By Mfundo Ngcobo, NCT Communication Officer
Tensions between farming organisations and the communities surrounding their operations are not uncommon. Recognising the importance of building constructive relationships, NCT appointed a Community Liaison Officer to strengthen engagement between local communities and NCT-owned and managed farms.
By actively engaging with communities, NCT is better able to understand local challenges and identify opportunities to contribute meaningfully to community development. One such initiative is the Plant and Animal Production Learnership Programme introduced in the Enyathi community.
The programme was established after NCT identified a need for employment opportunities in the area. By providing practical agricultural training, the initiative aims to equip participants with skills that can open pathways to employment or enable them to start their own agricultural enterprises.
Launched in 2020, the programme has already seen more than 80 participants obtain an NQF Level 4 qualification in Plant Production. Currently, 17 learners are enrolled, with some specialising in Plant Production while others pursue a combination of Plant and Animal Production.
The programme has helped restore hope for many individuals who previously struggled to find employment. Among the many success stories are those of Sipho Nyanden and Mlungisi Mantshinga.
Sipho Nyanden's Story
Sipho Nyanden completed his NQF Level 4 certificate in Plant Production through NCT. Motivated by this achievement, he continued his studies and obtained a Diploma in Farming Management. Sipho is currently pursuing opportunities to participate in an agricultural internship programme in Denmark, where he hopes to gain international experience in the sector. While financial constraints have made this opportunity difficult to pursue at present, he remains determined to achieve his goal. In the meantime, he has secured employment with Arbocare, where his responsibilities include data capturing, stock taking, welding, and machine maintenance. His determination and commitment are truly inspiring, and NCT is exploring ways to support him in pursuing the internship opportunity in Denmark.
Mlungisi Mantshinga's Story
Another inspiring example is Mlungisi Mantshinga, who also completed his NQF Level 4 qualification in Plant Production through NCT. He later pursued further studies in Farming Management but was unable to continue to NQF Level 6 due to financial constraints. Determined to apply the knowledge he had gained, Mlungisi started his own vegetable garden. Today, the garden provides food for his family and produce that he sells within his community. Recognising his initiative and potential, community leaders have offered him additional land to expand his farming operations. To grow his enterprise further, he requires support in areas such as fencing, tools, pest control, water tanks, and seedlings. NCT is currently exploring ways to assist him in scaling up his production.
The learnership programme continues to be offered in partnership with a TVET College, focusing on both Plant Production and Animal Production. Learners have the option to specialise in one area or pursue a combination of the two.
NCT is proud of the positive impact this programme has had in the Enyathi community. What began as an initiative to strengthen community relations has evolved into a meaningful development programme that is creating opportunities, building skills, and changing lives.