Cape Forum and SAAI come to the aid of a school that nearly had to abandon its NAMPO dream

The dream of learners from Hoërskool Zwartberg in Prince Albert to attend NAMPO Cape –one of the largest agricultural expos in the Western Cape – in Bredasdorp was nearly shattered when the school’s minibus broke down on the eve of the popular event. However, at the request of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Kaapse Forum and SAAI stepped in and contributed towards the cost of hiring a private minibus for the trip.

Thanks to this assistance, twelve learners were able to attend the three-day expo, an opportunity that ensured their exposure to the agricultural sector as a whole.

Hoërskool Zwartberg is grateful for this contribution, which gave the learners the chance to attend the annual agricultural and trade exhibition. There, they were exposed to displays featuring livestock, poultry, and lifestyle products, as well as machinery exhibits, horse shows, and working dog demonstrations. For these Grade 10 learners, the expo is particularly valuable for expanding their knowledge of the agricultural industry and providing an opportunity to engage directly with experts in the field.

According to Bernard Pieters, Head of Community Activation at Cape Forum, opportunities that provide learners with practical exposure are critically important. “Exposure to agriculture and its associated value chain opens up a new world for young people. It also fosters a greater appreciation among learners as they see firsthand how the agricultural industry functions and how even the simplest product eventually ends up on the dinner table,” he explains.

“It is essential for learners to gain exposure to the complex system where everything must work together perfectly to deliver something as simple as a glass of milk. Aspects integral to such a seemingly simple product – including insurance, training, distribution, and health standards – must be viewed as part of this system; at NAMPO, young people have the opportunity to observe every aspect of this up close and gain an understanding of the agricultural value chain.”

The WCED gave Dr Theo de Jager, Chairperson of SAAI, the opportunity to address the learners attending NAMPO about the importance of agriculture to society.

“The people who will determine the future of agriculture are currently sitting in school classrooms. Twenty years from now, when they are CEOs of agricultural companies or leaders in farmers’ organisations, we want the peace of mind of knowing they will perform even better than we do. That is precisely why SAAI invests in exposure, training, and fostering a love for agriculture among young people. There is no better place to see how it all comes together than at NAMPO!” De Jager explains.