GEORGE NEWS - The Nelson Mandela University's George Campus recently hosted its annual livestock day, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic theory and practical experience in South Africa's commercial livestock sector.
The event brought together students, academics and leading agribusiness stakeholders, including Molatek and BKB, to create a platform for direct engagement with industry experts and exposure to current sector realities.
Hosted within the animal production and agricultural sciences disciplines, the programme took place against the backdrop of ongoing challenges in the livestock sector, including the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
These challenges continue to affect animal health, trade, biosecurity, traceability systems and economic inclusion, while also shaping curriculum relevance and graduate readiness.
The students were exposed to key industry themes, such as animal nutrition, genetics, animal health management, biosecurity, sustainability, traceability and livestock marketing systems. The engagement allowed them to link theoretical knowledge with commercial agricultural practice.
The event also highlighted a wide range of career opportunities within the sector, including feed production, livestock marketing, supply chain management, advisory services and agribusiness management.
The day provided valuable networking opportunities for work-integrated learning, internships and future employment, and familiarised them with workplace expectations and professional communication standards.
The academic staff benefited from strengthened relationships with industry partners, which opens the door for future collaboration in guest lecturing, research partnerships, curriculum development and student placement opportunities.
Industry representatives gained the opportunity to engage with emerging talent and contribute to shaping future graduates.
The university said partnerships with organisations such as Molatek and BKB reinforce its role in developing skilled professionals for the livestock sector.
Michael Grant (representative of the Agric Society), Gerhard van As (regional manager), Molatek's Zimi Simon (Agric Society representative), Anton Gresse (lecturer in agricultural management), Mzingisi Dlokweni (part-time lecturer in animal production), Johan Mouton (manager of the research unit at Molatek), Isiphile Ngcisini (first-year class representative), Lize du Preez (head of department, agricultural management) and Manie Grobler (part-time lecturer in animal production). Photo supplied
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