Thabo Rantlha

Graduates from Potchefstroom College of Agriculture say the government should increase the number of internships in departments to address unemployment frustrating students graduating from tertiary institutions.

“Agricultural skills are scarce and the sector needs skilled people. As a qualified grain grader, the government needs to consider us for vacancies in closing the gap and address the shortage of skills in the sector,” said Morake Gomolemo at the college graduation ceremony recently.

Tshegofatso Seimelo, another graduate, said the government could reduce the unemployment rate by considering diplomas in advertisements as requirements for incumbents applying for posts rather than considering only degrees for agricultural vacancies.

Agriculture and rural development MEC Boitumelo Tshwene said: “As you step into this phase of life and begin to pursue your dreams, you would be confronted with undefeatable circumstances. The only way you can overcome them is not to quit but persevere because winners do not give up.”

North West Colleges of Agriculture principal Dipepeneneng Serage said the theoretical training and practice of agriculture acquired by the diploma graduates for the past three years qualified them to perform any agricultural activities in mixed farming.

thabor@thenewage.co.za