The AgriSETA Summit is a crucial initiative aimed at raising awareness about the agricultural industry and its career opportunities. The National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030 highlights the importance of career development services, particularly for learners in rural areas. This summit serves as a platform to provide comprehensive career guidance, bringing together Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), industry employers, higher education institutions, and agricultural training providers to help students make informed career choices.

There are 21 SETAs, each covering different career sectors, including HWSETA, EWSETA, PSETA, and TETA, among others. The 2025 AgriSETA Summit was held at Acornhoek Ehlanzeni TVET College on 25 February, bringing together learners from 16 schools in Bushbuckridge.

Opening Ceremony

The event commenced with a prayer by Mr. B. Kwayiyo, the Deputy Principal of Ehlanzeni College, who welcomed all the learners. Mr. E. Mbuyane, the College Principal, then addressed the students, encouraging them to focus not only on academics but also on skill development, which could help them start businesses and create job opportunities. He emphasized that skills should not be taken lightly, as they are essential for future success.

AgriSETA Leadership Encourages Agricultural Careers

Mr. F. Phetla, the Acting CEO of AgriSETA, expressed his gratitude to all attendees. He addressed the high unemployment rate in South Africa, pointing out that Mpumalanga is an agricultural province, yet lacks sufficient agricultural colleges and universities. He urged learners to dream big in agriculture and emphasized the need for basic education to promote agriculture as a subject.

“Walk with me to make agriculture fashionable,” he said.

Ms. S. Makhoba shared a message of support, emphasizing the motto of the day:

“You don’t need a CV to work the soil. You don’t need a CV to feed your family. Agriculture is everything.”

She highlighted the various career opportunities in agriculture, such as becoming a soil scientist or agricultural engineer, and encouraged learners to explore this field.

Inspiring Success Story: Mr. Mxolisi Mapalala

A standout moment of the event was the inspirational journey of Mr. Mxolisi Mapalala, a self-made agricultural entrepreneur.

Originally studying law, he later fell in love with agriculture and returned to high school to study mathematics and sciences, starting again from Grade 10. He excelled in his matric exams, ranking among Mpumalanga’s top 10 learners, and is now pursuing a PhD at Wits University.

Today, he owns a chicken farm producing 40,000 eggs per day. He encouraged students to believe in themselves, saying:

“Stop thinking that success is impossible. I am proof that it can be done.”

Education MEC’s Commitment to Agricultural Development

The MEC of Education addressed the summit, emphasizing the importance of empowering youth through agricultural education.

“If you want to promote anything, you need to be educated about it. Agriculture is part of our daily lives, and we cannot underestimate its significance,” he said.

The MEC announced that 22 schools in the province will increase their focus on agricultural studies, with plans to expand further. Additionally, 110 schools now require students to take mathematics and sciences, a step toward improving education quality in rural areas.

“This summit is about building our youth and providing them with the right education. We must work together to strengthen our local TVET colleges and agricultural businesses.”

Career Exhibition and Conclusion

After the speeches, learners attended an exhibition in a separate hall, where they received pamphlets and career information about different agricultural fields.

The summit successfully inspired young minds, provided valuable career insights, and emphasized the importance of agriculture in economic growth and self-sustainability.