Nestlé Needs Youth campaign continues to pave the way for the youth
Nestle East and South African Region (ESAR) human resources director Athol Swanepoel congratulates all 600 individuals who participated in the first-ever Nestle agriculture youth competition in Bryanston after announcing the winner.
By celebrating International Youth Month, Nestlé Needs Youth, which primarily focuses on assisting young individuals by obtaining their entrepreneurial skills, recently hosted a ceremony in Bryanston. The event which took place on August 25 announced their winners of the Agri-preneurship competition.
With over 600 entries targeted at individuals situated in the southern and eastern parts of Africa, the challenge offered participants a platform to showcase their proposals to a panel of experienced judges who made their final verdict on the day.
Before the announcement of the winners, the event featured a panel discussion of successful farmers who shared their trials and tribulations in the industry. The discussion was led by comedian Donovan Goliath and mainly aimed at encouraging young individuals to be patient when dealing with the art of agriculture and to eradicate the stigma behind the profession.
Chief partnership officer of the youth employment services Farai Mubaiwa explained, “Without agriculture or farming, there’s so much that we can’t do, our livelihoods depend on the industry. Part of the research we’ve done with the presidency is highlighting that in the agricultural sector alone we can unlock up to 300 000 jobs. The challenge that we are facing is that young individuals have the stigma attached to the industry so it’s our duty to show them the full scope.”
Also in attendance was Nestlé East and South African Region (ESAR) human resources director Athol Swanepoel, who shared his two cents on the development of the campaign. “Training plays a critical part in the sector. If you want to start an opportunity in farming or agriculture, arming yourself with knowledge is most important and that is where the programme comes into play.”
Founder of QueenAgri, Fellistus Mmankopodi Sekgale was announced as the winner of the competition. “I fell in love with the industry at a very young age; I did everything related to the industry. I am just grateful for Nestlé and what they have done for us. You can take away my certificate but you can’t take away the skills I have gained.”
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/318027/mental-health-awareness-zoleka-mandela-uses-her-voice-so-others-dont-feel-alone/
