Picture: Taung Agricultural College graduation ceremony/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 June 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Taung Agricultural College (TAC), the only institution in the country offering a NQF Level 6 (Diploma in Agriculture Irrigation), celebrated a significant milestone on 5 June 2026, by conferring diplomas on 46 graduates from the 2025 academic cohort during its Winter Graduation Ceremony. Held during Youth Month and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising under the theme: “RESET@50: The Future Calls”, the ceremony marked the successful completion of an intensive academic and practical training programme aimed at producing highly skilled agricultural professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of the sector.
Addressing the graduates, the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, challenged them to become innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators, highlighting the vast opportunities available within farming, agro-processing and agricultural services. Sambatha encouraged them not to limit themselves, but to be bold and fearless.
“Explore opportunities not only within our country, but beyond our borders. Exposure to new environments, technologies and markets will enrich your skills and broaden your horizons. Go out there and participate meaningfully in the development of our agricultural sector and contribute towards building a province that works for all.
“We further encouraged them to develop bankable business plans that can attract investment and unlock access to funding opportunities. We also urged them to take advantage of government support programmes and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering young people in agriculture,” he said.
Sambatha further emphasised that the agricultural sector presents immense opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship and called on graduates to use their knowledge and skills to establish enterprises that create jobs, strengthen food security and stimulate economic growth. He added that TAC reaffirmed its commitment to producing the next generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs.
“The institution remains dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security and contributing to economic development through quality agricultural education and training.
“The graduation ceremony stands as a testament to the College’s continued role in developing competent and industry-ready graduates equipped to respond to the evolving needs and challenges of the agricultural sector,” said Sambatha.
Speaking to the overall achiever, Aobakwe Molatowagae (22) from Cokonyane village in Taung said: “Life is going to pull
us in opposite directions, but we all share the same vision. We all want to become well-established farmers in the future. Let us continue to thrive and work hard to ensure that the vision we share today becomes a reality.”
The Guardian 