When students arrive at the Peritum Agricultural Institute in Bloemfontein in 2026, they will find an institution with three newly accredited qualifications by the Council on Higher Education. It is the only private agricultural institution on the department list of registered higher education institutions.

“We are deeply grateful and very excited to end the year on such a high note,” says Emmie Pietersen, director of strategy, research and development. “Peritum has spent the past six years developing study programmes that offer our agricultural students more options than the traditional SETA-accredited programmes.

“Even with the new Council on Higher Education accreditation, Peritum maintains the practical emphasis of its teaching approach, as is essential for vocational training.,” says Belinda Louw, director of marketing and finance.

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Over the past 24 years, Peritum has become widely recognised in the agricultural sector… as a private agricultural college where more than 250 students enrol for agricultural studies each year, as well as a valued training partner to agribusinesses across South Africa.

“2026 is going to be an exceptional year for students and staff, as it marks our 25-year anniversary celebrations and several announcements can be expected,” says Louw.

Earlier this year, the institution launched its Retail Academy: The first fully accredited training institution of its kind in South Africa. In partnership with industry leaders and experts, the academy focuses on the modern agricultural retail environment, where success requires a delicate balance between people management, stock management, processes, finance, risk, customer relations and the growing role of new technology.

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