Years of Evolving Agricultural Empowerment

by Sandile Mkhwanazi (left) and Zenovia Parker

Elsenburg College Graduation 2022

Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3N1QHhW to watch the video: ‘Elsenburg College Graduation 2022’. Published by Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

TThe Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute will be celebrating its quasquicentennial* year of existence this year, a milestone for the first of its kind agricultural college in Africa. From its inception under the Victoria College, now the Stellenbosch University, the institute has strengthened its relationship with the university and made ground-breaking strides in improving the programmes and courses it offers.

In 1899 the College had relatively few students (44) enrolled in its first year, with five students graduating. This number has grown in leaps and bounds and the College now awards qualifications to at least 200 graduates and offers short skills-based courses to at least 3 000 participants per annum. Its continued growth is a testament to its relevance and contribution to the agricultural sector, and to all citizens.

With a diverse student community, ranging from would-be farmers to farmers currently plying their trade, well-aligned courses and refresher courses have been developed to ensure that well-rounded graduates are educated annually.

This diversity has helped the College to keep abreast of technological advances in the industry for the sake of efficiency and productivity.

The College’s outstanding reputation in training and supporting the youth is evolving, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when blended learning systems were implemented. The global pandemic propelled the use of online learning systems, with a reliance on newer information technology, in an effort to ensure ongoing education and training for students who were dispersed throughout the province and elsewhere.

Reflecting on the class of 2022, a total of 177 students graduated in spite of the many challenges over the past three years. This serves as a testament to the advances the College has made; thanks to the commitment, adaptability and resilience of staff and students in keeping with the tradition of being a cut above the rest!

In honour of the history of this great institution and the many contributions of our students, staff, alumni and stakeholders, a number of celebrations will be hosted throughout the year, culminating in a special event planned for September 2023 These celebrations serve as a time for the campus community, including the numerous alumni supporters and friends, to recognise the strategic role this College has in the agricultural sector throughout South Africa. AP

For more information!

Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.elsenburg.com/ elsenburg-agricultural-training-institute/ for more information on the College and courses offered.

For more information, contact Sandile Mkhwanazi: sandile.mkhwanazi@westerncape.gov.za or Zenovia Parker: zenovia.parker@westerncape.gov.za