About 189 students graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, celebrating a range of qualifications from certificates and diplomas in agriculture to baccalaureus.
According to the Western Cape department of agriculture, economic development and tourism, 52 students completed the learnership programme, 57 the diploma programme, 73 the BAgri programme, and seven received certificates in equine studies.
New kids on the agriculture block
Minister Ivan Meyer said the new graduates should work hard to ensure that what they have studied comes to fruitfulness in the agricultural sector.
“Your graduation inspires hope. I commend you on behalf of premier Alan Winde, the Western Cape government, the council of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute led by Professor Danie Brink, and the people of our province. You are the future of agriculture.
“We must express our gratitude to you for your sacrifice, encouragement, inspiration, motivation and most of all for never losing confidence in your children’s ability to succeed. Today’s graduation confirms that it was all worth it,” he said.
Meyer said a skilled labour force is one of the key pillars of the Western Cape’s growth for jobs strategy.
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“Elsenburg has been creating opportunities in agriculture for the youth for more than 125 years. It will continue to do so for many more years to come and enable the sector to contribute to the bold target set for 2035 where our regional economy will be growing by 5%” a year,” he said.
Special awards in the learnership programme went to:
- Best student in animal production: NQF level 4 – Danelle Groenewald
- Best student in plant production: Viticulture NQF level 4 – Valentino Januarie
- Best student in plant production: Pomology: NQF level 4 – Petrovene van Wyk
DUX awards were handed to Danelle Groenewald from Philadelphia (learnership programme), Engela Uithaler from Ladismith (diploma in agriculture) and Johanna Slabber from Mooreesburg ( BAgric).
According to the department, the National Wool Growers Association Award in wool production was awarded to Keanu Cilliers, the best student in animal health for small stock went to Gert Viljoen, and Johanna Slabber earned the best student in animal health for large stock award.
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