Youth in agriculture shine on global stage

By Botlhale Leepile

Caption: Lesedi Gaabue and Thabo Makoa

The North West Province has reason to celebrate as two of its young agricultural leaders have been elected to serve in the Youth Chapter of the World Food Forum South Africa, marking a historic milestone for the region.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s MEC  Madoda Sambatha, lauded the achievement of Thabo Makoa, who will serve as Chairperson of the Youth Chapter, and Lesedi Gaabue, elected to the Policy and Strategy portfolio.

Both are active members of the provincial Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) leadership structure.

Speaking from Mahikeng, Sambatha described the election as “a source of immense pride for the people of the North West.”

He emphasised that the achievement reflects not only the dedication of Makoa and Gaabue but also the province’s growing reputation for producing young leaders who are visionary, committed, and capable of shaping the future of agriculture.

“These young leaders are not merely participants in the agricultural sector; they are actively shaping its direction and redefining its future. Their election is a testament to the talent and leadership we continue to nurture in our province,”Sambatha said.

He further highlighted that the inclusion of North West youth voices at such a strategic national platform strengthens the province’s engagement on critical issues such as food security, sustainability, and rural development.

“Their success reinforces our belief that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of innovative, forward-thinking young people determined to build a resilient and inclusive sector,” he added.

He said Makoa and Gaabue’s election signals a new era for North West’s youth in agriculture, positioning the province as a hub for emerging leadership in food security and rural development on both a national and global stage.