By BAKANG MOKOTO
Taung Agricultural College is the only institution in South Africa accredited to offer Diploma in Irrigation Management course at NQF level 6 and one of two state-owned agricultural colleges in the province tasked with training and producing agricultural technicians to serve communities of the province.
A total number of 27 students graduated and received Diploma in Irrigation Management after they completed a three year programme recently. Back in 2012, the college obtained accreditation to offer a diploma in agricultural irrigation management.
One of top achievers, Badudule Kolisi who was born and raised in Centane in the Eastern Cape acquired 93% in his final year. Kolisi said the top achiever status came as a bonus to sleepless nights and hard work he went through.
“What really kept me motivated was the unshakeable support that I received from my family. My parents always told me that I can achieve great things if only I put enough effort in everything I do. I also want to applaud the college for the quality of service rendered during my stay.
“TAC is one of student-friendly institutions and it offers good quality of education. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree at Tshwane University of Technology and plans to further my studies by pursuing a Master of Technology or Master of Science Degree immediately after completing my BTech,” he said.
Kolisi said he wants to publish atleast one peer-reviewed article in a reputable scientific journal someday before going into farming. He added that many people do not know much about the irrigation management programme and that will assist.
“I had to do a lot of research about irrigation management before I could understand what does it entails. We do not have more female counterparts in the industry, so I encourage young women to choose agriculture as a career.
“We need to relinquish the stigma associated with the field of agriculture. I am going to do my best to assist women in rural areas. Truly, women have always been the backbone of subsistence farming. Empowering them with knowledge or necessary resources will make them to be more productive in the industry,” Kolisi said.
North West MEC of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development department, Manketsi Tlhape said: “In order to realise the National Development Plan vision 2030, we expect agricultural colleges in the province to improve the ratio of graduates. We highly-appreciate the quality of skill and knowledge that is imparted by the Taung Agricultural College.
“We encourage the new graduates to continue working hard and ensure that they participate efficiently in our economy, especially the agricultural sector which is currently faced with a variety of challenges in this climate change conditions. They are well placed to develop water efficient farming models.”
Tlhape added that they also acknowledge the progress made by the college’s community outreach programme that has donated fresh produce to non-governmental organization and schools around Taung. She said the college also provides technical advice to emerging farmers.
The college’s Director for Structural Training and Education, Dr Karabo Mabe expressed gratitude towards the college advisory council on the guidance they continue to give the institution and the efforts put by the staff to ensure that they equip students with knowledge and technical know-how to be ambassadors of agriculture in Bokone Bophirima.
The Guardian 