A spirit of pride and accomplishment filled the air at the Leopards and Lace venue as Peritum Agri Institute celebrated its annual graduation ceremony. More than 123 graduates were honoured for their achievements, receiving diplomas in animal or plant production and certificates in farming.
The event was attended by 390 guests, including families, friends, Peritum staff, and partners. With elegance and poise, Brenda Myburgh guided the evening’s proceedings as master of ceremonies.
Among the guests were Peritum’s directors and co-founders, Emmie Pietersen and Belinda Louw, whose leadership continues to shape the institute’s mission to empower the next generation of agricultural professionals.
They were joined by several key figures in the agricultural sector, including Francois Strydom, former managing director; Professor Andries Raath, representative of the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO); and Andrei van Heerden from John Deere, a longstanding Peritum partner.
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Delivering the keynote address, Strydom reflected on the grit and determination that characterise South Africans, particularly those in agriculture. His address highlighted the critical contribution of the agricultural sector to both local food security and the global economy.
The ceremony also celebrated excellence beyond the classroom with awards presented to top-performing students. These included recognition for the top achievers in both the animal and plant production diplomas, leadership awards for students who exemplified initiative and integrity, and best academic merit awards for outstanding performance across all modules.
“This graduation is not just a celebration of academic success,” said Pietersen. “It’s a celebration of resilience, passion, and the future of sustainable farming in our country.”
The 2025 graduation not only recognised the hard work of students, but also underscored Peritum’s commitment to cultivating capable and compassionate leaders in agriculture. With knowledge in hand and purpose in heart, the graduates now take their place in shaping a more sustainable and food-secure South Africa.
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