Omnia Marketplace Academy (MPA), in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education, marked the graduation of twenty students from an innovative agricultural skills development program. The ceremony took place at Katlehong Engineering Specialisation School and Vosrand Commerce and Entrepreneurship Specialisation School.
This graduation marks a significant milestone as it is the first group to complete the program since its launch in 2025. This innovative initiative integrates vocational agricultural training into the specialisation school model, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. As a result, students can earn recognized industry agricultural credits while remaining in school.
Graduates completed a specialised crop production programme that includes units recognised by AgriSETA and aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The programme, implemented by the accredited training provider Employment Solutions Management (ESM) with support from MPA and financial backing from Omnia, combines classroom instruction with practical on-the-job training in agriculture. This initiative is part of Omnia's broader commitment to supporting food security, skills development, and economic integration across South Africa.
Commenting on the graduation, Stephan Serfontein, CEO of Omnia Group, noted that the unemployment challenge in South Africa continues to disproportionately affect youth. He stated: 'Through this partnership, students not only graduate with a matric certificate but also receive industry credits for further agricultural qualifications, enhancing their competitiveness and equipping them with practical, in-demand skills that can positively change lives, strengthen families, and uplift communities. Omnia is proud of its contribution to creating long-term positive social and economic impact.'
The MPA model strengthens leadership qualities, practical skills, and student learning outcomes while creating clear pathways from education to the world of work. Students undergo foundational and entrepreneurial training before moving on to specialised fields, including agriculture.
Mulder emphasized: 'Today's graduation reflects the value of equipping youth with practical skills that can open doors, support livelihoods, and contribute to building stronger, more food-secure communities.'
At Vosrand, the school garden has transformed into a small social enterprise that supplies fresh produce for the school feeding scheme, which serves approximately 1600 students daily, while generating additional income for the school. This initiative also encourages students to establish their own gardens, thereby promoting food security and self-sufficiency.
Similar results are being achieved in Katlehong, where the school garden supports a feeding programme catering to around 1000 students per day. Peter Arrends, Principal of Vosrand Commerce and Entrepreneurship Specialisation School, noted that the graduation signifies more than just a qualification. He said: 'It is about sowing seeds of hope, opportunity, and self-sufficiency that will continue to grow in the future. Through this programme, our students have acquired practical agricultural skills that can help them support themselves, their families, and their communities. We are nurturing farmers, entrepreneurs, and tomorrow's game-changers.'