The Department of Agriculture (the department) formally invited the Association of Students of Agricultural Training Institute (ASATI) and the Association of Principals of Agricultural Colleges (APAC) to roundtable discussions.

The aim was not only to harmonise relations and strengthen collaboration, but also to understand the challenges agricultural training institutions and their students face. Both students and principals had opportunities to ask questions of the minister and request specific support from the department.

Accommodation and connectivity

Some of the issues raised by students include inadequate infrastructure and accommodation, funding and delayed fee payments, and work-integrated learning.
“We feel that the infrastructure at agricultural colleges is inadequate to meet the practical learning aspects required in the industry,” said Jacob Moloto, chairman of ASATI.

In previous reports, ASATI identified poor Internet connectivity, a shortage of learning material in libraries, and limited transport as challenges.

Moloto suggested that a national database of agricultural graduates should link up with a database of farmers and agricultural businesses offering practical work opportunities.

“We also ask the the department to create a blueprint from industry leaders on what skills they require,” he added.

Frustration around funding

Funding proves to be a matter affecting both students and administrative staff. Students lamented not receiving funding, late payment of bursaries, and limited access to start-up capital.

Principals were keen to see a faster procurement process. “We can’t wait two months for funds to be allocated to replace light bulbs in student residences or replace water pipes,” said Dr Karabo Mabe, chairperson of APAC.

She suggested the appointment of an independent contractor to assess the infrastructure upgrades at each college. Her concerns about the lengthy procedures to appoint new teaching staff, overworked staff, and lack of mental and healthcare were echoed by other principals.

Awaiting policy implementation

Steenhuisen acknowledged the challenges faced by role players in the agricultural training field: “Agriculture ensures the growth of our nation and is vitally important for our social and economic well-being. South Africa’s agricultural growth is linked to our youth who are to become our new farmers.”

In an interview with Farmer’s Weekly, he said the involvement of the private sector was of the utmost importance. “There are many governmental functions that can be outsourced. For example, the payment of student funding can be managed by a commercial bank.

“However, the low-hanging fruit is the migration of agricultural training institutes from the provincial departments of agriculture to the Department of Higher Education and Training. The policy document is done and is waiting on the desk of Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education and Training.”

Steenhuisen promised to meet with Nkabane before the end of June to finalise the migration.

When under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training, agricultural students will have access to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Currently, they do not have access to NSFAS funding.

In addition, colleges will be able to register for higher undergraduate certificates and research being done by their students.

Steenhuisen promised an overview of the procurement processes and concluded the dialogue by calling for a partnership with the private sector.

“As a department, we will call on industry bodies for more interaction with our agricultural training institutes.”