by Tebogo Tabane
Ten students enrolled for Advance Diploma and Post-Graduate studies at the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Crop Sciences, received funding towards their fees from AFGRI. During a recent bursary awarding ceremony, the company officially presented the cheque to the University.
AFGRI donates bursaries to deserving Science students.
AFGRI, currently hosts six TUT students doing their Work Integrated Learning at its training farm in Vastfontein outside Pretoria. This leading agricultural services company provides services across the grain production and storage cycle. It offers financial support and solutions as well as inputs and hi-tech equipment, supported by a large retail footprint.
Through its Lemang Agricultural Services training programme, established in 2012, AFGRI develops strong future farmers. Managing Director of Lemang Agricultural Services (AFGRI), Praveen Dwarika, said in their endeavours to fix the agricultural sector in the country, they realised the importance of partnering with industry and institutions of higher learning.
“In accepting these bursaries from Lemang – please know that we want to affect your lives positively and see you progress in the agricultural sector,” he added.
Humbulani Mphuma, Financial Officer at TUT’s Advancement and Partnerships Office said the University welcomes the bursaries to assist students. “As we move from good to great, the University has to partner with different stakeholders to realise our mission. One of our objectives is to support different Departments and assist them to acquire sponsorships and donations that will help students to further their studies,” he continued.
Prof Puffy Soundy, Head of the Department of Crop Sciences, thanked AFGRI, saying that the Department welcomes all types of sponsorships and training initiatives that will help students to become future leaders in the agricultural space. He also shared a brief background about the Faculty of Science.
Dimpho Xaba, a PhD student and Vegetable Crops Lecturer at the Department as well as one of the recipients of the Lemang bursaries was coordinated the programme at the event.