Gauteng NARYSEC Graduation Ceremony Hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
By Sabelo Tshabalala
On 12 September 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) proudly hosted the Gauteng NARYSEC Graduation Ceremony at the South West Gauteng TVET College, George Tabor Campus. The event marked a significant milestone for the 108 graduates, who had completed the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) program, a pivotal initiative to empower rural youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the modern workforce and contribute to rural development.
The NARYSEC programme is part of the government’s broader efforts to address youth unemployment, promote skills development, and ensure sustainable rural development. The initiative, established in 2010, focuses on equipping young people between the ages of 18 and 35 from rural areas with skills relevant to the agricultural sector, infrastructure development, and various other trades. The goal is to create a pool of young, skilled individuals who can return to their communities and drive socio-economic development.
Attended by stakeholders from different industries in the private sector, education and training as well as senior managers from both the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development the event showcased the role of Private Public Partnership in investing on the future of the youth in the country
This year’s Gauteng graduation ceremony was a celebration of dedication, hard work, and the transformative power of education. The graduates have undergone comprehensive training in fields such as construction, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other technical disciplines. Through NARYSEC, they have gained practical experience, along with the soft skills required to be competitive in the job market or start their own businesses.
The event was attended by a range of dignitaries, including representatives from DALRRD, local government officials, community leaders, and the families of the graduates. Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of youth empowerment in rural development and the role that these newly skilled graduates will play in transforming their communities.
In his opening remarks, the Principal of SWGC Mr. Joey Monyamane gave words of encouragement to the graduates. He mentioned how their parents had sacrificed so much to get them to that place and had been willing to give all that it took to educate them to that point. Seeing the graduates in their graduation regalia brought great pride to the school. The Principal expressed gratitude for the graduates’ determination during a very difficult and challenging time in the world of work, and he hoped that they would continue their journey of learning, emphasizing that education is a lifelong journey.
He also mentioned that it did not matter where the graduates came from or how they grew up; it was about how they took up a cause, stood up against injustice, and, despite whatever went wrong, never gave up and kept going to achieve their dreams. He encouraged them, saying there was nothing they could not do and no dream they could not achieve, advising that if they had a goal, they should be prepared to work hard. He urged them that when opportunities came their way, like the Narysec Programmes, they should grab them with both hands.
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the honourable Mr. Nyhontso expressed pride in the achievements of the graduates, noting that they were now equipped to tackle the challenges facing rural South Africa. He also emphasized the significance of the NARYSEC program as part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce unemployment, improve food security, and promote sustainable development in rural areas.
He further indicated that to address the persistent challenge of youth unemployment, government in all three spheres continues to launch various youth development and empowerment initiatives. He said that these programmes encompass formal education and training, leadership, internships, and support for youth entrepreneurship, aiming to integrate more young people into the economy.
“Now in this graduation ceremony, I am proud that the 108 youth participants persevered and remained committed to completing the accredited training. Today they will be receiving well-deserved certification”, he concluded.
The youth who graduated at the South West Gauteng TVET College were recruited through the District Development Model. The department partnered with various District municipalities in Gauteng, including the West Rand District, Sedibeng District, and Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality as well as with the Amandebele Lebelo Traditional Council in Sokhulumi, the Majaneng Traditional Council in Hammanskraal, and the City of Johannesburg. The Partnership between government and traditional leadership in addressing societal challenges is of critical importance for integration, development, and sustainability
For the graduates, the completion of the NARYSEC programme was just the beginning. Armed with practical skills and valuable experiences, they are now positioned to take up roles in their communities that can drive economic growth and infrastructure development. Some may pursue further education, while others will likely enter various industries or start their own businesses, leveraging the skills gained during the programme.
As the country continues to confront issues of inequality and unemployment, the NARYSEC programme remains a beacon of hope, proving that with the right tools and opportunities, rural youth can be the catalyst for meaningful change in South Africa.
The Gauteng NARYSEC Graduation Ceremony at South West Gauteng TVET College was a powerful reminder of the potential of young people and the critical role they play in shaping the future of rural development in South Africa.
