As aspiring agricultural students make their way to different agricultural colleges across the country, the state of readiness for higher education institutions has come under the spotlight as dozens of young people will flock to them to get space.
Lethabo Malope, academic head and acting principal at Toutele Agricultural College in KwaZulu-Natal, said the college is fully prepared for the 2025 academic year.
“As a private institution that primarily offers online courses with a few in-person classes, we have made significant strides in ensuring that both our academic infrastructure and student services are aligned with the upcoming academic year’s needs.
“We are on track to admit a total of 100 students, which will allow us to maintain small, manageable class sizes. This will ensure that each student receives personalised attention and can engage effectively in the learning process,” he said.
Doors of learning open
Malope said they are finalising the details of the admission process, and are currently reviewing and enhancing certain aspects of their academic delivery to ensure that they provide accurate and reliable information to prospective students.
“The main challenges we anticipate in the 2025 academic year are related to online class submissions and network connectivity, as most of our courses are delivered remotely. We recognise that not all students have reliable internet access, which may hinder their ability to submit assignments on time or participate fully in online classes.
“To address this, we are exploring flexible submission options and increasing support for students with connectivity issues,” he explained.
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Malope indicated that new students at Toutele College can expect a dynamic and supportive learning environment in the 2025 academic year.
“As a student, you can expect a well-organised academic year with clear guidance on course expectations, deadlines, and submission guidelines. The college will continue to refine and improve its services to ensure a seamless educational experience,” he said.
Preparations well underway
Meanwhile, the North West department of agriculture and rural development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako, said both the Taung and Potchefstroom colleges were ready to accept new students.
“Prospective students are reminded to adhere to the registration dates and ensure that all required documentation is ready and complete on the day. Qualifying late or walk-in applications will only be considered subject to space availability during the registration period.
“Those interested in studying at the colleges are encouraged to apply during the next application window later in the year,” she said.
The principal of Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture in Limpopo, Lesley Mashiloane, said they started planning for the 2025 academic year last year.
He said they are well prepared for the challenges ahead as students will begin to seek space.
“It is expected that applicants will be expecting feedback on their application as soon as the results are released. This will pose a challenge of the need to hasten the selection process and communication of the outcomes.
“We already have a selection committee schedule and have increased the number of people in student affairs to expedite the communication of selection results to applicants,” he said.
Mashiloane added that students can expect to receive a learning approach different from their formative school years.
“The training will require them to understand to apply learned knowledge and skills in line with the requirement of vocational training. New things will be discovered to enhance their knowledge,” he said.
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