They’re young. They’re trendy. And they are the hosts of AgriCareers, a brand-new weekly podcast proudly brought to you by Food For Mzansi. This podcast is exclusively for Mzansi’s high school learners.
Relax. The AgriCareers podcast is not just about farming. It introduces learners to some of the coolest jobs on the planet – from science to coding, and without most people even realising it, it links to the world of agriculture. The podcast helps you to take the next steps in your journey, whether you already have a detailed career plan in place or you’re not quite sure where to turn next.
So, Nicole and Bandile, how would you describe yourselves?
Nicole: I am curious and bookish, two qualities that work very well together but that tend to keep me inside. When I do go out, it’s to the beach or anyplace with a big body of water. I have recently discovered the joy of growing my own plants and wonder why I didn’t become a plant mom sooner.
Bandile: I realised my passion for youth development when I started working as a project manager for the Koinonia Youth Development Centre in Paarl in the Western Cape. I use my platform on radio to elevate youth in their areas of expertise. I love being in spaces with positive people. This encourages me to push myself. I’m not afraid to learn new skills. Also, I’m a team player and mad about cricket and music although I suck at singing.
What’s the coolest thing about the AgriCareers podcast?
Nicole: The coolest thing about the podcast is how it showcases the breadth of the agricultural sector. It gives us the insider insight into so many aspects of the sector and allows learners to make an informed choice, should they choose agriculture as their career sector.
Bandile: I used to think agriculture was all about just working the soil and getting dirty, but no. I found working the soil is just an element of agriculture. There are so many different careers that learners should know about, including a horticulturalist, veterinary practitioner and more.
If you could choose one career in agriculture, what would it be and why?
Nicole: If I had the opportunity to go back to school, I would love to learn about agronomy. The science of soil sounds fascinating to me and nurturing the soil to provide food and nutrition to South Africans sounds like an incredibly worthwhile pursuit.
Bandile: I would probably study agronomy or soil science because these fields are incredibly important in helping farmers with their crops.
