The MEC for Agriculture, Mr Jacob Marule, has urged newly qualified  farmers to go all out to make a meaningful contribution in their communities.

Marule gave a congratulatory message to young farmers who completed a learnership programme at the Madzivhandila College of Agriculture. This was during a certificate ceremony held at the college's main hall on Thursday.

The 19 learnership recipients successfully completed Level 2 in animal and plant production. Their certificate ceremony was also attended by many officials from the Department of Agriculture, parents of the farmers and a representative from the Mphaphuli Royal Council.

Marule said it was embarrassing to find that most of the food that could be produced locally was rare to find and was imported from overseas countries. He said he was also discouraged in one farmers’ meeting where he only found elderly people, which showed that the youth were not actively participating in agriculture.

"We are happy and inspired that we still have youths like you who are now equipped to face the modern world of agriculture. This is not enough. Do not stop here, but continue studying to keep up with modern farming trends," he said.

He also announced that Madzivhandila College will soon be transformed to include modern technology. “We are going to make this institution accessible to all, even by people without education. Those who will complete two years here will be accredited by a university. By so doing, we will be doing our bit to develop agriculture in our country," he said.

College principal Ms Musandiwa Tshisikule said the latest batch trained as farmers who are involved in land reform programmes in their areas.

Masethemane Windy Kgatle received an award for being the best student.