eThekwini launches learnership for 100 youth in agribusiness
One hundred youth in the agricultural value chain were selected to participate in the training programme that would unlock entrepreneurial excellence in them and help them succeed in agribusiness.
THE eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA), selected 100 youth in the agricultural value chain to participate in a 12-month NQF Level 4 training programme.
The programme was launched at the Durban Botanical Gardens today (February 9). The New Venture Creation Learnership in Business Management will unlock entrepreneurial excellence in the young participants.
The municipality’s agribusiness deputy head, Vuyo Jayiya, congratulated the 100 successfully recruited learners from across eThekwini. “This programme is in line with the Integrated Development Plan Two’s objective of economic growth and job creation. It is one of our many efforts to capacitate aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs. This training will address the skills gap as limited knowledge, access to opportunities and resources often hinder business growth.”
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Jayiya said all trainees will receive a monthly stipend of R3 000 for the duration of the programme, which is set to begin on February 19.
“The agricultural sector is a key contributor to economic growth. In South Africa, the sector accounts for 2.7%, which is R127 billion of the total GDP. It accounts for 10% of the total labour force with 800 000 people currently employed by the sector. Therefore, through this programme, we aim to unlock more opportunities and drive sustainable growth,” he added.
Explaining how the programme will unfold was Mpume Mpanza of Asime Women, an NPC that provides agricultural expertise. She said they are ready to equip the trainees to thrive in the agribusiness sector.
“This class is a mix of aspiring and operational businesses. The first five months will be dedicated to theory, with the last seven months focusing on practical systems and strategies where trainees will be placed in different established organisations within the value chain.”
Among the topics to be covered are production plans, record-keeping, cost-to-income ratio and much more.
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Nokuthula Selamolela, chief executive officer of FoodBev SETA, urged trainees to be fully committed. “This is a beneficial platform that will provide market linkages and will help turn business productivity around. As the primary funder of the programme, our aim is to enhance the upskilling of young people and women, helping them to carve their niche into this important sector of our economy.”
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