MEC for Education in the North West Province, Ms Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi, today hosted an interactive session with principals, educators, and learners from agricultural focus schools at Die Hoërskool Wagpos outside Brits.

The session formed part of the Department’s ongoing drive to strengthen technical and vocational education, with a specific focus on agriculture as a key driver for skills development, food security, and youth employment in the province.

MEC Motsumi commended Wagpos Hoërskool for its 98-year legacy and its model of combining theory with hands-on agricultural practice. She encouraged other agricultural schools to benchmark against Wagpos, particularly in crop production, animal husbandry, and agri-processing.

Schools raised challenges around outdated equipment, irrigation systems, and access to agricultural land. The Department confirmed that submissions have been made under the Infrastructure and Technical High Schools Conditional Grant to upgrade workshops, tunnels, and learning farms across the province.

The MEC called for stronger partnerships between schools, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the private sector to provide learners with internships, mentorship, and exposure to modern farming technologies.

Learners were encouraged to consider agricultural studies beyond Grade 12, including diplomas and degrees in agricultural sciences, veterinary studies, and agribusiness at North West universities and TVET colleges.

MEC Motsumi said “Agriculture is not just a subject, it is a solution. For any country to survive, it needs food, and that means we need young people who are skilled in producing it. Wagpos shows us what is possible when a school commits to practical, relevant education. Our role as the Department is to make sure every agricultural school has the tools to do the same.”

The Department committed to hosting quarterly engagements with agricultural schools and to facilitating exposure visits for learners and educators to successful commercial farms and research institutions.

North West Department of Education
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Vuyo Mantshule | Departmental Spokesperson | 073 217 7335
Dr Elias Malindi | Director for Communication |072 892 8399