Empowering excellence through facilitation training

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Potatoes SA’s transformation team recently welcomed three enthusiastic new members who participated in a four-day facilitator training programme. The programme was a purposeful journey of reflection, growth and practical application, designed to strengthen facilitation, communication, and leadership skills that are essential to advancing transformation initiatives within the organisation.

Learner-centred facilitation

The training challenged participants to rethink how learning is created, facilitated and sustained, particularly in the context of capacity building for transformation producers. Each session built progressively on the last, enabling participants to engage with the principles of effective facilitation rather than focussing solely on instruction. This approach reinforced the understanding that meaningful learning occurs when participants are actively involved, respected, and supported throughout the process.

Central to the programme was facilitation as a structured and intentional cycle. Participants explored the full facilitation process, including planning and preparation, effective delivery of learning, and evaluation of the learning experience and facilitator performance.

Emphasis was placed on understanding the audience, recognising that learners’ needs, expectations, and learning styles are essential when working with transformation producers, who often come from diverse backgrounds and possess varying levels of technical and business knowledge. These insights will enable facilitators to design learning interventions that are relevant, inclusive, and impactful, ultimately addressing existing skills gaps more effectively.

The programme further reinforced the role of the facilitator as a guide rather than a decision-maker. This approach is particularly valuable in producer development initiatives, where empowerment and ownership of learning are critical. By encouraging participation, managing group dynamics and valuing diverse perspectives, facilitators are better equipped to create learning environments that build confidence, promote problem-solving, and encourage shared learning. This method supports the development of practical skills that producers can apply directly in their operations, contributing to long-term sustainability and growth.

From planning to practice

Planning and preparation emerged as key success factors in achieving desired learning outcomes. Participants were guided on conducting learner needs-based analyses and considering learner characteristics when designing facilitation sessions.

The training also highlighted the importance of identifying and involving key stakeholders during the planning phase to ensure learning objectives are aligned with organisational goals and the specific developmental needs of transformation producers. This alignment is essential for bridging skills gaps related to technical competence, business management and decision-making.

One of the standout highlights of the programme were the hands-on facilitation practice, during which participants demonstrated newly acquired techniques through simulated facilitation sessions. The experience reinforced the principle that facilitation is not about delivering information, but about enabling learning, engagement and behavioural change, which is a critical requirement in producer capacity-building programmes.

The importance of evaluation and feedback was also emphasised. Participants learned how formative assessment and reflective feedback can be used to measure learning outcomes and continuously improve facilitation sessions. Effective evaluation ensures that learning interventions remain responsive and relevant, ultimately improving operational efficiency among transformation producers.

Overall, the training was well received and described as informative, interactive, and empowering.

Participants left with practical tools and facilitation skills that will play a significant role in strengthening capacity-building initiatives for transformation producers. By bridging identified skills gaps and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, the organisation continues to invest in sustainable transformation, equipping both employees and producers with the confidence and capability to succeed. – Nkhathutsheleni Tshikunde, Sifiso Mhlanga and Takalani Sikhau, Potatoes SA

For more information, visit www.potatoes.co.za.