South Africans living in rural and farming communities often struggle to access structured agricultural training that leads to real skills development. The OTAB Wealth Development Consultants NSF-funded Short Skills Training Programme is designed to change that by offering practical agricultural training in Plant Production and Animal Production (NQF Level 3) for residents of Mbashe Local Municipality.
This six-month programme provides participants with hands-on farming knowledge, daily structured lessons, and a stipend of R100 per day to support participation. If you are a subsistence farmer, emerging farmer, or someone interested in building a future in agriculture, this programme can help you strengthen your skills and improve your productivity.
Importantly, applications close on 08 May 2026, so eligible applicants should prepare documents early.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: OTAB NSF Agricultural Short Skills Training Programme 2026
Funding Partner: National Skills Fund (NSF)
Training Provider: OTAB Wealth Development Consultants
Programme Fields:
- Plant Production (NQF Level 3)
- Animal Production (NQF Level 3)
Programme Duration: 6 months
Location: Mbashe Local Municipality
Stipend: R100 per day
Closing Date: 08 May 2026
Training Type: Short Skills Programme (Not a Learnership)
Number of Beneficiaries:
- Animal Production – 25 beneficiaries
- Plant Production – 25 beneficiaries
Submission Method: Hand delivery to municipal Special Programmes Offices
What This Agricultural Training Programme Offers
This short skills programme focuses on strengthening agricultural knowledge through structured theory and practical training sessions.
Participants will attend:
- daily classes
- practical demonstrations
- agricultural production activities
- skills-transfer sessions
- capacity-building workshops
The programme supports both:
- beginners entering agriculture
- existing farmers improving their productivity
For Animal Production, only practicing wool growers with proof of activity are eligible.
Training Fields Available
Applicants must choose one of the following programmes:
Plant Production (NQF Level 3)
This programme helps participants learn:
- crop production fundamentals
- soil preparation methods
- irrigation basics
- seasonal planning techniques
- pest management principles
- sustainable farming practices
This training is suitable for:
- subsistence farmers
- community gardeners
- emerging farmers
- youth interested in agriculture careers
Animal Production (NQF Level 3)
This programme focuses specifically on wool-producing livestock farmers.
Participants will gain exposure to:
- livestock handling techniques
- wool production management
- disease prevention practices
- feeding systems
- farm productivity planning
Applicants must provide proof that they are currently wool growers.
Programme Duration and Structure
Programme Length: 6 months full-time
Participants must attend:
- daily theory sessions
- daily practical training
Important note:
This programme is a short skills training programme, not a formal learnership qualification programme.
Stipend Provided
Participants will receive: R100 per day
However, applicants must note:
- all programme-related expenses must be covered from the stipend
- no additional allowances are provided
- transport and personal costs are not separately funded
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is designed especially for:
- subsistence farmers
- emerging farmers
- aspiring farmers
- unemployed rural youth
- adults involved in agriculture
- elderly persons involved in farming activities
Applicants must also be:
- physically fit for practical agricultural work
- available full-time for six months
Entry Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- reside within Mbashe Local Municipality
- hold a valid South African ID
- demonstrate interest or experience in agriculture
- be available full-time during the programme
- be physically fit for practical training
Additional requirement for Animal Production applicants:
- must be practicing wool growers
- must submit proof of wool production activity
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- application letter stating preferred programme
- updated CV
- certified copy of South African ID (not older than 3 months)
- proof of residence
- highest qualification certificate
- wool grower proof (Animal Production applicants only)
Important:
All certified documents must not be older than three months.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Where to Submit Applications
Applications must be hand-delivered to Special Programmes Unit Offices in Mbashe Local Municipality.
Submission points include:
Idutywa
Contact Person: Mr Mvunelo
Contact Number: 068 486 8041
Willovale (Gatyana)
Contact Person: Ms Tshemese
Contact Number: 068 257 2825
Elliotdale (Xhora)
Contact Person: Ms Gwebindlala
Contact Number: 068 265 4235
Medical Fitness Requirement
Selected candidates may be required to undergo medical fitness assessments before final enrolment.
This ensures participants can safely complete:
- field training
- livestock activities
- physical agricultural tasks
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Agricultural training programmes funded by NSF are highly competitive and community-focused.
To improve your chances:
- submit certified documents early
- clearly state your preferred programme
- include proof of farming activity if applicable
- ensure your contact number is correct
- deliver your application before the deadline
If you are a young person interested in agriculture but not yet farming, the Plant Production stream is especially suitable as an entry pathway into the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this a learnership programme?
No. This is a short skills training programme funded by the National Skills Fund.
- Will I receive a qualification?
You will receive skills training aligned with NQF Level 3 agricultural competencies.
- Is accommodation provided?
No accommodation allowance is provided.
- Is transport funded separately?
No. Transport must be covered from the stipend.
- Can unemployed youth apply?
Yes. Youth interested in agriculture are encouraged to apply.
- Can elderly farmers apply?
Yes. The programme welcomes elderly farmers involved in agriculture.
- Can I apply if I live outside Mbashe Municipality?
No. Only residents of Mbashe Local Municipality qualify.
- How many positions are available?
50 total positions:
25 Plant Production
25 Animal Production
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
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- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs shares verified opportunity information to support youth access to training and employment pathways. Applicants should confirm submission details with municipal offices before applying. Edupstairs is not responsible for selection decisions made by programme organisers.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY