The Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (Tardi) in the Eastern Cape has joined forces with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to empower animal health technicians in the province to venture into entrepreneurship and ensure growth and development in the sector.
The programme aims to provide comprehensive training that empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools required to launch their own sustainable animal healthcare businesses.
Groundbreaking deal
According to the college principal, Dr Nandipha Ndudane, the collaboration between them and the FAO is aimed at equipping animal health technicians with the necessary skills to establish their businesses.
“This groundbreaking partnership signifies a novel approach to strengthening the capabilities of these technicians through an innovative framework developed jointly by the college and the FAO.
“From November 27th to December 1st, 2023, we successfully hosted the ‘building a primary animal healthcare business’ workshop. This transformative event culminated in a closing ceremony, celebrating the commitment and dedication of participants in pursuing entrepreneurship within the animal health sector,” she said.
Ndudane said they were thrilled to pioneer the groundbreaking partnership with the FAO, Walter Sisulu University, and the South Africa Veterinary Council.
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‘An extraordinary opportunity’
“This collaboration represents an extraordinary opportunity to foster entrepreneurship among animal health technicians, offering them the expertise and support needed to contribute significantly to South Africa’s agricultural sector.
“The college’s proactive engagement with the FAO showcases an unwavering commitment to bolstering entrepreneurship and fostering self-reliance among individuals passionate about animal health,” she said.
Ndundane said the transformative initiative is poised to not only elevate the prospects of aspiring entrepreneurs but also contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of South Africa’s agricultural industry.
The college said the chairperson for the portfolio committee for rural development and agrarian reform in the Eastern Cape, Dr David Bese, unveiled the collaborative venture during the recent graduation which saw over forty students graduate in different faculties.
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