The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an Agri Teen Symposium on its campus in Mahikeng.

This symposium, organised by Land Bank and Shekinah Media, was an intergenerational gathering of stakeholders in the agricultural sector, aimed at transferring passion, skills and knowledge from industry experts to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

An initiative of the Land Bank, the event’s objective was to educate the 200 Grade 10 to 12 learners in attendance on the importance of the agricultural sphere, and inform them of the various career opportunities available.

Under the theme #PlantTheRightSeed, agricultural experts encouraged learners to actively and meaningfully participate in the industry.

“The agricultural sphere offers you the opportunity to secure your socio-economic wellbeing and to escape poverty and its social ills,” said Mr Lion Phasha from Land Bank.

He said that they specifically chose to host the symposium at the campus in Mahikeng. because of its strong agricultural background and various facilities such as its farm, agro-processing plant and veterinary clinic.

 “These facilities exposed learners to some of the critical components of the agriculture industry, and allow them to gain some practical experience,” said Mr Phasha.

Dr Brylyne Chitsunge, a Pan African ambassador for food security in Africa and CEO of Elpasso Farms, was the keynote speaker.

She encouraged learners to get educated and start farming in a smart way to feed the world.

She also commended Land Bank on its partnership with the NWU and presenting the symposium.

“There is nothing as powerful as a partnership with relevant stakeholders to address food security issues,” said Dr Chitsunge.

Other activities of the day included a soil, veterinary and farm demonstration by NWU experts and a mini expo by agricultural stakeholders including Agri Seta and Land Bank.

Dr Brylyne Chitsunge, a Pan African ambassador for food security in Africa and CEO of Elpasso Farms, explains why she is passionate about food security.

Various upcoming farmers from the surrounding area also attended the symposium. From left are Ralph Manamela,Tshepiso Lekabe,Tefo Mohasa,Tshwarelo Mtikhulu and Thabo Dithakwe.