Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer joined academics, officials, parents and guardians as they gathered to witness the graduation of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute’s class of 2021.

A total of 197 students graduated with qualifications ranging from National and Higher Certificate and Diploma in Agriculture and the degree, Baccalaureus in Agriculture.

Agriculture 2
A total of 197 students graduated with qualifications ranging from National and Higher Certificate and Diploma in Agriculture and the degree, Baccalaureus in Agriculture.

Lara Barnard, Richard Da Costa, Salomon De Jager, Karli du Toit, Barend Engelbrecht and Sara Lee graduated cum laude. Dux Awards went to Engela Uithaler, Britteney Havenga and Karli du Toit.

Nominqweno Nonjola received the best student award in viticulture NQF level 4, Irvin Modukanele the best student award in animal production NQF 4 and Engela Uithaler the best student award for pomology NQF 4. In addition, Cameron Moodie was awarded the National Wool Growers Association award in Wool Production.

“Today,197 students will become members of that illustrious group of students who call themselves graduates of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute,” said minister Meyer .

He also urged graduates to applaud their parents and guardians. “We must express our gratitude to parents for their sacrifice, encouragement, inspiration, motivation and most of all for never losing confidence in their children’s ability to succeed. Today’s graduation confirms that it was all worth it.”

Minister IH Meyer
Minister Ivan Meyer

In line with Meyer’s key priorities, namely, promoting structured training, education and research, Meyer urged graduates to champion establishing more agricultural schools in the Western Cape.

“Join me on my mission to create more training opportunities, especially for the youth, in the agricultural sector. The Western Cape agricultural sector is leading the agri exports in South Africa, and the investment in our agriculture education supports the Western Cape’s economic recovery. Our graduates will now enter the world of work, and we are indeed very proud of our youth in agriculture. Champion the cause of the hungry and promote food security,” Meyer said.