Agriculture visits Sophumelela School in Phillipi

From left to right: Michael Balele, Luziko Foli, Minister van Rensburg and Ayabonga Kalipa

“I want to see future Ministers of Agriculture coming from this school”, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gerrit van Rensburg recently said at Sophumelela High School in Philippi, Western Cape. He attended a handover ceremony where two students from Sophumelela received scholarships from the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape.

The Department of Agriculture hosted an essay competition where entrants had to motivate why agriculture is important and how they propose to make a difference in the sector. The two winners, Michael Balele and Ayabonga Kalipa, received scholarships that will see them through high school, and also pay for tertiary studies at Elsenburg, the Department’s agricultural college in Stellenbosch. Michael wants to be an agricultural engineer, and Ayabonga aspires to be a farmer. Luziko Foli, another Sophumelela student who did well in the competition received special mention from the Department.

Van Rensburg said that if they complete their studies, he will guarantee them employment opportunities in his Department. Joyene Isaacs, the Head of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape, urged more girls to consider careers in agriculture.

Contact: Wouter Kriel, 021 483 4700