Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
First taste of success for youths turned agripreneurs
Reaping the rewards of their dedication and new-found skills, 20 previously unemployed KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) youths turned agripreneurs harvested a bountiful crop and graduated from the South32 Eco-Hubs Project at a ceremony in Richards Bay recently.
The initiative, which aims to uplift participants by providing training in sustainable farming and entrepreneurship over two years, was spearheaded by South32 Hillside Aluminium, a global diversified mining and metals company, and implemented by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).
The project was funded by South32 and equipped the graduates with training in sustainable farming practices and small, medium and micro-enterprises development. Cindy Cloete, head of programmes and projects at WESSA, emphasised the significance of the training, highlighting its objective to empower individuals to autonomously and effectively manage their own farm plots.
She said the initiative was geared toward fostering independence among participants, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills to navigate and succeed in their agriculture endeavours.
“It’s a privilege to witness the incredible growth, change and impact among the graduates of the South32 youth farming programme.
“Seeing these young individuals blossom into skilled farmers and entrepreneurs has been incredibly moving,” she said.
“They are not just cultivating crops, they are nurturing hope and opportunity in their communities. Their dedication and new-found abilities are not just about food, they are about building a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone,” Cloete added.
South32 vice-president of operations, Calvin Mkhabela, said Hillside Aluminium was committed to combating youth unemployment, food insecurity and poverty within the King Cetshwayo
District Municipality. Mkhabela emphasised the importance and impact of collaborative efforts in conceptualising and executing the learnership project.
The initiative saw the aspiring farmers, referred to as ambassadors, attending an intensive two-year practical training programme spanning across four eco-hubs in Amangwe, uMkhoma, uMhlathuze and Madlankala, in northern KZN.
South32’s funding facilitated the development of farming infrastructure and provided essential learning materials. Recognising the ambassadors’ unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of adversities such as floods and storms, WESSA project coordinators Raymond Ngubane and Sinoxolo Sabelo commended the youngsters steadfast commitment.
At the event, the aspiring farmers were recognised for their outstanding achievements with special awards presented to Simangaliso Mthembu as the top student and Thandeka Myeni for presenting the best Agri-Business Plan.
An integral aspect of the training focused on equipping them with the skills to independently manage their own agri-businesses.
From January, they will assume independent management of the ecohubs as their farms, with WESSA providing mentoring and guidance. Some will set up their farms closer to their homes, receiving similar support from WESSA staff.