The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development celebrated a significant milestone on 26 August, when 242 young beneficiaries of the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) programme graduated at the Palms Hotel in Mmabatho.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
The graduation ceremony, hosted by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with TVET colleges and other learning institutions, marked the successful completion of training in various fields including agriculture, hospitality and tourism.
MEC Challenges Youth To Embrace Entrepreneurship
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, delivered a keynote address to the graduates, emphasising their role in combating youth unemployment. “With formal jobs becoming increasingly scarce, it is essential that we support young people with an entrepreneurial mindset, as they have the potential to create jobs for others,” said MEC Sambatha.
The MEC challenged the graduates to take responsibility for their futures, stating: “Your historic background is not your fault. However, your future is your responsibility.” He further encouraged them to become productive citizens, saying, “Let us not be a nation of consumers, but let us use the skills we have learnt to keep improving our lives.”
MEC Sambatha referred to the graduates as “beacons of hope and agents of change”, highlighting their potential to contribute significantly to economic development through their newly acquired skills and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Nomtandazo Moyo, Deputy Director General of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders and emphasised the importance of partnerships in ensuring the programme’s success.
Success Story Inspires Future Entrepreneurs
The ceremony featured a success story from Vincent Marumolwa, a former NARYSEC participant who has transformed his training into a thriving horticulture enterprise. Marumolwa now supplies fresh produce and actively mentors other young entrepreneurs, demonstrating the programme’s potential for creating sustainable economic impact.
Employment Success And Government Support
Of the 242 graduates, 78 have already secured employment, and others are preparing to launch their own entrepreneurial ventures with government-provided support including training, tools and starter kits.
Programme’s 15-year Impact On Rural Development
The NARYSEC programme has been active since 2010, focusing on training unemployed rural youth to support community upliftment. The initiative aims to move young people from social grant dependency to become active economic contributors, with support from various institutions, including Mafikeng Hotel School and TVET colleges.
The programme continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in transforming rural youth into skilled contributors to the economy, providing hope and practical solutions for unemployment challenges in rural communities.
