The stage is set for the much-anticipated AgriSETA Agri-Edu Symposium, taking place on Tuesday, 10 December, at Unisa’s main campus in Pretoria. With the theme “Transforming agricultural education for a sustainable future,” the event promises to be a pivotal gathering aimed at reshaping South Africa’s agricultural education landscape to address pressing industry challenges.
Hosted by AgriSETA in collaboration with the department of agriculture, the symposium will convene educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to tackle critical issues such as curriculum reform, the skills gap, and the alignment of education with the evolving demands of the agricultural sector.
Key themes for a brighter future
The event will explore transformative ideas and actionable solutions, focusing on:
- Curriculum reform: Updating South Africa’s agricultural education to integrate cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices.
- Skills gap solutions: Bridging the divide between theoretical qualifications and practical workforce needs.
- Industry-aligned sustainability: Embedding climate-smart agriculture and modern farming techniques into educational frameworks.
- Fostering innovation: Creating partnerships between academia, government, and the private sector to drive innovation and job creation.
Speaking ahead of the event, Gaitsiwe Sharon Sepeng, chairperson of the AgriSETA board, highlighted the urgent need for reform.
She said, “Our current agricultural education system does not adequately equip students with the skills required to meet the evolving demands of the industry. By aligning education with industry needs, we are not only ensuring job creation but also securing a sustainable agricultural future for South Africa.”
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This urgency is echoed by Dr Innocent Sirovha, AgriSETA’s CEO, who emphasises the importance of climate-resilient education.
“As the agricultural value chain grapples with climate change, educating farmers on adaptive practices is crucial. From maize production challenges to water scarcity, these issues must be embedded in our curricula to ensure resilience,” Sirovha added.
A gathering of visionaries
The symposium will feature a lineup of influential voices from across the agricultural value chain, including experts in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and agricultural engineering.
With attendance from academic institutions, government officials, and industry stalwarts, it will serve as a platform for forging innovative partnerships and shaping policies that will define the future of South African agriculture.
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