The North West department of agriculture and rural development, in partnership with the department of land reform and rural development and several state-owned entities, recently celebrated the graduation of 242 young men and women from the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Programme.
According to the department of agriculture, the NARYSEC Programme recruits unemployed rural youth, builds their skills, and supports their transition into jobs or enterprises, promoting community upliftment and sustainable livelihoods.
“In the 2023/2024 financial year, 263 youth were enrolled in the programme, with 242 completing training in diverse fields such as plant and animal production, mixed farming, professional cookery, food and beverages management, accommodation services, beauty and nail technology, and tourist guiding.
“Despite economic challenges, 78 graduates have secured jobs, while others prepare to start businesses with support such as training, tools, inputs, and starter kits,” the department said.
Vincent Marumolwa from Motsoseng village in Mahikeng, a former NARYSEC beneficiary, is a shining example of how skills development can transform lives. After completing the programme, he established a successful horticulture nursery, supplying fresh vegetables to schools, clinics, and other local institutions.
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Marumolwa also trains and mentors community members, particularly learners, sharing practical agricultural skills. His success has been strongly supported by the national department of agriculture, the department of rural development and land Reform, and the North West department of agriculture and rural development (NW-DARD), which provided crucial inputs and infrastructure to help grow his project.
In her remarks, deputy director-general for rural development, Nomtandazo Moyo, extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable contribution to the success of the NARYSEC graduation ceremony. She emphasised the importance of continued partnerships in empowering rural communities and ensuring that development initiatives deliver long-term impact.
Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset
At the ceremony, North West agriculture MEC Madoda Sambatha praised the graduates’ achievements, calling them a significant step in addressing youth unemployment.
“With formal jobs becoming increasingly scarce, it is essential that we support young people with an entrepreneurial mindset, as they have the potential to create jobs for others.
“Given the scale of youth unemployment, failure is not an option. Your historic background is not your fault. However, your future is your responsibility. Know that what the government has provided for you today is for your personal development and for you to make meaningful changes in your communities. Let us not be a nation of consumers, but let us use the skills we have learned to keep improving our lives,” he said.
He described the graduates as “beacons of hope and agents of change,” equipped to contribute meaningfully to society through employment, business, and further development.
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