The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) announced the graduation of the first cohort of 32 young farmers from the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) program in the North West Province.
The graduation ceremony for the young agricultural leaders was held recently in Mahikeng.
Following six months of rigorous training at the AgriSETA-accredited Kgora Farmer Training Centre in Mahikeng, the graduates are now equipped with essential agricultural skills in plant and animal production.
Out of the initial 45 participants, 17 have successfully earned certificates in Plant Production, while 15 have specialized in Animal Production.
Notably, the animal production graduates have also completed advanced training in Artificial Insemination at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Irene campus, earning registration with DALRRD as certified inseminators, qualifying them to provide insemination services to livestock farmers across the region.
Tiisetso Makgale, representing the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, highlighted the profound impact of the NARYSEC program, which was launched in 2010 to address unemployment and poverty among youth aged 18 to35.
“NARYSEC training extends beyond numbers; each trainee is actively involved in community agricultural projects,” Makgale stated.
The young farmers are now poised to play a pivotal role in advancing growth, creating employment, and building sustainable communities, positioning themselves as vital contributors to the future of South African agriculture.
MEC Madoda Sambatha emphasised the importance of youth skills development for fostering a prosperous and inclusive economy, encouraging graduates to make meaningful contributions to both the agricultural sector and the North West Province’s economic landscape.
“The 32 graduates are agents of hope, empowered to drive economic growth, foster social cohesion, and build better futures,” MEC Sambatha affirmed.
The success of the NARYSEC program underscores the government’s commitment to empowering rural youth and unlocking South Africa’s full potential through targeted skills development and community involvement.
