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By Cynthia Nkgudi
Hundreds of aspiring young farmers converged at the Groblersdal Agricultural Hall last Friday to honour the Sekhukhune District Municipality’ (SDM)’s Youth Agricultural Empowerment Dialogue.
The event, held under the theme “Cultivating Skills, Growing Opportunities” provided a platform for young people to learn, network, and engage with industry experts and stakeholders, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Participants raised issues including youth unemployment, access to funding for emerging farmers, and challenges in accessing agricultural markets.
On behalf of the Executive Mayor Minah Bahula, Member of the Mayoral Committee Kukie Sefala-Makgolane reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to agricultural development through strategic partnerships.
Sefala-Makgolane said the SDM is working with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the rural development initiative, the Sekhukhune Agric Park, which is designed to stimulate the local economy by supporting emerging farmers, creating jobs, and strengthening the agricultural value chain,” she said.
The MMC further called on the youth to actively participate in the agricultural sector, stressing that farming opportunities are open to all.
“Farming is not exclusively designed for white people. That notion and misconception is dead,” she said.
Sefala-Makgolane further said that through the SDM Youth Policy, the institution is advocating for specialized training programmes focusing on cooperative management, commercial crop production, and financial literacy to equip young people with the skills needed to succeed in the sector.
The MMC expressed appreciation to traditional authorities for making land available to support youth enterprise development and agricultural expansion.
Municipal spokesperson Lemson Moropjane stated that the session featured commissions that deliberated on key issues, including access to funding, skills development, and youth participation in the agricultural sector.
“These commissions proposed several recommendations and solutions to enhance the growth and sustainability of the sector,” Moropjane concluded.
