South Africa has been debating the appointment of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board. It’s all politics. Some say this. Some say that.

Personally, I have nothing much to contribute to the debate save to say: I wish the new board could give special attention to young people in agriculture.

While there are young people who see a great potential in farming, there are many who see agriculture as a field that is mostly ignored by government and who hold the impression that farming is old-fashioned.

I wish the new NYDA board will work together to highlight the importance of having young people in farming and to improve agriculture’s image in South Africa.

Our government talks about rural development, but young people are flocking to cities to look for employment and other opportunities. If agriculture and rural economies were taken seriously by our government, young people will have better access to socio-economic opportunities in our country.

I hope that the NYDA board will promote farming as an ideal business for young people and will work to allow for sharing of information and experiences between young people and leaders in agriculture.

I pray that the board will give their all to facilitate access to land and funding for young people in agriculture.

Young people in agriculture are leaders, entrepreneurs, and employers – let us hope that the NYDA will ensure that they multiply.

– Mokgokong Mokgethi