skilled in agribusiness management, climate-smart farming, and advanced technologies,” she argued.
The chairperson also called for a renewed focus on sustainability within educational curricula. “Sustainability must be woven into the fabric of every lesson we teach,” she said.
Educational transformation and industry collaboration
The importance of aligning educational content with industry advancements was a major theme during the symposium. Speaking on this, Sepeng noted that agriculture today is driven by new technologies like precision farming, drone usage, and big data analytics.
“We must integrate these advancements into our teaching to ensure that students are not just learning theory, but are ready to apply their skills in the real world,” she explained.
Attendees were also urged to focus on interdisciplinary learning and partnerships with industry leaders. “Farmers and industry experts here today, you are the living textbooks from which our students must learn,” Sepeng said. “Your insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping a curriculum that prepares students for the realities of modern agriculture.”
Furthermore, the chairperson stressed the need for structural reforms to enhance the governance and resources of agricultural colleges.
She noted that AgriSETA’s recent oversight visits to all 11 agricultural colleges revealed alarming gaps in infrastructure, outdated curricula, and insufficient resources to meet the demands of a modern agricultural economy. “We cannot allow these challenges to deter us,” she asserted. “Instead, they must galvanise us into action.”
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Strengthening agricultural colleges
Zukile Mvalo, deputy director-general of the department of higher education and training, reiterated the need for transformation in the agricultural education system and spoke about the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by agricultural colleges.
“The integration of agricultural colleges into the department of higher education and training is a historic step in strengthening these institutions and ensuring that they are aligned with the national higher education framework,” he said. “This integration is not just a procedural shift; it is a strategic investment in the future of agriculture in South Africa.”
Mvalo further noted the importance of continuous curriculum renewal to keep pace with advances in technology, sustainable practices, and regenerative agriculture. He highlighted the pressing need to standardise and enhance the quality of education across agricultural colleges.
“We need to ensure that our agricultural colleges are delivering world-class education that equips students to meet the challenges of the future,” he stated.
Mvalo furthermore underscored the need for improved student support systems and infrastructure. “Many of our agricultural colleges are in disrepair, and their infrastructure no longer serves the needs of modern education,” he acknowledged.
He pointed to the importance of providing financial assistance through programmes like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder students’ access to quality education.
Another focal point of Mvalo’s address was the importance of work-integrated learning. Drawing inspiration from Germany’s apprenticeship model, which combines work-based learning with classroom instruction, he stressed that South Africa’s agricultural colleges must do more to integrate practical experience with academic learning.
“Social compacts between educational institutions and the agriculture sector are not just ‘nice-to-haves’ – they are essential for preparing students for real-world challenges,” he stated.
The deputy director-general also reiterated the need for collaboration with farmers and industry leaders to create hands-on learning opportunities for students. “Farmers are the backbone of the agricultural sector, and their involvement in shaping educational curricula and offering apprenticeships is crucial,” he concluded.
- Other key highlights of AgriSETA’s Agri-Edu Symposium include Dr Whitfield Green’s talk on quality assurance for all higher education institutions, including agricultural colleges, and Walter Letsie’s presentation on how legislation shapes training and development in the agriculture sector.
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