MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: In an effort to increase the number of qualified farming professionals, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, through its Potchefstroom College of Agriculture awarded a Diploma in Mixed Agriculture Qualification to 55 graduates on Friday last week.
A total number of 55 graduates, with 25 being males and 30 being females, shows that agriculture is no longer a male dominated industry as previously structured, additionally this should translate into improved quality of service more especially in the rural and underserved areas of the North West Province. 
MEC Desbo Mohono emphasized the provision of quality farming by trained professionals as a job that requires conscious people who know they are in the profession to serve humanity and the dedication to producing food timeously as key drivers to their profession.
Mohono further acknowledged the patience and the resilience from all parents and guardians throughout the three years of their children’s journey “As farmers, the graduates play a critical role in the realisation of our mandate to fight food insecurity at all costs”.
Omolemo Mophulane from Khunwana, the overall achiever of three years of full-time study and experimental learning, he stated that it was a tough journey, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic whereby they had to study from home then transition back to coming to school on a full-time basis.
“I am very happy to be the top achiever of the 2024 cohort, I will take the experience acquired from the college to work at a farm back home and continue to further my studies ” said ecstatic Mophulane.
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development believes that training, particularly of young people is critical to achieve the goal of a better life for all, it is in this context that we strive to make a deliberate effort in intensifying education and training programmes.
