(DACE) launches its Agricultural Education and Training Forum
26 November 2007
Mafikeng: North West MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Environment, Mr Jan Serfontein will on Thursday, 29 November, launch the first
ever Provincial Agricultural Education and Training (AET) Forum here in
Mafikeng, Scout Centre.
The launch of this forum, which consists of members representing various
departmental stakeholders such as Organised Agricultural structures,
representatives from the provincial Department of Education and tertiary
institutions as well as officials from the Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Environment, is aimed at improving agricultural production
through quality Agricultural education and training. This approach was
initiated by the national Department of Agriculture after identifying that
proper co-ordination, effective and responsive AET that is accessible to South
Africans is a serious challenge in improving the skills profile in the
sector.
Subsequently, in 2005, the national Department of Agriculture developed an
agricultural education and training strategy which is currently regarded as a
guiding tool towards effective and improved agriculture skills in the country.
In view of that, it will be the responsibility of forum members to ensure
efficient implementation of the National AET strategy at provincial level.
MEC Jan Serfontein says his department believes the launch of this forum
will bring about sustainable developments in improving the degree of
competencies in the Agriculture sector. "Research indicates that agriculture
has a negative picture as a career of choice in the eyes of the youth. It is
seen as the work of the poor and the elderly and not as something that could be
profitable. We expect the forum to make sure that this mindset is changed and
facilitate the delivery on improving the image of agriculture as a career and
livelihood career," stated MEC Serfontein.
In the North West province, there are currently two agricultural colleges,
(Potchefstroom and Taung colleges), North West University (Mafikeng Campus) and
three secondary schools that are accredited to offer AET programmes, while
other schools are offering agriculture as a subject.
Members of the media are invited to the AET Forum launch to be held as
follows:
Date: Thursday, 29 November 2007
Venue: Scout Centre next to Danville
Time: 09h00
Enquiries:
Ms Lesego Mncwango
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 018 389 5768
Cell: 078 459 5981
E-mail: lmncwango@nwpg.gov.za
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Media Relations
Cell: 082 901 2435
Tel: 018 389 5459
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North West
Provincial Government
26 November 2007
