“As the agriculture sector continues to evolve, there is a need for young, innovative minds to drive it forward,” said Naturesmart chief executive Nico van der Merwe at the AgriCareers roadshow held in Clanwilliam in the Western Cape this week.
Hosted at Augsburg Landbougimnasium, the Food For Mzansi exhibition was attended by about 200 learners from different high schools in the Cederberg region, about two hours from Cape Town. They got a taste of the endless career and study opportunities offered by the agriculture sector.
Van der Merwe left a lasting impression on the learners. He grew up on a farm and, along with his farmer brother, built Naturesmart into a leading fresh produce retail supplier and exporter. The company sources its fruit and vegetables directly from farmers in various areas of South Africa and Namibia.
Emphasising that the agriculture sector is not just about farming, Van der Merwe explained that it encompasses a range of exciting careers, from logistics and finance to marketing and research.
“We need young people with fresh ideas and innovative approaches,” he said. “It is not just about farming. There are opportunities in every aspect of the industry, and we need young, motivated individuals to take it to the next level.”
Co-founder of Food For Mzansi, Ivor Price, encouraged learners to consider agriculture as a lucrative career path. The day was filled with exhibitions and talks from experts aimed at exposing learners to as many options as possible.
Price said, “We need young people who are willing to think outside the box and to embrace new technologies and ideas that can help make agriculture more sustainable and profitable. The sector is constantly evolving, and we need young, innovative minds to help drive it forward.”
According to Reino le Fleur, founder of Xccess STEAM Hub, the AgriCareers programme provides an “excellent source of nutrition” for youth whose knowledge of agriculture is either limited or completely skewed.
“The more and better our youth understand their role, function, and opportunities within the agriculture sector, the sooner they can make informed decisions that can radically change their lives,” said Le Fleur.
He represented Tangible Africa, which introduces learners to careers in coding and computer sciences. “The information provided [during the AgriCareers event] was relevant, practical, and feasible. A growing mindset is the key to future survival. Love and passion come from exposure. If learners feel their exposure is limited, they must be hungry enough to pursue resources and mentors to stimulate their potential love and passion.”
Le Fleur went on to add that the narrative that a farmer must parade in the sun all day with khaki pants needs to be changed, and learners must realise that modern agricultural functions can be managed from an office with air conditioning.
Demian Mukansi, an agricultural engineer who completed his Master’s degree (cum laude) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, encouraged learners to consider studying in this field. He explained that an agricultural engineer develops and applies engineering technology for the sustainable utilisation and development of resources used in agriculture.
“The day was really productive,” he said after encouraging learners to consider applying to the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “I found the learners to be very interactive and they showed great passion as they asked questions.”
Kachné Ross, learning and development manager at Winetech, also played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of professionals to consider the wine industry as a career option. Through her engaging and informative presentation, she showcased the great diversity of careers available in the wine industry, ranging from viticulturists and winemakers to researchers and marketing experts.
Moreover, Ross highlighted the critical role that science and technology play in the wine industry’s success, emphasising Winetech’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence through research and development.
Monika Basson, representing Stellenbosch University’s faculty of agriSciences, also spoke at the AgriCareers event, highlighting the unique benefits of pursuing higher education in agriculture. In addition to providing a world-class education, studying at a university also offers the opportunity to build lifelong networks that can be invaluable throughout one’s career.
The faculty is renowned both nationally and internationally for the quality of its training and research, and for its consultancy work in the agricultural and forestry sectors. Students enrolled in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes receive expert training that prepares them to become leaders and managers in various sectors of the industry. Alumni of the faculty can be found in top positions throughout South Africa and beyond, a testament to the quality of education and training they receive.
“The courses offered by Agri Skills Transfer are aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge required for various roles within the agricultural sector. From animal to plant production, the courses cover a wide range of topics,” said Gomolemo “Diesel” Phalatse.
“The short courses offered provide an opportunity for those already working in the industry to refresh or improve existing skills, while the management training is aimed at developing leadership and management skills.”
Pieter de Villiers from AGRICOLLEGES international stated, “Through our cloud-based e-learning platform, we are able to offer affordable hope and opportunity to students in South Africa, Africa, and around the world.”
He explained that at AGRICOLLEGES international, they understand that every student has different learning needs and goals, which is why they have designed their courses to cater to these varying needs. “Our courses are carefully crafted to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to bridge the skills gap in the agricultural sector.”
