POLOKWANE – Agriculture MEC Joy Matshoge undertook a two-day school visit to all the agricultural schools in the Capricorn and Waterberg districts last week.
The school visits started at Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural High School last Thursday morning, followed by Kuschke Agricultural High School in the afternoon. On Friday, she visited Settlers Agricultural High School in the Waterberg district.
The visits formed part of the agriculture department’s initiative to encourage learners to study the field of agriculture beyond high school level. Speaking to Kuschke learners, Matshoge told them about some of the opportunities that existed in the agriculture sector.
“There are big opportunities in agriculture. We are in desperate need of qualified people in agriculture. This includes agricultural engineering, aquaculture and veterinary services. People think that studying agriculture means you will only be a farmer.
“This is not true, there are a lot of opportunities in this field of study. Agriculture is in need of young people to join the sector and help feed nations,” she said.
While at Kuschke, Matshoge also acknowledged the best performing agriculture learners in each grade, and handed out trophies and medals.
Top three learners in each grade:
Gr. 8:
• Winnie Ramashia.
• Audry Mpepele.
• Matema Manaka.
Gr. 9:
• Bonolo Ledwaba.
• Tumisho Shoba.
• Mosima Molepo.
Gr. 10:
• Tsebiso Kgoale.
• Mologadi Mmela.
• Angela Matlaila.
Gr. 11:
• Moses Sefoko.
• Lethabo Ramalepe.
• Khomotjo Manthatha.
Gr. 12:
• Pheladi Mmako.
• Karabo Mmako.
• Maedi Malebana.
