17 July 2023
By: Joy January
The Eastern Cape cannabis and hemp training academy on the Rasmeni farm in Frankfort is a joint project of Cheeba Cannabis Training, Hlomla Multi Services, Training Force, and Funda Lula.
The academy aims to provide comprehensive training on the cultivation, processing and distribution of cannabis and hemp products to unlock economic opportunities for the Eastern Cape and the local community, and to play a significant role in the development of the industry.
Its five-day skills course includes modules on cannabis and tourism, community building with hemp (in accordance with merSeta accreditation) and how to start a cannabis business.
The academy also offers courses on cannabis cultivation and processing and national certificates in plant production of cannabis and hemp (NQF levels 2 and 4).
Linda Siboto, co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Training, believes the Eastern Cape can put South Africa on the world map for cannabis cultivation.
“For generations, subsistence farmers in the region have been growing cannabis to feed their families and send their children to school. However, the region is underserved and urgently needs a platform to enhance and formalise the knowledge of heritage farmers and other people interested in joining the industry,” Siboto told Landbou.com.
“The region also has a high unemployment rate, and the cannabis and hemp industry has the potential to drive job creation and support small, medium, and micro-enterprise (SMME) development to help alleviate poverty.”
Seven training centres
Siboto says there is a national need for cannabis and hemp training, and Cheeba is dreaming big. “We now have seven training centres across the country and a flagship campus in Rivonia, Johannesburg. We also have access to over 45 additional training venues through the Training Force network. Now we have the largest cannabis and hemp training network in Africa.”
Daniel Orelowitz, managing director of Training Force, says his company believes in the power of skills development to drive economic growth and empower individuals and communities. “Through comprehensive training programmes, we can equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in the cannabis and hemp industry.”
Hlomla Multi Services, which provides agricultural training to learners, owns the Rasmeni farm. The company’s Manyano Rasmeni says its expertise will play a crucial role in ensuring the academy’s success. “With our experience in agricultural training of learners, we are confident about the constructive impact that this academy will have on the region.”
Phindile Ncede from Funda Lula, the main project developer, says by providing a platform for education, skills development and industry collaboration, the academy can be instrumental in unlocking the region’s potential.Contact training@cheebaafrica.com for more information about the Eastern Cape cannabis and hemp training academy and the courses it offers.
