The Tsolo Agricultural and Rural Development Institute (TARDI), one of the Eastern Cape’s oldest agricultural education institutions, has entered into a collaboration arrangement with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFO).
The UNFO’s arrangement with this institution is the first of its kind in South Africa.
The Eastern Cape’s MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform made this announcement at the graduation ceremony for 49 students who had completed their studies in animal health.
“I am pleased to inform that TARDI has been identified as the most appropriate institution to enter into this arrangement with the United Nations,” said Pieters.
Students that are a part of this agreement will receive extensive training in animal health so they can become independent in the future.
“This is the first time that something like this has happened in South Africa; it’s a significant deal for TARDI to gain this opportunity,” said Pieters.
It is anticipated that the first TARDI and North-West University students to enrol in this arrangement would do so in May.
“A total of 50 of these students will participate in this, 25 from TARDI and the remainder from North-West University,” Pieters explained.
Dr. Toyota Ndudane, the principal of TARDI, has been chosen to serve on the committee that will design the strategies to enhance the health of animals under this program.
“She will be part of a delegation of experts from around the world who will ensure the promotion of this campaign, and she will lead the meetings that these experts will conduct,” Pieters explained.
Dr. Ndudane is proud of the work she did to elevate the institution to a position of prominence in agricultural education both regionally and nationally.
“Since 2015, 60% of TARDI graduates have been hired in government and private companies,” Ndudane claimed.
Dr. Ndudane is the only woman who is the principal of an agricultural studies institution in the Eastern Cape.
“My advice to the public is to be the most engaging person in the community, to demonstrate your abilities and interests so that other people can learn from you,” Ndudane concluded.
After leaving the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, veterinarian Dr. Lubabalo Mrwebi is now the head of TARDI’s board of directors.
Lilitha Xhumana, a native of Mqanduli, is the student that graduated top of her class at TARDI.
“It was not an easy road; it was quite challenging. You have to learn to make some sacrifices in order to see success and dedication to your work,” said Xhumana.
Xhumana vows she will utilise her knowledge to advance her hometown and the province as a whole.
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