As the South African agriculture sector continues to grow and evolve, AgriSETA remains steadfast in its mission to develop a skilled and capable workforce. In reflecting on the milestones achieved in 2024, AgriSETA celebrates its remarkable accomplishments, including a clean audit for the 2022/2023 financial year, bolstered support for women in agriculture, and transformative thought leadership.
Chief executive officer of AgriSETA, Dr Innocent Shirovha, said their commitment to excellence was solidified with its achievement of a clean audit for the 2022/2023 financial year. It is a testament to the organisation’s robust governance, financial integrity, and dedication to driving positive change in the agriculture sector.
Looking back on a successful year
“The clean audit is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the AgriSETA team and our commitment to transparency and accountability. As we continue to grow and serve the agriculture sector, we remain focused on delivering impactful programmes that contribute to the sector’s transformation.
“AgriSETA is committed to driving gender equity in agriculture. Our partnership with EmpowaWomen has proven to be transformative, with women farmers and leaders making their mark in the sector. We will continue to create platforms where women in agriculture can engage, learn, and lead,” Shirovha said.
In 2024, AgriSETA also significantly advanced its mandate to support women in agriculture, through a series of impactful partnerships and high-profile events. AgriSETA’s collaboration with EmpowaWomen highlighted the pivotal role women play in the agricultural value chain.
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Chairperson of the board, Sharon Sepeng, said looking back at the event demonstrated the vital role women play in the agricultural landscape, not only as producers but also as key economic drivers.
“The women’s farmers market was a powerful exchange of ideas and money, a testament to the power of collaboration and the spirit of self-sufficiency,” she said.
AgriSETA noted in a statement that they closed off 2024 with a significant step forward in shaping the future of agricultural education.
“As we look towards 2025, AgriSETA is more committed than ever to reforming agricultural education and training. The insights shared at the AgriEdu Symposium laid the foundation for transforming how we equip the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Through continuous collaboration with industry and educational stakeholders, we will ensure that the agriculture sector has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive,” Shirovha said.
Supporting rural communities
Shirovha said looking ahead to 2025, the aim is strengthening AgriSETA’s impact, especially in youth participation in agriculture, skills development and reform in agricultural education, comprehensive rural development and land reform, and economic growth through collaboration.
“As we move into 2025, AgriSETA is excited about the opportunities ahead. Our work is far from over, and we remain focused on empowering the next generation of farmers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Our continued success will be driven by collaboration, innovation, and our shared commitment to transforming agriculture into a key pillar of South Africa’s inclusive economic growth,
“AgriSETA’s rural development and land reform approach is central to unlocking the agricultural sector’s potential. The organisation will continue to focus on fostering inclusive growth through initiatives that support rural communities, with a particular emphasis on youth and women in agriculture,” he said.
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