The Tshwane School for Business and Society (TSB) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, honoured the 2025 graduates of the Agri-Business Management Development Programme during a certification ceremony held on Saturday, 25 October, at the Mbombela Campus.
The initiative, which focuses on agricultural production and agro-processing, equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to build sustainable value chains and drive economic growth within their regions. The programme supports high-value cropping, livestock improvement and agro-processing enterprises that boost food security and create employment opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Mantoa Sinky Kgaphola, Chief Director for Agricultural Research and Structured Agricultural Training Services at the Department, encouraged graduates to keep pursuing knowledge. “Never stop learning,” she said, urging them to view continuous learning and research as essential tools for innovation in agriculture.
Prof Hlengani Mathebula, Director of TSB, reflected on the transformative journey of the graduates, reminding them of the purpose behind their studies. “When we started this journey in Mbombela last year, I reminded you this is not an ordinary course. It is a calling. A commitment. A covenant. And you answered that call,” he said.
Prof Mathebula highlighted that the programme covered key business leadership modules, including Leadership and Human Resource Management, Strategy and Business Modelling, Financial Management and Corporate Governance, Agricultural Finance and Funding, Strategic Marketing and Communication and Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Prof Hlengani Mathebula, Director of TSB
The ceremony celebrated graduates for their dedication to agricultural innovation and regional development. Stakeholders from the agricultural sector, educators and community leaders praised the recipients for their achievements and encouraged them to continue driving positive change in South Africa’s agricultural landscape.
In closing, Prof Mathebula reaffirmed TSB’s commitment to supporting the graduates beyond the classroom. “TSB is ready and available to walk with you beyond this programme - to see your capstone projects become real enterprises, to host business clinics and to connect you with mentors, funders and agricultural incubators. At TSB, we do not teach for information - we teach for transformation,” he said.
Dr Netshiombo, Dr Kgaphola and Prof Mathebula (centre front) are celebrating with a group of the recipients
Prof Hlengani Mathebula, Dr Mantoa Kgaphola and Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, with staff members from TSB, TUT and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs
Mbombela Campus Choir performing at the Certification Ceremony