MEC Sambatha Conducts Oversight Visit at Kgora Farmers Training Center

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, recently conducted an oversight visit to the Kgora Farmers Training Center, a pivotal institution dedicated to the upskilling of farmers and agricultural students in the region. He was accompanied by the Head of Department (HoD), Thupi Mokhatla, members of the Executive Management Committee (EMC), and the Kgora Center team.

The Kgora Farmers Training Center is a recognized beacon of agricultural education, accredited by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). It provides vital skills training to farmers and students who have completed their theoretical studies but require practical experience to complete their diplomas.

MEC Sambatha’s visit was aimed at assessing the Center’s operations, evaluating the impact of its training programs, and ensuring that the institution continues to meet the educational needs of the province’s agricultural sector. He engaged with the center’s management and staff to discuss current challenges, potential areas for improvement, and strategies to enhance the quality of training provided.

During the visit, MEC Sambatha expressed his commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector in the North West by supporting institutions like Kgora that play a crucial role in developing skilled agricultural professionals. “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and institutions like Kgora are essential in equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a competitive environment,” he said.

The Kgora Farmers Training Center offers a range of services designed to cater to different segments of the agricultural community. These services include:

• Learnership Programs: Structured training that combines theoretical instruction with practical on-the-job experience.
• Mentorship: Guidance and support for farmers by experienced agricultural professionals to enhance their farming practices and business acumen.
• Unemployed Agricultural Graduates Training: Tailored programs that provide unemployed agricultural graduates with the practical skills and experience needed to enter the workforce.
• Skills Programmes: Short courses focused on specific agricultural skills to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Farmer Training: Comprehensive training programs designed to enhance the capabilities of existing farmers and help them adopt modern farming techniques.

The training at Kgora is mainly conducted in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with the latest advancements and research in the agricultural sector.

MEC Sambatha concluded his visit by reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the Center and ensuring that it continues to serve as a cornerstone for agricultural education and development in the North West Province.