Minister Encourages Youngsters at Leeu Gamka Youth Day

“Education will make the difference and take you to the next level” Gerrit van Rensburg, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said during a recent youth day hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture in Leeu Gamka.

 

Van Rensburg encouraged the youth to join the department’s efforts in producing food to ensure food security for all, amidst the varied challenges of climate change, land scarcity and ever increasing pressure on water resources. 

 

Van Rensburg emphasised the importance of mathematics as a school subject. He said mathematic competence is a prerequisite for career paths in the agricultural sector.

 

“We need more researchers, veterinarians, engineers, economists, extension officers, lecturers, administrators and wine makers."

 

He continued: “If you choose the appropriate subjects and study hard, we will provide bursaries and together we can ensure a better future for our youth from disadvantaged communities.”

 

Van Rensburg also highlighted the 12 point action plan for farm workers and farmers which create a platform for citizens to communicate their needs to the Provincial Government.

 

Van Rensburg said rural areas in the Western Cape are of critical importance to the economic and social development of the province. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is the co-ordinator of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP), a national programme of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in the province. Rural development initiatives aim to improve socio-economic conditions in rural communities through a five-phased approach in the 15 identified rural nodes in the Western Cape.  

 

Leeu Gamka forms part of these selected rural development nodes.

 

Currently 12 rural development nodes are activated across the province. A total of 3720 people were trained and 1 948 gained access to employment opportunities in the rural development nodes as at the end of March 2013.