Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Honours 38 Animal Health Graduates at TARDI

A celebratory atmosphere filled the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) as 38 students received diplomas in Animal Health during the institute’s ninth graduation ceremony since it opened its doors in 2015.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, who congratulated the graduates and highlighted the important role they will play in strengthening the province’s agricultural sector.

Since its establishment in 2015, the institute has produced more than 400 animal health graduates, many of whom are already contributing to livestock management and agricultural development in rural communities across the Eastern Cape.

Graduates Urged to Create Opportunities

Addressing the graduates, MEC Kontsiwe encouraged them to use their qualifications to create opportunities not only for themselves but also for their communities.

She urged them to consider opening their own veterinary and animal health enterprises rather than relying solely on traditional employment opportunities.

According to the MEC, animal health technicians play a vital role in safeguarding livestock and supporting food security, particularly in rural farming communities where access to veterinary services can sometimes be limited.

Their work, she said, contributes directly to the protection of the livestock industry and the broader agricultural economy.

Strengthening Animal Health Services

TARDI Principal Dr Nandi Ndudane said the institute remains committed to producing skilled professionals who can support farmers and strengthen animal health services.

She explained that the graduates are entering a sector that is critical to both rural economic development and national food security.

Ndudane also highlighted the institute’s efforts to encourage greater participation of women in agricultural studies, saying the institution is intentionally working to increase female representation in the sector.

She noted that animal health technicians are especially important at a time when the livestock industry faces ongoing disease threats such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

The newly qualified graduates are expected to help farmers improve livestock health management, strengthen biosecurity practices and provide advisory services in rural communities.

Training Future Agricultural Leaders

The Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute has grown into an important training centre for agricultural development in the Eastern Cape.

The programme is supported through partnerships with organisations such as the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), AgriSETA, and the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, which help fund student training and infrastructure development.

These partnerships allow students, many of whom come from rural areas, to gain specialised training in animal health and livestock management.

A Day of Celebration and Reflection

For many of the graduates, the ceremony marked the end of a challenging but rewarding academic journey.

Graduate Phumla Dube described the day as a moment of celebration and gratitude, acknowledging the support of families, lecturers and fellow students throughout their studies.

She said the occasion represented not only the completion of their training but also the beginning of a new chapter as qualified animal health professionals.

With dozens of new technicians entering the field, the graduation is expected to strengthen the province’s ability to support farmers, protect livestock and promote sustainable agricultural growth across the Eastern Cape.