The final session of Nation in Conversation at Nampo Cape was dedicated to a panel discussion to anchor tomorrow in positive change, today. The panellists were: Dr Jan Greyling (Stellenbosch University), Karla Hendriks (Brand Republic), Aviwe Gxotiwe (farmer), Heleen Viljoen (Grain SA) and Gerswin Louw (farmer). The discussion was facilitated by Anlie Hattingh (eNCA).
In his opening address, Francois Strydom, the custodian of Nation in Conversation, said that it is important for young people to know and understand that the field of agriculture offers more than just production practices and that it encapsulates all other forms of business vocations. He continued to say that the country and the world are in dire need of hope and resilience, something which the South African youth can contribute.
All the panellists were in agreement that it is important for the sector to convey the message of diversity and ample opportunities to the youth, especially on a school level. According to Karla Hendriks there is a sure gap when it comes to vocational education within the agricultural sector. And instead of asking who is ultimately responsible for this task, the sector should unite and spread the message.
In his opinion, Dr. Jan Greyling believes that there is a massive communication challenge within the sector and this leads to information not reaching the youth at the critical period when they need to make informed decisions about the professional future.
Aviwe Gxotiwe agrees and said that it is important that information about capacitation programmes are made available, and that the sector voices its ability to build generational wealth. He also explained that one does not need to own land to be successful within the sector. “The sector is not articulating its abundant array of opportunities, and while everyone is focusing on land issues, opportunities are missed and sector is negatively impacted” says Gxotiwe.
For Gerswin Louw, who is also a member of SA PALS, it is imperative that the youth make use of the available opportunities that is available within the sector, namely training opportunities, mentoring, partnerships, available government and private aid structures as well as replicable business models.
Heleen Viljoen touched on the issue of technology and said that the youth, as the early adaptors of new technology, has to do more than just fill the footsteps of the previous generations. She is of the opinion that technology will progressively play an even more important role in the future and that the youth is ideally poised to make the most of this opportunity. Data is set to become an agricultural asset and the foundation on which decision-making will take place.
In closing, the Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, invited the youth to visit the province’s website to familiarise themselves with the available graduate programmes, internships and learnerships. He concluded by saying: “I have faith in the youth and in agriculture and I am excited to see what the future holds”.