Agri-youth entrepreneurship students honoured
A POLITICAL activist, who is also a farmer, a food security expert and a community organiser fighting for food justice, has hailed South African students for their intelligence towards farming.
Karen Washington was speaking at the Agri-youth Entrepreneurship which was held at the Aha Gateway Hotel in Umhlanga, at the weekend.
“Young people need to understand that they have a connection with the earth, they need to understand the power of tradition so that they can grow the nation,” she said.
Washington donated $500 (R8 630) as she was amazed by the “hard work” and “ambition” shown by the students. This, she said, was her way of planting a seed. She said she was going to send a message to the US to also lend a helping hand and see the work that is being done.
The programme aims to assist beneficiaries to establish business compliance, complete business models, canvas their projects, establish branding and to also improve their marketing plans.
Founder and CEO of Zoluhle Group, Zibu Masotobe, who has also been at the forefront of the programme, admired the strength and perseverance of the students and for seeing it through the programme. She acknowledged that there were some challenges along the way “but the students soldiered on”.
“From this day going forward be the light and shine through everything that you do and touch. Always be humble and check on yourself as that will take you far in life always – and do not forget to check the environment that you are in,” she said.
US consulate public affairs officer Jaclyn Cole said they had come a long way and she was grateful to see the students harvesting what they had planted and being awarded for it.
“The programme is open to everyone and there should be dates issued for when the application starts.
“We saw an increase in co-ordination and we want more farmers so that they can change the state of food security in this country,” she said.
The winner of the Best Performer category, Luyanda Msane, 25, said he learnt a lot from the programme and now trains young farmers in his hometown. Msane is in the poultry business and has already employed three people.
“I wish to expand so that I can employ more people. I know I will, it is just a matter of time. I have learnt a lot from the programme and I will never look back, I wish more people can learn about farming and I am ready to be the voice,” said Msane.