Agricultural skills used as a powerful tool to empower youth

A GROUP OF 21 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SAUL MKHIZEVILLE ARE BENEFITING FROM AN AGRICULTURAL PROJECT FACILITATED BY THE MPUMALANGA REGIONAL TRAINING TRUST AND SUPPORTED BY KANGRA.

MRTT training facilitator, Mandla Njabulo Ndletshe

A partnership between the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT) and Kangra is sowing the seeds of opportunity for young people through an accredited agricultural training initiative aimed at tackling unemployment and poverty in rural communities.

While MRTT facilitates the training expertise, Kangra has stepped in to provide the required training facility. The programme is NQF level 2 and SETA-accredited. It benefits a total of 21 youths from the mine’s host community in Saul Mkhizeville. 

“What we seek to achieve through these programmes is to alleviate poverty, and agriculture has been identified as one of the skills that can play a vital role in that regard,” says MRTT training facilitator Mandla Njabulo Ndletshe. He believes agriculture can become a powerful tool for restoring hope among unemployed youth. 

The programme equips learners with skills in crop production, livestock farming and agricultural business management. Participants are introduced to all the basics – from soil preparation to understanding the retail supply chain for vegetables such as tomatoes and cabbage. With the skills gained so far, Zithembe Nkosi’s father has already entrusted her with looking after the family vegetable garden.

While farming is a passion she’s always wanted to pursue, Zithembe was unable to study after completing Grade 12 in 2023.  “I’ve always wanted to have my own farm and keep livestock. This will change my life because I’ll be able to sell my vegetables and assist my family,” Zithembe remarks. 

After matriculating at Qedela Secondary School in 2024, Yandiswa Mnisi could not get space at the university, and she ended up sitting at home. The training opportunity has made a difference in her life. “Things are going well so far, and there is so much to learn,” says Yandiswa.