Farming programme in Bronkhorstspruit area enhances food security
This Sasol initiative in Ekandustria also combats unemployment.
Sasol recently honoured 20 farmers from Ekandustria in the Bronkhorstspruit- and the Middelburg areas for accomplishing its Bridge-to-Work Iphephe Farmer Development Programme.
This initiative, known as the Iphephe Programme, focuses on skills development to empower emerging farmers.
Its primary objectives are to address the issue of high unemployment rates in Sasol’s neighbouring communities and contribute to resolving the country’s challenges in food security.
The budding farmers underwent AgriSETA-accredited training courses, facilitated by Buhle Farmers’ Academy, covering various areas such as livestock production, vegetable production, poultry production, and farm business management.
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Beyond physical farming, the programme encompasses the entire production cycle.
It supports farmers to access markets, ensuring they have opportunities to sell their produce and livestock.
According to Thuli Mbuli, head of community affairs at Sasol’s Sasolburg and Ekandustria operations, the purpose of the Iphephe graduation event was to recognise and applaud the participants for completing this extensive developmental opportunity.
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“The certification is expected to encourage others to seek out and embrace leadership and other developmental opportunities that corporates and other organisations provide for the unemployed.
“These interventions are a critical bridge towards positioning the beneficiaries for employment or self-employment opportunities,” she said.
“Sasol remains committed to development and upliftment through supporting the creation of economic opportunities, particularly within our fence line communities.
“It is a privilege to congratulate all the farmers from Ekandustria and the Middelburg areas for completing this development opportunity. We wish them all the best and success in the next chapter of their farming businesses,” concluded Mbuli.
