Thirty-three students, comprising 14 women and 19 men, received Diplomas in Agriculture with a specialization in Irrigation during a prestigious graduation ceremony at Taung Agricultural College (TAC) on Friday. The event marked a significant milestone for the institution, the only one in South Africa offering a diploma focused specifically on irrigation agriculture, positioning its graduates to address sustainable farming needs in water-scarce regions.
Delivering the keynote address, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West Province, Madoda Sambatha, praised the graduates’ determination and urged them to drive transformation in the sector. “Today, we are not just celebrating academic achievement, we are honoring the future leaders of agriculture. You have been trained at a one-of-a-kind institution. Go out there, help feed our people, protect our natural resources, and strengthen our rural economy,” Sambatha said.
He also highlighted the college’s role in youth development and innovation, announcing new initiatives. “Starting this financial year, both Taung and Potchefstroom Colleges will establish business development units. These units will help the colleges play a more active role in the agricultural sector. We are also setting up production sites at the colleges, because unlike universities, agricultural training requires extensive practical work, Taung Agricultural College will lead in this regard,” Sambatha added.
Among the graduates, Mapule Mathobela from Choseng village in Taung shared her emotional journey. “Honestly, it still feels surreal. These past three years were tough, long days in the field, difficult exams, and moments of doubt. But today, I know it was all worth it. This diploma belongs not only to me, but to my family, my community, and every young girl who thinks agriculture is not for her. Taung Agricultural College has changed my outlook on life. I’m ready to be part of the change,” Mathobela said.
Kitso Maseo, a 22-year-old from Lokaleng village, expressed his entrepreneurial ambitions. “No matter how difficult the journey was, I pushed through. I do not want to work for anyone. I am already working on establishing my agricultural enterprise, using everything I have learned here,” Maseo said, crediting his parents’ sacrifices.
Guest speaker Professor Sylvester Mpandeli of the Water Research Commission inspired the graduates to embrace their role as change makers. “Congratulations to you all, this is a moment to be truly proud of. You now have the opportunity to make a real impact on the challenges facing our country. The future is in your hands,” Mpandeli said. He also announced a collaboration between the Water Research Commission, its strategic partners, and TAC to enhance the college’s training, research, and development capacity.
As South Africa’s only institution offering a dedicated irrigation agriculture diploma, TAC continues to draw students nationwide, cementing its status as a leader in agricultural education and a vital contributor to the North West Province’s development priorities and climate adaptation efforts.