Forty-six emerging agricultural professionals have graduated from Taung Agricultural College with specialised diplomas in irrigation, injecting critical skills into the sector as North West pushes for enhanced food security and rural economic growth.
The North West department of agriculture and rural development’s Taung Agricultural College (TAC) recently celebrated a significant milestone by conferring diplomas on 46 graduates from the 2025 academic cohort during its winter graduation ceremony.
The college holds a unique position in the country’s educational landscape as the only institution in South Africa offering a specialised NQF Level 06 diploma in agriculture (irrigation).
Central to the ceremony was the theme “RESET@50: The future calls!”, which framed the graduation within the context of Youth Month and the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprising.
The event sought to move past traditional views of agriculture, instead highlighting how modern irrigation expertise serves as a catalyst for climate resilience, youth empowerment, and rural economic transformation.
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A call for bold innovation and entrepreneurship
Addressing the graduates, Madoda Sambatha, North West MEC for agriculture and rural development, challenged the cohort to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators. He highlighted the vast opportunities available within primary farming, agro-processing, and agricultural services.
“We encourage you not to limit yourselves, but to be bold and fearless. Explore opportunities not only within our country but beyond our borders.
“Exposure to new environments, technologies, and markets will enrich your skills and broaden your horizons. Go out there and participate meaningfully in the development of our agricultural sector and contribute towards building a province that works for all,” he said.
Sambatha emphasised that the agricultural sector presents immense opportunities for economic growth. He urged the new professionals to use their knowledge to establish enterprises that will create local employment and strengthen food security.
To transition from graduates to business owners, the cohort was encouraged to develop bankable business plans capable of attracting private investment and unlocking funding opportunities.
Sambatha further urged the youth to actively take advantage of existing government support programmes and strategic public-private partnerships aimed at empowering young people in agriculture.
Through these initiatives, TAC reaffirmed its long-term commitment to producing the next generation of agricultural leaders. The institution remains dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture and regional economic development through highly specialised training.
A shared vision for the future
The intensive academic and practical training programme ensures that these graduates are immediately ready to tackle the real-world challenges facing South African farmers, particularly regarding water scarcity and modern water management.
Speaking after the ceremony, the campus’ top overall achiever, 22-year-old Aobakwe Molatowagae from Cokonyane village in Taung, shared an inspiring message for his classmates as they enter the industry.
“Life is going to pull us in opposite directions, but we all share the same vision. We all want to become well-established farmers in the future. Let us continue to thrive and work hard to ensure that the vision we share today becomes a reality,” Molatowagae said.
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