A collaborative venture between the North-West University (NWU), the Midvaal Local Municipality and the New Hope Group (NHG) will not only benefit the local community, but also positively impact the future of South Africa’s agricultural industry.
Representatives of the NWU’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, together with Cllr Amelia Tsukudu from the Midvaal Local Municipality, recently gathered at the NHG’s premises in Meyerton for the handing over of two study bursaries to the value of R60 000. The recipients, Jeremiah Thabiso Molatole and Steve Kgotlelelo Mahlake, are both students from the NWU’s School of Agricultural Sciences.
According to the NHG’s Ms Angelique Gu, the company is a relatively new but highly competitive player in the South African agricultural industry. As an animal feed enterprise the NGH plans to expand its production activities within the near future by developing several more modernized animal feed mills and supported meat processing projects.
Over and above, the NGH, through projects such as the collaboration with the NWU, plans to develop and initiate programmes to empower the communities it serves. The latter refers not only to its geographical location, but also to the agricultural communities utilising its products. “As an international conglomerate we understand that we have a social and ethical responsibility towards our local communities and as such our presence should make a difference in people’s lives,” she says. She adds the partnership will in future see internships and educational exchange programmes take shape.
In his reaction, Prof Rodney Medupe, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, applauded NGH for their active involvement in the community and for their contribution towards higher education. “Any investment made towards education is an investment in a better tomorrow,” said Prof Medupe and added that the impact of the bursaries will not only see the recipients benefit, but also their communities and the agricultural sector. “Collaborations such as this one gives us hope, not only in terms of the realisation of academic potential but also with regards to innovative skills transfer,” said Prof Medupe.
The NGH’s deputy managing director, Mr Bob Wang, officiated the handover of the bursaries.
* The NHG is one of China’s largest private enterprises with a diverse business interest spanning agriculture, the chemical and energy industry, real estate and finance, among others. The group’s global footprint include 450 branches in more than 20 countries and a staff component of 80 000 employees.
From left to right are Ms Angelique Gu (NHG), Mr Warren Makgowe (NWU, Stakeholder Relations), Prof Upenyu Marume (NWU, Animal Sciences), Prof Rodney Medupe (NWU Deputy Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences), Dr Lebo Motsei (NWU, School of Agricultural Sciences), Mr Bob Wang (NHG, deputy managing director), Cllr Amelia Tsukudu, Mr Jeremiah Thabiso Molatole and Mr Steve Kgotlelelo Maklake.
