Molelwane farm, the agricultural farm of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has recorded a significant milestone following the successful harvest and sale of watermelons to the OK outlet at The Crossing Mall, demonstrating how practical student training can directly contribute to revenue generation for the university.
The harvest is the result of dedicated hands-on work by the workers and intern students led by the crop production supervisor, Thabo Modise. The team is actively involved in planting, crop management, harvesting and post-harvest processes under the guidance of experienced farm management. The initiative forms part of the NWU’s commitment to experiential learning, where theory meets practice in a real-world agricultural setting.
Farm manager Hannes Lombard praised the workers for their commitment and work ethic, saying the achievement reflects both discipline and applied knowledge.
“This harvest is a clear example of what can be achieved when students take ownership of practical learning. The students worked tirelessly from land preparation to harvest, and the fact that the produce met commercial standards and was sold to a major retail outlet like the OK is something they can be very proud of,” he said.
Hannes added that the Molelwane Farm is not only a training facility, but also a productive enterprise.
“Beyond training, the farm contributes to the sustainability of the university by generating income. Every successful harvest reinforces the value of investing in practical agricultural education.”
The watermelon project also exposes students to the full agricultural value chain, including quality control, market readiness and distribution, preparing them for careers in commercial farming, agribusiness and food security sectors.
The sale of produce to a retail outlet such as the OK at The Crossing Mall highlights the ability of the NWU to produce market-ready agricultural products while empowering students with industry-relevant skills.
The NWU continues to position Molelwane farm as a centre of excellence for agricultural training, innovation and community impact – proving that students’ hard work not only yields academic success, but also tangible economic returns for the institution.
Students and workers enjoy the sweet watermelons.
