A group of Grade 10 learners of Hoërskool Bothaville in the Free State visited various agricultural sites in the Lowveld from September 23 to 27.

They received practical education from big names in the sector, starting off with an interaction and tour with Molatek and an animal feed company at the Crocodile Lapa on September 23.

“We have visited Molatek to get a look and feel of the industry. This tour will also give us an extensive presentation on how the process unfolds, from the sugarcane fields through production and all the way to the final product, which is the animal feed,” said the school’s agricultural science teacher, Carina du Plessis.

The group spent their first night in Marloth Park and visited the Kruger National Park (KNP) the following three days, where they met with veterinary scientists.

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“We don’t have the Big 5 in the Free State, so this is quite an experience for the learners, and they are enjoying themselves. We will be in the KNP for three days where we will learn more about the ecology lesson that the vets are doing. The learners will also be treated to a night drive and a game walk. Our last day will be spent at the Ngodwana paper mill where the learners will also see how paper is produced from the beginning of the process right to the end,” Du Plessis said.

One of the learners, Kelotlhoko Makoatsane, said he was stunned by the beauty of the Lowveld as a first-time visitor. He added that the tour has made him fall in love with the agricultural sector even more. “We have pigs at home and this tour has opened my eyes to so many facets in the business. It will be much easier to implement the things I have learnt here, because I have seen the entire process. My desire is to go further in the agricultural sector even after school, and I am also very happy about the KNP experience,” he said.

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Molatek’s mill administrator, Robyn Wright, said such site visits inspire the learners to gain a deep understanding of the sector.

“We usually have groups that come to visit us, and this gives them a clearer picture of how the product is made, packaged and eventually sold and fed to the animals. People need to eat, so there will always be a future for the learners in agriculture, as long as they understand that it’s a 24-hour business and requires a lot of work and dedication,” Wright said.