The Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute’s class of 2021 have graduated with top marks and the Western Cape MEC for agriculture had only praise for their dedication.
On Saturday, 26 February 2022 Dr Ivan Meyer joined academics, officials, parents and guardians to witness the graduation of 197 students. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Meyer said, “Today, one hundred and ninety-seven students will become members of that illustrious group of students who call themselves graduates of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute.”
Meyer also had a word for parents and guardians. Urging graduates to applaud them, Meyer said, “We must express our gratitude to parents for their sacrifice, encouragement, inspiration, motivation and, most of all, for never losing confidence in their children’s ability to succeed. Today’s graduation confirms that it was all worth it.”
Students graduated with qualifications ranging from certificates and diplomas to Baccalaureus degrees in Agriculture. Lara Barnard, Richard da Costa, Salomon de Jager, Karli du Toit, Barend Engelbrecht and Sara Lee graduated cum laude while Dux Awards went to Engela Uithaler, Britteney Havenga and Karli du Toit.
Nominqweno Nonjola received the best student award for viticulture NQF level 4, Irvin Modukanele for animal production NQF 4 and Engela Uithaler for pomology NQF 4. In addition, Cameron Moodie was awarded the National Wool Growers Association award for wool production.
In line with Meyer’s key priorities, namely promoting structured training, education and research, Meyer urged graduates to champion establishing more agricultural schools in the Western Cape. “Join me on my mission to create more training opportunities, especially for the youth, in the agricultural sector.”
“The Western Cape agricultural sector is leading agri exports in South Africa, and the investment in our agriculture education supports the Western Cape’s economic recovery. Our graduates will now enter the world of work, and we are indeed very proud of our youth in agriculture.
“Champion the cause of the hungry and promote food security.”
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