The second in-take of students have been selected for our in-service training programme - October 2019
The selection process for the second round of student placements has been completed and involved an initial screening of 140 CVs, following which 50 students were interviewed and undertook a maths literacy test. The interviews took place over three days and we are grateful to HGA director and psychologist, Mrs Leigh-Anne Hauff for giving of her time to be involved in the process.
We were once again humbled by the adversity many of these students have had to endure and overcome and are grateful for the opportunity we have to offer 20 of them the prospect of obtaining the experience they require to satisfy the requirements of their diplomas. In this regard, we thank Pannar Seed and Standard Bank for making this programme possible and to the commercial farmers who have committed to hosting students once more and the new farmers involved. We acknowledge the following farm owners and their families and staff: from Ingwe Farmers Association; Mr Rob Stapylton-Smith, Mr Buzz Hauff, Mrs Cathy Greer, Mrs Nue Pitout, and Mr Neville Hardman. From Highflats-Ixopo Famers Association; Mr Bruce Allwood, Mr Neil Cole, Mr Craig Archibald, Mr Paul Reynolds, and Mr Peter Button. From Zwartberg Farmers Association; Mr Leith Turner; from Mount Currie Farmers Association; Mr Rory Bryden; from Cederville, Mr Braam Van Tubbergh and from Hlutankungu, Mr Phila Mkhize. If you are interested in hosting one of our students for a minimum period of six months please contact us.
With the majority of the first round of students having completed our programme and waiting for the acceptance of their diploma applications, we continue to look for opportunities to assist them with their next steps. One option being explored is for students to gain further experience by getting involved in our agricultural mentorship projects. Developing farmers face the challenge of a shortage of skilled labour and not being unable to leave their farms to attend to off-farm matters because they do not have anyone they can entrust the running of their farms too and so placing students on these farms could then be beneficial for both student and farmer involved. We are currently in discussion with the dynamic group of aspiring farmers that reside in the Hlutankungu area to see if we can test this concept there.
Photo cred: Lianne Ashton