MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Xolile Nqatha said he felt “humbled” to be part of a developmental agenda that sets young people at the forefront of the economy through agriculture.

The MEC was addressing graduands and parents at the second graduation of the DRDAR’s Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI).

“It is indeed a heart warming moment to see the fruits of government at work to equip young people as part of our fight against youth unemployment,”

He said he felt humbled to be “part of contributing to the developmental agenda of the country inclusive of a contribution of anchoring rural developmental agenda.

“The interest of young people in agriculture is a positive move compared to past years. The younger generation that gets into agriculture contributes immensely to the economy of the province and the economy of the country”.

TARDI was closed in 2001 but was re-opened in 2015 after intervention from government. The first intake of 50 students was fully funded by the Health and Welfare Seta, while the department contributed towards the infrastructural development of the Institute. The OR Tambo District Municipality and Mhlontlo Municipality also awarded bursaries to some students.

The ceremony saw young Asive Saul of Ngxakolo Village in Qumbu being awarded the best performer award. Saul peformed top of her class in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Saul said: “I am very happy to be topping this class, come next year I will be studying to become a Vet. Animal health has always been a calling for me and receiving the award has motivated me more.”

Saul’s father, Bulela who lost his wife in 2015, said he was “delighted” that his daughter graduated top of her class.

He said the achievement of TARDI in producing animal health technicians was placing the province, which is pushing to have the first Vet School in the province at the University of Fort Hare, “in good standing.”

OR Tambo District Speaker Xolile Kompela who is also a farmer said the availability of a clinic in TARDI was the pride of the people of Mhlontlo and that the presence of the Institute in Tsolo was critical to the development of Mhlontlo.

 

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