Katleho Malangabe
Upington
The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development successfully hosted the second phase of the Farmer and Producer Training Graduation Ceremony at the Upington TVET College on 19 June 2026, celebrating the achievements of 323 farmers and producers from across the province.
The event, attended by MEC for Agriculture Mlungisi Motlhaping and Head of Department Mr Monakali, was held in collaboration with the Northern Cape Agriculture Incubator. Graduates from the John Taolo Gaetsewe, ZF Mgcawu, and Namakwa districts received accredited qualifications in various agricultural programmes at NQF Levels 2 to 4.
These nationally recognised competencies are aimed at improving sustainable farming practices, boosting productivity, improving food security, and promoting greater participation in the agricultural economy. The department has exceeded its annual training targets, having trained 1,682 beneficiaries in non-credit-bearing programmes and 613 in accredited credit-bearing programmes across the Northern Cape.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the Northern Cape government’s commitment to investing in human capital development within the agricultural sector, ensuring that farmers are better positioned to tackle challenges such as climate change, market access, and sustainable production.
This latest cohort of graduates now joins a growing network of skilled agricultural producers ready to contribute meaningfully to the province’s economic growth and food security goals.
