by Kgothatso Monono
In an exciting development for South Africa's agricultural sector, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)’s Faculty of ICT has partnered with the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) to launch an innovative technology skills development programme. The collaboration, marked by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on 20 March 2025, will see an investment of R12.4 million to roll out a pioneering one-year drone pilot training course aimed at equipping young people with essential skills for the rapidly evolving agricultural industry.
From left: Mogau Toka, Chief Financial Officer (AgriSETA); Dr Innocent Khathutshelo
Sirovha, Chief Executive Officer (AgriSETA); Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka,
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement( TUT)
and Dr Etienne van Wyk Executive, Dean at the Faculty of ICT (TUT).
“The programme is set to begin in April 2025, it is a first-of-its-kind in the country and is poised to address the growing demand for technology-driven solutions in agriculture. With drones increasingly being utilised in precision farming, crop monitoring and pesticide spraying, skilled drone operators are in high demand. This training initiative will not only equip participants with the technical know-how to operate drones, but also offer specialised certification to carry out specific tasks, such as the ability to drop liquids and spray chemicals,” said Prof Pius Owolawi, Assistant Dean for Industry Liaison, Special Projects and Work Integrated Learning.
In a significant move, the programme will provide participants with a three-layered licence. Aside from the basic drone operation licence, participants will also be accredited to handle advanced drone tasks, including the application of agricultural chemicals, thus preparing them for a wide range of roles in the sector. By the end of the programme, 100 young people will have completed their training, gaining valuable skills to help modernise farming practices and boost efficiency in the sector.
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, TUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that it aligns with the university’s strategic pillars of advancing impactful research, promoting digital innovation and preparing youth for the future of work.
“This partnership reflects TUT’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education that prepares students for the evolving demands of the workplace,” said Dr Papu-Zamxaka.
The programme will be implemented through TUT’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, ensuring a well-rounded curriculum that combines technological expertise with practical skills in the agricultural domain. The focus on technology aligns with the university’s ongoing efforts to support the digital transformation of the agriculture sector, which is critical for increasing productivity, sustainability, and food security.
Dr Innocent Khathutshelo Sirovha, Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA), shared that: “Through this collaboration, AgriSETA and TUT are addressing a critical skills gap in the agricultural sector while providing young South Africans with the opportunity to be at the forefront of technological advancements in one of the country’s most important industries.”
By providing advanced training in drone operations, the initiative is set to have a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape, creating new career opportunities and contributing to the overall development of the sector.