Pic: Attendees of the event alongside MEC Moeketsi
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
With Youth Month 2026 underway, Mpumalanga MEC for DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Khethiwe Moeketsi, said the province is betting on agriculture to turn job seekers into job creators – one smart farm at a time.
The MEC was addressing young people during this year’s Departmental Youth Event in Manzana, under the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality. Moeketsi reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue investing in youth development through a wide range of targeted interventions under the PYEI(Presidential Youth Employment Initiative), and many other programs.
DARDLEA said, together with key stakeholders including Old Mutual, the Departments of Social Development and Health, NYDA(National Youth Development Agency), as well as YARD(Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development), it brought a wealth of resources directly to the youth to ensure they are fully equipped for opportunities.
Young people were reportedly encouraged to become innovators, not spectators as Agriculture stands amongst one of the most powerful instruments for job creation and rural development, offering young people the chance to be true sector leaders.
“ The DARDLEA is actively driving youth development through modern and smart farming practices, while fostering strategic partnerships that grant youth direct access to financial literacy, start-up funding, and comprehensive mental health and wellness support,” said DARDLEA.
According to the Department, Old Mutual challenged the young people to take absolute control of their financial destinies through Planning, Budgeting and Discipline, while the Department of Social Development & Department of Health addressed issues of Mental Health and Wellness, followed by
the NYDA(National Youth Development Agency) which reminded young people about their Grant Funding opportunities for start-ups, encouraging them to apply on their online ERP platform. The YARD inspired attendees to dig deep and start their own farming enterprises.
the NYDA(National Youth Development Agency) which reminded young people about their Grant Funding opportunities for start-ups, encouraging them to apply on their online ERP platform. The YARD inspired attendees to dig deep and start their own farming enterprises.
For most of the youth at the event, they left with a decisive plan, based on the insight gained on the day.
