The North West has carved out a significant presence on the national agricultural stage, with two of its youth leaders securing key positions in the World Food Forum South Africa Youth Chapter, an achievement that provincial leadership describes as both historic and transformative.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, announced that Thabo Makoa and Lesedi Gaaboe, both members of the provincial Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) leadership structure, had been elected to lead the youth chapter of this influential forum.

The appointments mark what Sambatha called “a historic milestone and a proud moment for the North West Province”, positioning local voices at the centre of national conversations about food security, sustainability and rural development.

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Rising Stars Take Command

Makoa will serve as Chairperson of the Youth Chapter, and Gaaboe will be responsible for the Policy and Strategy portfolio. The department said these roles place North West representatives at the forefront of youth-driven agricultural policy development.

Both leaders emerged from the provincial YARD structure, a programme the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has championed as essential for cultivating the next generation of agricultural leadership.

“This achievement brings immense pride to the people of the North West,” Sambatha said in his statement. “We celebrate Mr Makoa and Ms Gaaboe for flying our provincial flag high and setting an example of excellence, discipline and commitment.”

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Beyond Personal Achievement

For Sambatha, the elections represent more than individual success stories. They reflect what he sees as the province’s growing capacity to produce visionary leaders capable of influencing agricultural transformation.

“Their election is not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the depth of talent and leadership we continue to cultivate in our province,” the MEC emphasised. “These young leaders are not just participants in the agricultural space, they are shaping its direction and redefining its future.”

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The strategic importance of having North West voices in national agricultural forums cannot be understated, particularly as South Africa grapples with food security challenges and rural development imperatives.

“The inclusion of young voices from the North West at such a strategic level strengthens the province’s engagement on issues of food security, sustainability and rural development, both nationally and globally,” Sambatha noted.

Youth-driven Agricultural Future

The MEC’s enthusiasm for the appointments reflects a broader philosophical shift towards youth leadership in agricultural transformation.

“Their success reinforces our belief that the future of agriculture is in the hands of young people who are innovative, forward-thinking and determined to build a resilient and inclusive sector,” Sambatha added.

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This perspective aligns with growing recognition across Africa that sustainable agricultural development requires fresh thinking and new approaches – qualities that younger leaders often bring to traditional sectors.

Sambatha said the department remains “committed to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders” and “proudly backs initiatives like YARD that drive transformation, foster innovation and expand the horizons of rural development”.

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