116 Agriculture Graduates Celebrate Success and Gain Hands-On Experience in Mpumalanga

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) celebrated the success of 116 graduates from its 2023–2025 Agricultural Graduates Program. The event took place at Nutting House Lodge outside Mbombela, where MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi handed over completion certificates and addressed the graduates.

Throughout the program, the graduates were placed with 94 farmers across the province. These farmers acted as mentors during their on-the-job training, providing practical experience and preparing the graduates for the agricultural sector. The program emphasizes skills development, hands-on learning, and knowledge transfer to strengthen the province’s farming community.

In her address, MEC Moeketsi congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue leveraging the Department’s Extension Services program. She highlighted that ongoing support and engagement with agricultural initiatives are crucial for personal growth and for contributing effectively to the sector.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from organized agriculture and local farmers. Their presence underscored the collaborative approach between the Department and the private sector in nurturing new agricultural talent.

This milestone reflects DARDLEA’s commitment to developing skilled professionals in agriculture. By combining mentorship, practical exposure, and continued support, the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to drive productivity, innovation, and sustainability across the province’s agricultural sector.

The Department looks forward to seeing the graduates apply their knowledge, support local farming communities, and contribute to the growth and resilience of agriculture in the region.