The School of Agriculture in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on 27 March 2018.

The main objective of the MoU is to enable the two institutions to collaborate on agricultural projects. According to the MoU field specialists in the School of Agriculture are encouraged to facilitate and organise lectures, short programmes, seminars, conferences and workshops for inmates, correctional facility warders and other interested staff from DCS

In return, the DCS will provide NWU students with access to DCS agricultural facilities for research, teaching and community services.

“We are very happy to continue our relationship with the university,” said Dumisani Nzimande, the DCS area commissioner. We have already been working with the university in making our facilities accessible to agricultural students to do their research and practical work, and the MoU will strengthen this bond.”

Present during the signing of the MoU was Prof Helen Drummond, the deputy dean for teaching and learning of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof Victor Mlambo, the director of the School of Agriculture, Mr Nzimande, DCS area commissioner, Mr B Nelson, manager for education and training and Mr Medupe Lord, area coordinator for development and care.

 Prof Helen Drummond, the NWU’s deputy dean for teaching and learning of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Mr Dumisani Nzimande, DCS area commissioner, sign the MoU while staff members from the School of Agriculture and the DCS look on.