Farming graduates to boost food security
FOOD security was given a major boost after 20 previously unemployed KZN youth celebrated their graduation from the South32 Eco Hubs Project at a ceremony in Richards Bay last week.
Spearheaded by mining and metals giant South32 Hillside Aluminium and implemented by the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa), this agricultural skills training initiative has been instrumental in uplifting these youngsters from unemployment and poverty.
Funded by South32, the project equipped the graduates with extensive training in sustainable farming practices and SMME development, and is a collaboration that marks a significant investment in cultivating a new generation of skilled and empowered farmers.
Wessa's head of programmes and projects, Cindy Cloete said this initiative aimed to empower local youth to manage their own farm plots independently and successfully.
"Seeing these young individuals blossom into skilled farmers and entrepreneurs has been incredibly moving," said Cloete.
"They are not just cultivating crops; they are nurturing hope and opportunity in their communities.
"Their dedication and newfound abilities are not just about food they are about building a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone."
One of the beneficiaries, Thandeka Myeni said she gained so much more than just farming skills, but also leadership, marketing, conflict resolution, computer literacy and entrepreneurial skills.
"With the stipend I fed my family, improved my life, education and other skills related to agribusiness," she said.
"Today I am a farmer, founder and CEO of my own business in Hluhluwe, Umlingo Agri Project, and I gained all the skills from the South32 Eco Hubs Project.''
Giving the youth a step up
South32 vice-president of operations Calvin Mkhabela highlighted Hillside Aluminium’s commitment to combatting youth unemployment, food insecurity and poverty within the communities of King Cetshwayo District.
Mkhabela stressed the importance and impact of collaborative efforts in conceptualising and executing this learnership project.
The project immersed aspiring farmers in a two-year practical training programme across four eco hubs situated in the Amangwe, uMkhoma, uMhlathuze and Madlankala communities.
South32's funding facilitated the development of farming infrastructure and provided essential learning materials.
Acknowledging the ambassadors' dedication and resilience despite facing adversities such as floods and storms, Wessa project coordinators Raymond Ngubane and Sinoxolo Sabelo praised their commitment over the last two years.
The ceremony recognised outstanding achievements, with special awards presented to Simangaliso Mthembu as top student and Thandeka Myeni for presenting the best agri-business plan.
An integral aspect of the training focused on equipping the ambassadors with the skills to independently manage their agri-businesses.
From next month, these ambassadors will assume independent management of the eco hubs as their farms, with Wessa providing ongoing mentoring and guidance.
Some ambassadors will transition to starting farms closer to their homes, receiving similar support from Wessa staff.
Expressing pride in spearheading this impactful youth development initiative on behalf of South32 Hillside Aluminium, Wessa extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved, including the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, uMfolozi Municipality, Amangwe Village, Umhlatuze Valley Sugar, and private landowners who contributed portions of their land.