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Elsenburg college welcomes rst-year students amidst COVID -19
by WCDOA pubs
by Daniel Johnson, Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za
TThe college campus was abuzz in the first week of March as, amidst strict COVID-19 protocols, excited first-year students arrived on campus for the first time. Two hundred and fifty-three first-year students were welcomed on campus, of which 88 were enrolled for BAgric, 114 for diplomas, and 51 for learnership certi cates. The new students were given a couple of days to settle in, while being introduced to their new environment.
In his welcoming message, Minister Ivan Meyer said: “Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute was established in 1898 and was the first centre for agricultural training in Africa. The institute has an outstanding reputation for equipping youth with the requisite knowledge and skills to contribute to the future of the agricultural economy”.
Minister Meyer emphasised that one of his key priorities is structured education and training. “The future of a sustainable agricultural sector is dependent on new information, technology advancement, a generation of agri-workers, and youth with appropriate skills and qualifications to engage in an inclusive agricultural economy.”
One of the students, Logan Jacobs, is from the farm Zorgvliet outside Stellenbosch. “I will be completing a learnership in plant science. I am the proud daughter of an agriworker. I cannot wait to begin my journey towards a career in agriculture.”
Corné Johnstone, studying for a BAgric degree, comes from Langkloof near Uniondale. He says, “I am very excited to be here and cannot wait to discover what Elsenburg has to o er”.
Ceres-born MacNeil Buda, who completed a learnership in 2020, will be starting his national diploma this year. “I am so excited that, based on my academic performance in 2020, I can now progress towards completing my national diploma.”
“I wish our students well and encourage them to protect themselves by continuing to wear their masks, sanitise regularly and maintain a safe social distance”, said Minister Meyer. AP
