Amathole Economic Development Agency (ASPIRE), in partnership with AgriSETA and King Hintsa College, celebrates the successful conclusion of its Agricultural Learnership Programme, which has empowered 60 learners from across all six local municipalities of the Amathole District.
The certificate handover ceremony, hosted at King Hintsa College, Dutywa Campus was attended by ASPIRE Board members, Executive Management, Amathole District Municipality, LED Director, Ms Xabadiya and MMC for corporate services, Cllr Madikane, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Cllr Apleni, King Hintsa College acting campus manager Ms Magwaca, parents, and the successful learners.
This pioneering initiative provided comprehensive agricultural training combining theoretical and practical knowledge to equip learners with essential skills to excel in the agricultural sector or establish their own agri-business ventures. The programme reflects Amathole District Municipality’s strategic objectives and ASPIRE’s commitment to driving economic development, with agriculture positioned as a cornerstone of sustainable growth in the region.
ASPIRE Board Chairperson, Mr. Luthando Jack, emphasized the critical role of animal production in unlocking the Eastern Cape’s economic potential. “Animal production is a very important component of agriculture to contribute to the economic growth of the Eastern Cape Province, since our province has plenty of land. ASPIRE is here to empower the people of Amathole, to create a culture of entrepreneurship, not only workers.”
Watch the ASPIRE Board Chairperson’s summary on the successful conclusion and certificate handover in this video (Facebook)
Mr. Jack further used words from Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela, reminding attendees that, “a nation that does not invest in its youth is a nation without a future.” He underscored that this programme is a direct intervention to address unemployment in the country, positioning young people as drivers of economic transformation.
Advocate Sotejwa, ASPIRE board member, and programme director of the day, also highlighted the initiative’s role in tackling unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship, while ASPIRE CEO, Mr. Avuyile Xabadiya, expressed his excitement at the learners’ achievements: “We are happy to witness the enthusiasm of these sixty learners as they embark on this life-changing journey. This programme aims to develop not only a skilled workforce but also a new generation of innovative agricultural entrepreneurs who will drive the region’s development.”
The learnership programme symbolizes a major step forward in addressing unemployment, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting food security within the Amathole District. By equipping learners with the tools to thrive in agriculture, this initiative contributes directly to building a vibrant, self-sustaining economy and ensuring long-term prosperity for the community.
About ASPIRE
ASPIRE was founded as the Amathole Economic Development Agency (AEDA) on 1 September 2005 and have been involved in supporting the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) with the implementation of local economic development initiatives.
