Emerging Farmers Graduate

Fourteen emerging farmers from Aberdeen attended a graduation ceremony in Lotusville recently, when they were awarded competency certificates. The young farmers, all aged between 18 and 35, had successfully completed a twenty five day course at level one on animal production. The course consisted of both theory and practical, relating to broiler chickens, pigs, cattle, goats and sheep. Practical training sessions were held at Bokpost farm, which belongs to the Aberdeen Emerging framers Association.

Vuyolethu Mphathi from the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (formerly Department of Agriculture) praised the trainees for their achievements, and explained that the five-week course had been provided to uplift the members of the community. He expressed the hope that these young farmers would spread the word amongst their community of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. He also thanked the facilitators and trainers for their helpfulness and patience during the training period. Facilitators Henry Mintoor and Tommy Phiri and trainer Sisanda Rasana, from PE, also spoke briefly, encouraging the participants, and thanking them for their hard work.

On behalf of the trainees, Sheldon Afrika and Romilda Louw thanked the trainers, saying how much they had learnt from the course.

The old rent office had been transformed by the talented hands of Jessica Boesak with colourful swathes of material. Snacks and drinks were available as the participants arrived, and after the ceremony they were treated to a very tasty braai.