The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) celebrated a significant milestone in the heart of Limpopo’s citrus belt. At a joyful event hosted at Mahwahwa High School in Tzaneen, two grade-11 learners were honoured as the first graduates from the province to complete the Citrus Secondary Programme.
The initiative, driven by the CGA’s Citrus Academy, is designed to boost employability for high school learners while nurturing their agricultural ambitions with formal training.
Jacomien de Klerk, general manager of the Citrus Academy, said: “South Africa is the world’s second-biggest exporter of citrus, and nearly half of South Africa’s citrus is grown in Limpopo. Citrus offers careers and opportunities to so many in the province.
“The Citrus Secondary Programme provides a chance for learners to get a recognised plant production qualification while at school. The programme can increase the career options of Limpopo’s youth,” De Klerk said.
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A first for the province
The two standout learners, Lunghi Mashaba and Ricardo Tivana, have successfully completed the two-year programme, becoming trailblazers for other students in the province. Their achievements were recognised with certificates of completion – a symbol of both their hard work and the promise of the industry.
Sive Silo, project manager at the Citrus Academy, said they know this will be the first of many.
“The citrus industry provides a lot of opportunities – from farm management to marketing, from scientific research to working in export logistics. The sky is the limit,” Silo said.
The Citrus Secondary Programme equips learners with key agricultural knowledge and practical skills. Modules include enterprise planning, irrigation, pest and financial management, and plant manipulation. Fully aligned with the school curriculum, the programme complements subjects like Agricultural Management Practices or can serve as an after-school activity leading to a valuable qualification.
The Citrus Academy supports learners with a robust e-learning platform that includes assessments, supporting videos, sound clips, and interactive materials. This digital access ensures that students in rural and remote citrus-growing areas can participate effectively.
Growing national interest
Now in its second year, the programme has already drawn significant national attention. A total of 647 learners are currently enrolled across 15 schools, all located in citrus-producing regions.
The CGA’s Citrus Academy plans to expand the programme’s reach in the coming years, reinforcing its commitment to preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals.
For Limpopo’s citrus sector, and for South Africa’s broader farming community, the success of these first two graduates marks the beginning of a fruitful new chapter.
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