The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development is already responding to the call to action on job creation through its recruitment drive which is aimed at bolstering agricultural extension services. The department has recruited 440 unemployed graduates to work as Assistant Extension Officers. The recruitment is targeted at young unemployed graduates with qualifications in Agriculture.
The recruitment is aimed at augmenting the existing extension personnel in order to adequately respond to the mandate of ensuring food security within the province. The intention is to have two extension officers per ward to advise subsistence local farmers on animal and crop production.
These unemployed graduates will further be exposed to a skills upgrading programme through tertiary institutions that have a memorandum of understanding with Cedara Agricultural Institution like the University of Fort Hare, University of KwaZulu Natal.
The department has a target of recruiting 800 unemployed graduates in the 2011/12 financial year. MEC Johnson will welcome and address the 440 Assistant Extension Officers tomorrow morning, Thursday.
Esteemed members of the media are cordially invited to participate in the event and interviews will be available.
Details of the event are as follows.
Date: 17 March 2011Venue: Cedara Auditorium
Time: 10:00
Media Transport will leave from the playhouse at 08h15, please confirm your attendance.
Your presence will be highly appreciated.
For all your queries contact:
Ncumisa Mafunda Media Liaison Officer (DAEA & RD Ministry)
Tel: 033 343 8063
Cell:079 515 7187
