Two pioneering Grade 11 learners from Mahwahwa High School in Tzaneen have made history by becoming the first students in Limpopo to complete the innovative Citrus Secondary Programme successfully. Lunghi Mashaba and Ricardo Tivana were recently honoured with certificates of completion, marking a significant milestone for agricultural education in this province.
By Maile Matsimela
Developed by the Citrus Academy under the auspices of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, the groundbreaking programme represents a strategic initiative to enhance the employability prospects of young South Africans while channelling their passion for agriculture into recognised qualifications. The two-year curriculum provides learners with comprehensive training in plant production, creating pathways to meaningful careers in one of the country’s most vital agricultural sectors.
Tremendous Career Opportunities
Jacomien de Klerk, general manager of the Citrus Academy, emphasised the programme’s significance within the broader context of South Africa’s agricultural landscape. The country’s position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, with nearly half of the nation’s citrus production concentrated in Limpopo, underscores the tremendous career opportunities available within the industry. The programme strategically addresses this demand by equipping learners with essential skills while they are still at school, thereby expanding the career horizons for the province’s youth.
The comprehensive curriculum introduces students to critical aspects of agricultural management, including enterprise planning, irrigation systems, financial management, pest control strategies and plant manipulation techniques. This holistic approach ensures that graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the modern citrus industry.
Citrus Academy project manager Sive Silo expressed confidence that Mashaba and Tivana represent merely the beginning of a new generation of qualified agricultural professionals. The citrus industry’s diverse career opportunities span from farm management and marketing to scientific research and export logistics, offering unlimited potential for ambitious young people.
Seamless Integration For Schools
The programme’s flexibility allows for seamless integration into existing educational frameworks. Schools can incorporate the curriculum into their Agricultural Management Practices subject or implement it as an extramural activity, ensuring accessibility without disrupting traditional academic schedules. The Citrus Academy provides comprehensive support through content development, assessment protocols and administrative oversight, utilising a sophisticated e-learning platform that offers interactive materials, supporting videos and audio resources.
Even though it is only its second year of operation, the Citrus Secondary Programme has demonstrated remarkable growth, with 647 learners currently enrolled across 15 schools countrywide. This expansion reflects the programme’s effectiveness and the industry’s commitment to developing future talent. The Citrus Academy has ambitious plans to extend the programme to additional schools in the coming years, further strengthening the pipeline of skilled agricultural professionals.
