TSB and DARDLEA Empower Emerging Agri-Entrepreneurs Across Mpumalanga

The Tshwane School for Business and Society (TSB), in its journey toward becoming a more agile and forward-facing institution, continues to build partnerships that shape meaningful societal impact. Its collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) has now reached a defining milestone through the Agri-Business Development Programme.

On Saturday, 25 October 2025, the two partners hosted the Certificate Ceremony at the TUT Mbombela Campus to honour 126 graduates who successfully completed the programme. The event, hosted by Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, celebrated the dedication and achievements of participants who are now poised to drive innovation and transformation within South Africa’s agricultural landscape.

This initiative, focused on agricultural production and agro-processing, seeks to empower participants with the business acumen and technical expertise required to build sustainable agricultural value chains. Projects emerging from the programme such as the pomegranate pilot and tree nursery initiatives demonstrate the tangible potential of the work being done to strengthen rural economies through enterprise, innovation, and resilience.

Pictured: Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, Dr Mmantoa Sinky Kgaphola, Professor Hlengani Mathebula & Graduates

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Mmantoa Sinky Kgaphola, Chief Director: Agricultural Research and Structured Agricultural Training Services at DARDLEA, commended the graduates for their perseverance and encouraged them to continue pursuing growth and excellence. “Never stop learning,” she said, reminding graduates that continuous improvement and curiosity are the cornerstones of meaningful progress in agriculture.

Reflecting on the journey from the first block of the programme to this graduation milestone, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, Director of the Tshwane School for Business and Society, expressed immense pride in the graduates’ achievements.

Pictured: Professor Hlengani Mathebula

“As you stand at the threshold of new beginnings, I want to commend each of you for your dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence throughout the Agri-Business Development Programme. Your presence here today is a testament to your determination to be more than just participants in agriculture, you are the architects of a new future for South Africa’s rural economy.”

His message echoed the sentiments he shared at the programme’s inception earlier this year, when he reminded delegates to remain conscious of their “why” and to recognise that this journey is “a calling, a commitment, a covenant.” Then, as now, he emphasised that “we don’t just grow crops; we grow people.”

The ceremony brought together stakeholders from the agricultural sector, educators, and community leaders. All united in their support for the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs. The graduates’ success stands as a reflection of the programme’s transformative impact, equipping participants with the tools and mindset to lead for impact in their communities and beyond.

Through partnerships like this, TSB continues to advance its mission of developing purpose-driven leaders who combine business insight with societal impact and cultivating growth where it matters most.

Photo cred:  TUT Corporate Affairs  & Marketing