In collaboration with the Department of Social Development, RDC hosts the official launch of the Agri-Youth Skills Development Programme and a graduation lunch

The Rebafenyi Development Centre (RDC), in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, will host the official launch of the Agri-Youth Skills Development Programme, as well as a graduation lunch. The event is set to take place on the 7th of September at Sebothoma Hall, Hammanskraal.

The programme aims to get youth in Gauteng’s five Corridors interested in agriculture so that they can become role players in the mainstream economy. The programme focuses on youth in the entrepreneurship and skills development spaces. The entrepreneurs will be helped to form cooperatives and gain access to SMMEs in the agricultural sector, with a focus on plant production and new venture creation. Our key speakers include South African Kwaito musician, entrepreneur, record label owner, TV host, radio, and club DJ, DJ Sbu, MEC of Social Development, and MMC of Tshwane.

During the launch, we will present the skills development programme to our esteemed partners and stakeholders. The launch will highlight why the Agri-Youth program is unique, and why the Rebafenyi Development Centre has provided additional support for our youth through a collaborative eco-system where learners can practically apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. Furthermore, partner organizations will demonstrate how they support the youth of Hammanskraal and agree on a partnership with RDC as part of the Agri-Youth Exit Support Strategy, which is a critical component in starting successful careers and businesses in the Agro Sector.

Because of its proximity to the large inland South African market as well as the neighbouring export markets of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique, the Gauteng province is central to the agro-processing industry. The industry has a trade deficit, implying additional production opportunities. The agro-processing industry is highly concentrated, with the top ten companies in each subsector accounting for 80% of total output. Similarly, less than 30% of the country’s key fruit production enters the agro-processing value chain, with the majority exported as fresh produce (study from Tshwane Economic Development Agency). Rebafenyi Development Centre is collaborating with relevant experts and entrepreneurs in the relevant sectors to help learners grow and develop through a series of mentorship sessions.

On the same day, there will be a graduation lunch where our learners will be honoured with a graduation ceremony during which we will award them with course certification after successfully completing a 5-month skills development program for 100 youth. The Amandebele Tribal Authority has generously provided the youth with 8 ha of land in Mashimong for a period of 5 years, which the youth are using to plant and produce vegetation for the local market. Following the formal proceedings, stakeholders and partners will go on a site visit to see which piece of land will be used as part of their business.

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

Rebafenyi Development Centre

Sanele Zulu (Founder)

E: sanele@tosaca.co.za

C: 061 538 8742

W: 012 440 1325

Rebafenyi Development Centre

Ingrid Bame (Project Coordinator)

E: ingrid@tosaca.co.za

C: 072 984 2926

W: 012 440 1325

MEDIA CONTACT

Xolisile Dlou

E: xoli@tosaca.co.za

C: 072 513 0682

W: 012 440 1325