Investing in the future

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Potatoes SA, with the valued support of AgriSETA, continues to play a meaningful role in developing young talent through its Tertiary Pipeline Programme (TPP), which has been in operation since 2008. The programme, which includes bursaries, internships and workplace experience, aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals within the potato industry and the broader agricultural sector.

Since its inception, it has supported and placed 71 graduates, bridging the gap between academic training and industry requirements. As part of this ongoing initiative, Potatoes SA is proud to announce the placement of ten graduates into structured workplace experience opportunities.

Youth unemployment

South Africa continues to face persistently high youth unemployment, with many graduates struggling to secure opportunities that provide the practical experience employers require. While academic qualifications are essential, they are often insufficient on their own to guarantee entry into the labour market.

A common challenge is that many entry-level roles require prior experience, something graduates have not yet had the opportunity to gain. This creates a barrier to employment, preventing young professionals from accessing the very opportunities needed to build their careers.

Potatoes SA’s TPP directly addresses this gap. Through structured workplace placements, graduates gain practical exposure aligned with industry expectations, improving their employability and supporting a smoother transition into permanent roles. In doing so, the programme breaks the cycle of ‘no experience, no job’.

A collaborative industry effort

The success of the 2026 placements is rooted in strong partnerships across the agricultural value chain. Graduates have been placed with key stakeholders, including Prokon at various fresh produce markets (FPM’s), Potato Certification Service (PCS), and divisions within Potatoes SA.

In addition, Potatoes SA collaborates with partners such as Plantovita and Potato Seed Production. These organisations also draw from the Potatoes SA graduate database when sourcing candidates, contributing to a broader ecosystem of skills development and employment.

Together, these organisations provide mentorship and exposure to real-world agricultural systems, including production, certification, transformation initiatives, and market support services. Alongside AgriSETA funding, host organisations further strengthen the programme through additional support, ensuring graduates are well-equipped as they transition into the workplace.

Commitment to skills development

While external support remains critical to the success of the TPP, Potatoes SA also invests its own resources in the initiative, demonstrating a continued commitment to developing young talent despite insufficient funding to meet growing demand. The organisation further serves as a host employer for graduates placed through programmes facilitated by other industry stakeholders, strengthening collaboration within the sector.

The long-term impact of these efforts is reflected in the success of individuals who began their careers through such programmes. Rachichi Marokane, now national transformation coordinator, and myself, procurement and bursary coordinator, were both initially placed at Potatoes SA through the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) graduate programme. Their progression highlights the value of structured workplace experience in building sustainable career pathways within the agricultural sector, demonstrating how early exposure and development opportunities can translate into long-term career growth.

Since commencing their placements in March, ten graduates have been actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their host organisations. This exposure enables them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings while developing essential workplace competencies such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Beyond technical skills, the programme also provides a broader understanding of the agricultural value chain and the diverse career opportunities within the sector.

Voices of the programme

Hunadi Shaku

Tshwane University of Technology

This internship at Potatoes SA has provided valuable exposure to the agricultural industry, particularly in data collection and analysis. It has strengthened my understanding of how information supports producers and enhanced my professionalism and confidence. The experience has significantly contributed to my growth and motivated me to make a positive impact in the sector.

Apfeswaho Raligidima

University of Venda

As a quality controller at Tshwane Market, I work in a dynamic environment, engaging with agents daily. I have developed skills in identifying internal and external defects in potatoes, using technical tools, and applying appropriate sampling techniques. This experience has strengthened my technical knowledge and improved my communication skills.

Kwetepe Salthiel Sehlapelo

Potchefstroom College of Agriculture

I am gaining valuable experience as a quality controller at the fresh produce market, developing a solid understanding of potato inspection, grading, packaging, and product labelling in line with market standards. This opportunity provides valuable practical exposure while strengthening my understanding of agricultural theory and practice.

Mpho Motena

University of Venda

My experience with the PCS has been both exciting and educational. I have gained practical knowledge in plant pathology, particularly in inspecting potato plants and tubers to ensure they meet strict quality and disease standards. This opportunity has deepened my understanding of certification processes within the industry.

Nombasa Bungane

Elsenburg Agricultural College

I have gained valuable exposure to potato inspection and packaging standards, and learned how quality directly impacts market value. This opportunity is helping me develop into a skilled potato inspector and strengthening my competitiveness within the industry.

Pumla Zibene

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The opportunity to work with Prokon SA has provided valuable experience in a supportive environment, where I have developed skills in identifying defects in potato tubers and understanding post-harvest quality and grading standards. It has exposed me to a part of the industry that was not fully covered in my studies, for which I am truly grateful.

Seani Netshikuvhe

Madzivhandila College of Agriculture

My internship at Potatoes SA has been both welcoming and eye-opening, providing valuable experience in bursary management, producer support as well as agricultural development systems. It has strengthened my communication, teamwork and attention to detail, while broadening my understanding of the agricultural value chain.

Mphahlele Reshoketswe Ramaredi

University of Limpopo

At the Johannesburg Market, I have gained knowledge in potato inspection, grading standards, and quality control, while also improving my communication and time management skills. This opportunity has allowed me to apply my academic background in a real-world environment and has strengthened my future career prospects.

Liezel Nkadimeng

Tshwane University of Technology

As part of the marketing team, I participate in school sports events and marathons to promote the nutritional value of potatoes. I have learned how to engage with different audiences and run activations that link agriculture to healthy lifestyles. This opportunity is equipping me with valuable marketing skills while changing public perceptions about potatoes.

Konwaba Henry Sifuba

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

I began my internship at Potatoes SA in March, placed with Prokon SA as a Quality Controller at the Tshwane Market. This role has exposed me to a challenging working environment and improved my communication skills. I have developed experience in identifying internal and external defects in potatoes, operating equipment such as weighing scales and digital tools, and sampling large loads for quality testing.

Continued investment

Building on its success in placing 71 graduates since its inception, the TPP continues to expand opportunities for young professionals entering the agricultural sector. Potatoes SA remains committed to investing in young talent and building a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.

Through continued collaboration and innovation, the organisation aims to expand opportunities that strengthen the sector and help address youth unemployment in South Africa. – Rotondwa Raligidima, Potatoes SA

Email the author at rotondwa@potatoes.co.za for more information.