Taung Agricultural College has added 46 new graduates to South Africa’s agricultural talent pool, with North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha urging them to become innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Taung Agricultural College (TAC), the only institution in South Africa offering an NQF Level 6 Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation), has conferred diplomas on graduates from its 2025 academic cohort, adding a new group of skilled young professionals to the country’s agricultural sector.
The graduation ceremony was held on 5 June in Taung. Addressing the graduates, North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha challenged them to view agriculture as more than a career path, encouraging them to become innovators, entrepreneurs and employers.
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He urged graduates to explore opportunities across the agricultural value chain, including farming, agro-processing and agricultural services, while remaining open to opportunities beyond South Africa’s borders. Sambatha also encouraged them to develop bankable business plans that can attract investment and unlock access to funding opportunities available through government programmes and strategic partnerships.
Agriculture offers opportunities for youth
The MEC emphasised that agriculture is one of the sectors with significant potential for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. He called on graduates to use the skills and knowledge gained through their studies to establish businesses that create jobs, strengthen food security and contribute to rural economic development.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the growing importance of specialised agricultural training as South Africa seeks to attract more young people into farming and related industries.
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Top graduate urges peers to pursue farming success
One of the graduates was overall achiever Aobakwe Molatowagae, a 22-year-old from Cokonyane village in Taung, who encouraged his fellow graduates to remain committed to their shared vision of becoming successful farmers.
Speaking after receiving his qualification, Molatowagae said that although life may take graduates in different directions, they all share the common goal of building successful agricultural enterprises and contributing to the future of the sector.
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College reinforces commitment to agricultural development
TAC reaffirmed its commitment to producing industry-ready graduates equipped to address the evolving challenges facing agriculture. The college said it remains focused on advancing sustainable agriculture, improving food security and contributing to economic development through quality agricultural education and training. The latest graduates are expected to help drive innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.
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