North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha has endorsed a pioneering smart farming initiative in Schaumburg, near Skeerpoort in the Bojanala District.
Unveiled this week, the programme is set to equip young agripreneurs with advanced farming techniques, digital innovation and entrepreneurial skills.
Backed by a strong public-private partnership involving Earth Hub Africa, MTN SA Foundation and Shell South Africa, the initiative is being hailed as a model for future-ready, inclusive agricultural development.
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Sambatha said the project would restore dignity through land-based innovation and place youth-run SMEs at the heart of economic recovery.
A smart farm training centre will offer training in precision farming, hydroponics, agritech applications and sustainable agriculture, with a strong emphasis on innovation, market access and value chain participation.
Sambatha highlighted the importance of partnerships in unlocking youth potential in agriculture.
“By fusing agriculture with technology, we are reshaping what it means to be a farmer in the 21st century, and we are placing small businesses at the centre of this transformation,” Sambatha said.
Earth Hub Africa, the driving force behind the project, aims to scale this model across other rural districts.
According to founder Thabo Mokoena, the initiative is built on three pillars, skills development, innovation and enterprise incubation.
“We are creating an ecosystem where youth can farm smarter, access markets faster and scale quicker,” he said.
MTN SA Foundation executive director Jacqui O’Sullivan said that digital inclusion was a key enabler for rural development.
“We are proud to bring connectivity and digital resources that will allow these young farmers to thrive, collaborate and become commercially viable,” she said.
Shell SA, which will provide infrastructural and financial support, echoed this sentiment.
“Empowering small agricultural businesses is one of the surest ways to ensure food security and economic sustainability,” said spokesperson Mpho Lebese.
For many local SMMEs, the initiative is already sparking excitement and ambition.
Bonolo Mkhize, a 27-year-old vegetable farmer from Skeerpoort, sees it as a chance to modernise her operations.
“I have been farming using manual systems for years. With this technology, I can increase my yield, reduce waste and finally reach bigger markets,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Sibusiso Ndlovu, who runs a small poultry business, believes the training will open new doors.
“Access to agri-data and mentorship means I can manage my stock better, forecast demand, and cut costs,” he added.
Nomsa Mahlangu, a recent agriculture graduate, hopes the project will help her launch her agro-processing dream.
“We are being equipped not only to farm but to run sustainable businesses. That’s the future,” she said.
