The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) chief director for structured agricultural education and training, Nomakhaya Moiloa, led a team of officials from her department in enticing students with career opportunities they may wish to pursue at tertiary institutions within the agriculture field.
This happened as DRDAR hosted a career awareness event at Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) in Tsolo on June 30, which was attended by hundreds of learners from high schools, as far away as eMaxesibeni.
Moiloa said the career awareness included practical demonstrations of some of the careers students can pursue, that are currently offered by TARDI.
“The career awareness (showcase) was held to open the eyes of the learners who attended (presentations) about the different careers in the agricultural field. We wanted to dispel the notion that agriculture is only about wearing overalls and working the land, but to showcase to them more sophisticated careers within agriculture such as medicine, as it pertains to animal health, agricultural technology and value-adding opportunities within the field,” Moiloa said.
Learners were also given information on bursaries that government has made available for different studies within the agriculture field.
Moiloa further urged students wishing to pursue a career in the field of agriculture to enrol with TARDI, where they will pay no tuition fees while the department (DRDAR) will also cover their accommodation and meals.
Students who attended the career awareness showcase also described it as eye-opening on various professions within agriculture.
“I learnt a lot from the career awareness (showcase), especially on animal production and animal diseases and how those diseases can affect us as humans, such as rabies. After all the careers we were taken through during the awareness campaign, I plan to study to be a veterinarian,” said Jongilizwe Senior Secondary School learner, Awonke Yawa (16).
KT Mchasa Senior Secondary School Grade 11 learner, Anoxolo Mditshwa (16), also praised the detailed information they were given during the awareness session, saying he had learnt a lot about careers in agricultural technology, agricultural science, and medicine.
The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), as well as the Agriculture Welfare and Training Authority (AgriSETA), were part of the showcase.
