Agri Skills Transfer bursary awarded to Etienne Swart

A landmark moment for both agriculture and education took place on Monday, 13 October, at Martin Oosthuizen School in Kakamas, where Etienne Swart was officially awarded the Agri Skills bursary. The handover was conducted during the school assembly by Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA, alongside Johan Kruger from Agri Skills Transfer.

Etienne, a motivated Grade 12 learner with a strong passion for agriculture, was selected as the bursary recipient. The award covers accommodation, tuition, and living expenses. In 2026, he will begin his studies toward an agricultural diploma at Agri Skills Transfer, an institution committed to equipping young people with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge for a career in agriculture.

The Agri Skills bursary, a joint initiative between Agri Skills Transfer and TLU SA, aims to nurture young agricultural talent. Grade 12 learners compete for the bursary by submitting a motivational letter, a short video, and a written piece outlining their vision for the future of agriculture.

“TLU SA believes the future of agriculture rests with our youth,” says Bennie van Zyl. “Partnering with Agri Skills allows us to support young people like Etienne, whose passion for farming is genuine. This investment is not just in one young man, but in the sustainable future of agriculture in South Africa.”

Through initiatives like this, TLU SA encourages young people to pursue careers in agriculture and take pride in their role in food production and community development.