As the South African agriculture sector continues to grow and evolve, AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority) remains steadfast in its mission to develop a skilled and capable workforce. In reflecting on the milestones achieved in 2024, AgriSETA celebrates its remarkable accomplishments, including a clean audit for the 2022/2023 financial year, bolstered support for women in agriculture, and transformative thought leadership initiatives aimed at shaping the future of agricultural education.
A year of milestones
AgriSETA’s commitment to excellence was solidified with its achievement of a clean audit for the 2022/2023 financial year, a testament to the organisation’s robust governance, financial integrity, and dedication to driving positive change in the agriculture sector.
“The clean audit is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the AgriSETA team and our commitment to transparency and accountability. As we continue to grow and serve the agriculture sector, we remain focused on delivering impactful programmes that contribute to the sector’s transformation,” said Dr Innocent Sinovha, CEO of AgriSETA.
In 2024, AgriSETA also significantly advanced its mandate to support women in agriculture, through a series of impactful partnerships and high-profile events. AgriSETA’s collaboration with EmpowaWomen highlighted the pivotal role women play in the agricultural value chain. As part of this partnership, AgriSETA hosted the Agriculture Stage at the EmpowaWomen Leadership Summit, where thought-provoking panel discussions and masterclasses offered actionable insights and practical knowledge for women looking to elevate their presence and leadership in the agriculture sector.
“AgriSETA is committed to driving gender equity in agriculture. Our partnership with EmpowaWomen has proven to be transformative, with women farmers and leaders making their mark in the sector. We will continue to create platforms where women in agriculture can engage, learn, and lead,” Dr. Sinovha added.
The success of this collaboration culminated in the EmpowaWomen in Agriculture Summit, where AgriSETA hosted 120 women in agriculture. The summit celebrated women’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership with a dynamic farmers market that showcased locally-produced goods. This market wasn’t just a space for commerce; it symbolised the economic empowerment and independence that AgriSETA strives to foster for women across the agriculture value chain.
“This event demonstrated the vital role women play in the agricultural landscape, not only as producers but also as key economic drivers. The women’s farmers market was a powerful exchange of ideas and money, a testament to the power of collaboration and the spirit of self-sufficiency,” said Gaitsiwe Sharon Sepeng, Chairperson of the AgriSETA Board.
Driving educational transformation
AgriSETA also closed off 2024 with a significant step forward in shaping the future of agricultural education. In November, the organisation hosted its inaugural AgriEdu Symposium themed “Transforming Agricultural Education for a Sustainable Future.” The symposium, a convention of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, was a highly engaged day of thought leadership and dialogue, focusing on aligning agricultural education with the evolving needs of the industry.
“As we look towards 2025, AgriSETA is more committed than ever to reforming agricultural education and training. The insights shared at the AgriEdu Symposium laid the foundation for transforming how we equip the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through continuous collaboration with industry and educational stakeholders, we will ensure that the agriculture sector has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive,” Dr Sinovha noted.
Looking ahead to 2025: Strengthening AgriSETA’s impact
As AgriSETA looks ahead to 2025, it is poised to drive even greater impact with several key focus areas. These include:
- Youth participation in agriculture: AgriSETA aims to provide greater opportunities for young people to engage in agriculture, positioning the sector as a viable and rewarding career path. Through targeted programmes and partnerships, AgriSETA will continue to amplify the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, empowering the next generation to become agricultural leaders.
- Skills development and reform in agricultural education: AgriSETA will further promote its learning and skills development interventions. The focus will be on shaping a capable and skilled workforce to support the growth of South Africa’s agricultural sector and ensure alignment with industry needs.
- Comprehensive rural development and land reform: AgriSETA’s rural development and land reform approach is central to unlocking the agricultural sector’s potential. The organisation will continue to focus on fostering inclusive growth through initiatives that support rural communities, with a particular emphasis on youth and women in agriculture.
- Economic growth through collaboration: As an enabler of inclusive economic growth, AgriSETA will continue to build on its partnerships and efforts to transform the agricultural sector into a key driver of South Africa’s economic recovery. By promoting agricultural careers, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring access to critical skills and training, AgriSETA will contribute to sustainable livelihoods across the country.
“As we move into 2025, AgriSETA is excited about the opportunities ahead. Our work is far from over, and we remain focused on empowering the next generation of farmers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Our continued success will be driven by collaboration, innovation, and our shared commitment to transforming agriculture into a key pillar of South Africa’s inclusive economic growth,” Dr Sinovha concluded.
A call to action
AgriSETA invites all stakeholders across the agriculture value chain to stay connected, engage in ongoing dialogue, and continue championing agriculture as a sustainable sector for economic growth and livelihoods. With a focus on collaboration and knowledge-sharing, AgriSETA will remain a catalyst for transformation, and a steadfast partner in developing the skills, talent, and leadership required to drive the agricultural sector forward.
About AgriSETA
AgriSETA is the Sector Education and Training Authority for the agricultural sector in South Africa. It plays a critical role in developing the agricultural workforce by providing learning opportunities, skills development programmes, and facilitating sector transformation. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, AgriSETA contributes to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector, fostering an inclusive, skilled, and capable workforce.
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