One of the Grain SA-sponsored Nation in Conversation discussions during Nampo 2026 brought together representatives from industry, development partners and government to explore solutions for employment‑linked skills development. The dialogue was aimed at seeking closer collaboration between industry and training providers to help ensure that modern, industry‑integrated skills translate into real and sustainable jobs across South Africa’s evolving agricultural sector.
The session brought insights from John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture; Department of Agriculture, Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA, Dr Sean Jones, CEO, Artisan Training Institute, Fanny Phetla, Acting CEO, AgriSETA, and Dr Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust. The session was facilitated by Anlie Hattingh.
Skills for the future
“Most often our agricultural colleges are preparing a workforce for where agriculture has been to where we are now, and are not looking at the future. Farming is a science filled with economics and technology. We need to use the opportunity we have at present through skills development and training to leapfrog into the future of technology use,” Steenhuisen pointed out.
“We need to ask ourselves: Do we have the skills that we need to address the demand in the agriculture labour market. We must build a pipeline of skilled people that are employable,” Steenhuisen added.
According to Phetla, it would be wise if the industry built synergies around the value chain. “We need to determine who all the role players are and get them around a table.”
Industry collaboration critical
Dr Jones stressed that the wheels do not have to be reinvented. “It is critical that we capitalise on everything that has already been done. Many private institutions and companies are involved in apprenticeship programmes. We also have to get smaller employers involved in programmes.”
Looking at the role that an industry‑led platform such as Nampo-Tech can play in addressing this need, Dr Doyer stated that South Africa’s grain industry continues to modernise and with that the demand for skilled, work-ready professionals is growing rapidly.
“Today’s farms rely on advanced machinery, digital systems, and precision technologies that require more than just conventional know-how. They need technicians, artisans, and farm managers with up-to-date training and excellent technical abilities,” Doyer said.
He added that a direct link between skills development and employment opportunities within the agricultural sector is needed and that this was where Nampo-Tech comes to the fore.
Addressing the skills shortage
Nampo-Tech is an industry-integrated training academy that will aim to support the agricultural sector by equipping students with the technical and vocational skills needed to thrive in the fast-evolving world of grain production and its associated value chains.
“The academy will focus on ensuring the long-term competitiveness, profitability, and sustainability of the grain farming industry and we are working closely with equipment manufacturers, agribusinesses, government, and other industry partners to address one of the agricultural sector’s most pressing challenges – the shortage of skilled professionals and artisans,” Doyer added.
Doyer emphasised that South African agriculture must increasingly position itself as a globally competitive, export-driven grain economy while simultaneously investing in long-term efficiency and productivity gains.
“There is only one way we remain globally competitive and that is through better science, better technology, and improved productivity. For that we need a skilled workforce across the value chain,” Doyer said.
Unemployment a growing concern
Dr Moitse pointed out that the level of unemployment necessitates skills development programmes.
“With the current unemployment rate, we are sitting on a time bomb. We need better collaboration regarding system-based skills development. When we develop skills that are needed, we can create a workforce with people that are in demand. This is the only way to address unemployment.”
