The launch of the Mathuba Genetics Farmers’ Academy at Ha-Ravele village outside Makhado in Limpopo marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s agricultural development landscape. What began as a modest backyard farming initiative has grown into a globally recognised centre of excellence dedicated to agricultural training, innovation and community empowerment.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
A Milestone for Rural Agricultural Development
The academy aims to equip young people, women and emerging farmers with practical agricultural knowledge and technical skills that promote economic independence, food security and sustainable rural development.
Leaders Rally Behind the Initiative
The launch event drew prominent leaders from government, academia and traditional leadership, including Thovhele Vele Kutama, chairperson of the Vhembe House of Traditional Leaders; Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nakedi Kekana; and Professor Bernard Nthambeleni, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Venda (Univen). Traditional leaders, local farmers, government officials and community members also attended the event.
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Accredited since 2015, the academy has already trained students from various South African universities, as well as participants from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and the US.
Building Hope Through Agricultural Education
In his keynote address, Prof. Nthambeleni described the launch as the fulfilment of a vision born from humble beginnings and driven by determination and a commitment to uplifting communities.
“This marks a significant milestone, not only for this institution but also for this community, our youth and the future of agriculture in this region. It represents hope, opportunity, innovation and empowerment,” he said.
Prof. Nthambeleni emphasised that the academy was established to provide individuals with knowledge, practical skills and confidence to succeed in modern agriculture.
“At a time when food security, sustainable farming and rural development are more important than ever, this academy serves as a centre of excellence for training, learning and transformation,” he said.
He added that agriculture remains a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation and community upliftment, and that the academy seeks to inspire young people to view farming as a viable and profitable career path.
“The academy will provide practical hands-on training, technical skills development and mentorship, while encouraging innovation and environmental stewardship. Its goal is to produce well-trained farmers who are prepared to face the challenges of 21st-century agriculture and contribute meaningfully to food production and rural prosperity,” he said.
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Emmanuel Modau’s Inspiring Journey
Prof. Nthambeleni also praised the remarkable journey of Mathuba Genetics founder Emmanuel Modau.
“Mr Emmanuel Modau’s journey from being a general worker in a furniture shop to becoming a respected farmer, breeder and mentor is truly inspiring. His story reminds us that with perseverance, access to knowledge and the right opportunities, meaningful transformation is possible,” he said.
He noted that the establishment of the academy aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by empowering emerging farmers through skills development and practical training.
“The greatest barrier to agricultural success is not land, but skills, courage and knowledge. This is the story that Mathuba Genetics has demonstrated,” Prof. Nthambeleni said.
He further highlighted the longstanding partnership between Univen and Mathuba Genetics through community engagement programmes aimed at empowering farmers across the Vhembe District.
“Through this partnership, our students will gain hands-on experience, participate in work-integrated learning, develop business skills and emerge as agripreneurs. They will leave university not only with qualifications but with the ability to create opportunities for themselves,” he said.
Tackling Youth Unemployment Through Agriculture
Joel Mamabolo, head of livestock genetics and identification at the Department of Agriculture, said the academy arrives at a crucial time as South Africa continues to grapple with youth unemployment.
“Youth unemployment currently sits at around 40%. Institutions like Mathuba Genetics are central to teaching graduates how to create their own opportunities,” Mamabolo said.
He highlighted Limpopo’s rich agricultural history, referencing the development of the Bonsmara breed at Mara Research Station and the PinZ²yl breed developed by the Van Zyl family of ZZ2.
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Science and Innovation Shaping Livestock Breeding
Mamabolo also announced progress in the development of a new sheep breed, the Bosvelder, which has undergone more than seven years of scientific development focused on climate adaptation and genomics.
“We are nearing the finalisation of establishing the Bosvelder as an official South African breed, hopefully by the end of June. This is where science meets practical intervention,” he said.
He called on institutions of higher learning to collaborate in addressing hunger, unemployment and food insecurity through innovation and agricultural education.
Modau, reflecting on his journey, thanked everyone who supported him in reaching the milestone and encouraged young people to pursue agriculture with passion and determination.
The launch of the Mathuba Genetics Farmers’ Academy is a powerful example of how local initiatives can drive global impact through education, innovation and community development.
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