As the country marks Youth Day and honours the historic milestone since the 1976 Soweto uprising, the battlefield has diversified from the classroom to the agricultural ecosystem.
The pathway into this booming industry is no longer one-size-fits-all. While some young people are leveraging specialised tertiary diplomas to bring scientific precision to their agricultural enterprises, others are relying on pure grit, mentorship, and practical experience to scale commercial operations without any formal qualifications.
Food For Mzansi spoke with several young trailblazers who are cementing their places in the country’s food production chain.
The classroom pioneers
For some young professionals, formal education is the launchpad that transforms a general interest in nature into a highly strategic career.
Bontle Sekwele, a graduate from North West with a national diploma in horticulture from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), admits that she entered the programme with very little knowledge of what the field actually entailed.
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“The qualification gives me technical and management skills that assist me in being involved in agricultural projects and other professional opportunities.
“Classroom sessions coupled with practicals have made me knowledgeable on sustainable plant production and its importance towards environmental and social responsibility, food security, community empowerment, and environmental conservation.”
Through her studies, Sekwele discovered that horticulture branches out into diverse careers like urban greening, research, and advisory services.
“It showed me that horticulture is not only about growing plants but also about creating sustainable environments and supporting economic development.”
This sentiment is shared by Thapelo Mokodue-Qomaine from North West, who holds a diploma in crop sciences from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and an advanced diploma in agricultural extension from Central University of Technology (CUT). Currently widening his scope through a PGCE at Sol Plaatje University (SPU), he balances pig, poultry, and vegetable operations by blending modern science with business principles.
“My formal studies helped me to move away from agricultural farming systems our great-parents used, to understanding that farming is an ecosystem that requires scientific knowledge fused with different experiences aligned with individual environments.
“Agriculture is not limited to working on a farm. It is a diverse industry that combines science, business, technology, entrepreneurship, and food security,” he said.
For Mamello Chobokoane-Motaung, who is originally from the Free State and studied animal production at Glen College and agricultural management at Central University of Technology (CUT), a tertiary education provided a solid foundation for her current role as a veterinary assistant.
“My studies gave me a solid foundation in animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, welfare, and management, which made it easier for me to understand veterinary procedures and adapt quickly to the work environment.
“Employers are looking for more than theoretical knowledge. They want people who can apply what they have learned and demonstrate their skills in real-life situations. Having both knowledge and practical experience makes you more competitive,” Chobokoane-Motaung said.
Bridging theory and grit
Sitting squarely at the intersection of academic insight and real-world adaptation is Mncedisi Victor Mbangwa from the Eastern Cape. His journey represents a mixture of both worlds, proving that a halted academic path can still yield a sophisticated agribusiness mindset.
Mbangwa was pursuing a BCom in agribusiness management at the University of Pretoria when life dealt a heavy blow. He was forced to drop out in his final year due to financial constraints following the loss of his parents. However, instead of leaving the sector behind, he used the foundation of his incomplete degree to pivot into agricultural services.
“The course that I have studied has helped me to be open-minded, so that even though someone did not graduate, they can still establish agricultural businesses.
“I still have a dream to pursue a business in supply chain because a lot of businesses are struggling in the sector. There are multiple other opportunities that I have discovered, like agri-consultant and advisor, that I can take on to help different kinds of farmers in the sectors who are struggling,” he said.
Mastering the practical landscape
An equally powerful movement of youth is finding immense success completely outside the university gates, relying on indigenous knowledge, targeted workshops, and immediate action on the ground.
In Ermelo, Mpumalanga, Simemo Nkosi manages the Umbambiswano Phambili farm. Under his guidance, the operation has flourished into a diversified enterprise boasting 100 hectares of maize and soya beans, more than 100 cattle, a broiler unit, and a small holding of sheep and goats.
Nkosi never set foot in an agricultural lecture hall, drawing his expertise from heritage instead.
“I did not follow the route of pursuing studies in agriculture; it was something cultural because I used to look after my father’s cattle when I was young. So the skills and knowledge that I currently have are from doing all that work, and some of it was gained from other neighbouring farmers,” Nkosi said.
For Nkosi, this Youth Month serves as a reminder that the best way to master the sector is to jump straight into production. “I had to learn from my mistakes. When it comes to agriculture, I believe 80% should be practical, and the remaining 20% can be theory. You learn quickly when you are doing the stuff and make mistakes.
Based in Mbilini in Engcobo, Eastern Cape, Aphiwe Poyo, the founder of Mgquba Agric, has successfully scaled his production to five hectares without a formal agricultural qualification. Poyo built his business acumen by actively hunting down short courses and professional networks.
“I attended workshops like Indaba African Farming. That is where I learnt and got more knowledge in terms of agriculture and farming. From there, I went to find a nearby mentor, Lindikhaya Malangeni. I started going to him to see how he farms, and I also attended NPO trainings to deepen my knowledge.
“The biggest lessons I have learnt in agriculture are to have action, be there, feel and touch what you are doing, visit your farm and apply whatever knowledge you have. Please make sure you believe in what you want and have passion for it,” he said.
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