GEMSBOK-KAKAMAS: The Vine Academy and Model Farm in Kakamas held their very first graduation day celebrations on Mandela Day.
First time graduates, at a first-time transformation training academy where they were thrilled to finally walk down the stage as their names were called out.
They were the first students obtaining their Certificate in Plant Production with Specialisation in Viticulture. The students were handed their certificates. Two students received merit awards at the ceremony, Dawid Hayes as the Top Achiever and Nosizwe Mkhonza as the Second Best Achiever with. A whole year successfully closed with the capping of the students at the Vine Academy and Model Farm.
On the 17th of July 2023, the Vine Academy welcomed its first group of students to come and study a National Certificate in Plant Production with Specialisation in Viticulture (NQF level 4).
Of the seventeen students, few were day students and the rest resided at the academy’s hostel as full-time participators in the course. The programme involves theory classes accompanied by practical activities in the vineyard. Since the agricultural sector is a very hands-on industry, a good practical understanding other than just theoretical knowledge is an important factor to consider when looking to employ aspirant graduates. While students are predominantly exposed to Raisin grape production and wine grape cultivation, soon table grape production will become part of their practical experiences too.
Potential students looking to also come and study at the Vine Academy and Model Farm, can either apply to be part of the NQF level 4 Certificate course that the students from last year graduated with or the National Diploma in Plant Production with Specialisation in Viticulture, like the ones that are continuing their studies.
The Certificate is therefore a one-year course consisting of seven modules i.e. Basic Computer Skills (COMP110), Communication Skills (COMM114), Applied Mathematics & Statistics (MATH114), Agricultural Science (AGSC110), Agricultural Management & Economics (AGMA114), Plant Science (PLNT114), Viticulture (VITI114), in the 1st semester. In the second semester the modules are Communication Skills (COMM124), Agricultural Engineering Technology (ENG124), Plant Science (PLNT120), Agricultural Management & Economics (AGMA124) and Viticulture (VITI124). The National Diploma in Plant Production comprises of first semester modules that are Applied Mathematics & Statistics (MATH215), Plant Science (PLNT215), Agricultural Management & Economics (AGMA215) and Viticulture (VITI215). The second semester modules are Agricultural Management & Economics (AGMA225), Plant Science (PLNT225), and Viticulture (VITI225).
Other than these formal qualifications in Viticulture, the Vine Academy and Model Farm also offer the Modular Table and Raisins Grape Short Course in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) and Raisins South Africa (Raisins SA) on an NQF 6 level. This one is more aimed at established professionals in the industry already looking to freshen up their knowledge with updated and new information since they graduated. Then there are other short training courses (one or two days) available for various industry role players, from the first-generation farmers to general farm workers, but also Junior Production Managers or Production Managers. These range from basic training in pruning, First Aid, Tractor Driver, Spray Pump Operator, Farm Machinery and Equipment Maintenance, as well as Safe Use, Storage and application of Agrochemicals and even on Pests and Diseases.
Since the VAMF also endeavours to equip students with knowledge in the whole value chain. The practical activities comprise of a wide range of tasks from pruning in the dormancy stage, harvesting, drying practices up until the shipping of the raisins after harvest. Exposure to the chemical store, drying facilities, different trellising systems, different rootstock and cultivars, different vineyard management practices, irrigation system installation and maintenance also form part of their practical training.
Students also get to work at different grape farms in the Northern Cape Province. Student tours are organised to visit farms and wine cellars such as Die Mas van Kakamas and Orange River Cellars, and raisins grape packing facilities such Carpe Diem Raisins, Prosperitas Foods and Southern Cross Farms.
Top achieving students get to be chosen by sponsors. By far two students, one in the first and one in the second-year group have been at the Southern Cross Farms to work there during the winter holidays and will be returning there during the summer season. These students have been exposed to working with table grape cultivars and to pack dates.
The rest of the students who apply for holiday work will be placed on temporary contract employment by farms that advertise positions or directly come and source students from the VAMF for holiday work. A high potential employment possibility is, therefore, a perk that comes with studying at the Vine Academy and Model Farm as students are exposed to potential employment opportunities and new experiences through the industrial connection the academy already has.
** Written by Nosizwe R. Mkhonza and
dr Andries J. Daniels
