AGRICOLLEGES international and Cheebah Academy have announced the winner of the first Food For Mzansi scholarship. Upon hearing the news, the KwaZulu-Natal winner said, ‘It will make those around me realise I’m not a failure’
Nokulunga “Lunga” Mtolo has been announced as the winner of the inaugural Food for Mzansi scholarship with AGRICOLLEGES international and Cheebah Academy. She will be studying towards a national certificate in plant production: cannabis and hemp.
Wynand Espach, chief operating officer at AGRICOLLEGES international, shared the news saying: “We completed the interviews for the NQF 4-level qualification yesterday afternoon, and are proud to say we have found a very good and deserving scholarship recipient.”
Espach explained that the scholarship programme received over 860 applications, which were narrowed down to around 300, and then to the top 20. From there, they identified the top ten candidates who were invited for panel interviews.
Mtolo (31), who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, is currently unemployed. “I want to create a long-term career plan that will increase my employability in agriculture,” she exclaimed. “And I want to be farming on an even bigger scale and work with big companies. I also see myself starting up a restaurant and a butchery which will always use my own farm’s produce.”
Espach shared his excitement about the Food For Mzansi scholarship and the potential it holds for students like Mtolo.
An investment in the future
“We believe that the future of agriculture in South Africa is dependent on the success of its people,” he said. “This scholarship, specifically for cannabis and hemp production, is an investment in the future of the sector. It is a privilege for us to play a small part in helping to develop the skills of those who will contribute to the growth and success of the sector.”
Mtolo’s passion and drive for agriculture stood out to the panellists, leading to a unanimous decision to award her the scholarship. “Lunga’s plans for her future career and her desire to help others in her community were truly inspiring. We are confident that she will make the most of this opportunity and go on to do great things in the industry.”
Cheebah Academy said the Food For Mzansi scholarship programme aims to support aspiring farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs by providing them with online education opportunities.
Opportunities galore
Trenton Birch, the chief executive of the academy, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “We are proud to support the next generation of agricultural leaders in South Africa through the Food For Mzansi scholarship,” he said. “Agriculture is a vital sector for our country’s economy, and we believe that education is the key to driving innovation and growth in this field.”
Apart from the scholarship, Cheebah Academy also offers accredited courses in cannabis cultivation and processing. Birch emphasised the importance of these courses in South Africa’s emerging cannabis industry.
“With the recent legalisation of cannabis for personal and medical use, we believe that there is a tremendous opportunity for growth in this industry. Our accredited cannabis courses provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this exciting field.”
The partnership between Cheebah Academy and AGRICOLLEGES international is a significant step forward for the country’s cannabis industry. Birch believed the availability of online education will make it easier for people to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this field.
Supporting young, deserving South Africans
Food For Mzansi co-founder and editor-in-chief Ivor Price congratulated Mtolo on receiving the scholarship. “We are proud to cement our relationship with AGRICOLLEGES international in supporting young, deserving South Africans who have a passion for agriculture, and who are eager to make a meaningful contribution to the sector.”
Mtolo added, “I’ve found something that I’m good at, and maybe it will help me leave a name for myself one day. It will help me believe more in myself and build confidence. This scholarship will make those around me realise I’m not a failure. It could better my standard of living. It could help me give back to the community by teaching the less fortunate as well as the future generation how to survive on their own without waiting for any governmental handouts.”
AGRICOLLEGES international is still accepting late enrolments for the national certificate in plant production: cannabis and hemp. To apply, go to www.agricolleges.com, call 063 940 0334, or email study@agricolleges.com.
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