From Future Farmers to Global Agricultural Leadership 🌱
In 2018, Minenhle Mkhize’s journey with Future Farmers began with a local placement — an opportunity to gain practical experience, learn from others and discover where her passion for agriculture could take her.
Her placement gave Minenhle more than hands-on agricultural experience. Through working on a farm, taking on responsibility and receiving mentorship, she developed skills in teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience and problem-solving .
The experience helped her gain clarity about her future and inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in agrometeorology , researching the effects of climate change on agricultural systems.
Her journey then took her far beyond South Africa. Minenhle secured an opportunity to work in high-tech greenhouses in the USA , where she was exposed to advanced agricultural technology, precision farming and innovative approaches to sustainability.
Today, Minenhle is a hydrogeologist , working with one of the world's most critical resources: water . Her career focuses on sustainable water management and building resilience in the face of climate change — challenges that directly affect agriculture, food security and communities around the world.
Looking back, Minenhle says the practical experience and mentorship she received through Future Farmers were instrumental in building her confidence and resilience. Her placement taught her to lead, adapt, communicate and find solutions even when resources were limited.
Her message to today's Future Farmers is simple:
“Fully embrace every opportunity the program offers.”
Minenhle's story shows what can happen when a young person with passion and potential is given the opportunity, practical experience and support to take that first step.
Your support can help us give another young person that opportunity.
By supporting our Future Farmers Fun Run, Walk & Dog Walk , you are helping raise funds for local apprenticeship programmes — creating opportunities for young people passionate about agriculture to gain practical skills, workplace experience and the confidence to build their own futures.
One opportunity can change a life.
One apprenticeship can change a future.
🌱
Walk. Run. Wag. Change a future.
Highlights
See all activity1About Future Farmers
Unlocking Potential. Cultivating Success. Growing Futures.
Future Farmers Foundation was established to create opportunities for young South Africans who are passionate about agriculture but may not have a clear pathway into the industry.
We believe that potential needs opportunity . Through practical, hands-on learning, mentorship and workplace experience, we help young people develop the technical and life skills they need to build meaningful careers in agriculture.
Our apprenticeship programme places young people on quality commercial farms, where they learn by doing, gain valuable experience and develop an understanding of what it takes to succeed in the agricultural sector. Alongside practical training, we provide mentorship and soft-skills development to support their personal and professional growth.
For apprentices who excel, Future Farmers has also created opportunities for international agricultural experience, exposing them to different farming systems, technologies and approaches that can broaden their skills and perspectives.
Our work is rooted in a simple belief: when you give a young person the opportunity to learn, work and prove what they can do, you can change the direction of a life.
By developing skilled, confident young people, we are not only creating individual opportunities — we are contributing to the future skills base of South African agriculture, addressing youth unemployment and helping build a stronger agricultural sector.
We unlock potential, cultivate success and help young people grow their futures through agriculture. 🌱
We have an amazing organization. Check us out!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes - all contributions will receive a tax receipt
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When is the main event?
Our physical Run, Walk & Wag event will take place on 13 March 2027 at Karkloof Country Club , with a 5 km route .
Can't make it to Karkloof? No problem! You can still join the campaign from wherever you are in the world by completing your own Run, Walk or Wag and sharing your participation with your supporters.
Do I have to complete 5 km?
If you're joining us at Karkloof Country Club on 13 March , the physical event is a 5 km Run, Walk or Wag.
For those participating remotely, there is no requirement to complete exactly 5 km. Choose a distance and activity that is appropriate for you and enjoy the challenge!
Can I participate from outside South Africa?
Absolutely! The campaign is designed to allow people anywhere in the world to take part.
You can complete your own Run, Walk or Wag wherever you are, take a photo or video, share your participation and ask your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.
What does “Wag” mean?
Wag is our dog-friendly option! 🐾 Bring your four-legged friend along for the 5 km physical event at Karkloof, or take your dog for your own Run, Walk or Wag wherever you are.
What happens on the day?
On 13 March 2027 , we'll be gathering at Karkloof Country Club for our physical 5 km Run, Walk & Wag. It's about getting together, having fun, getting active and — most importantly — raising funds to create opportunities for young people through our apprenticeship programmes.
If you can't be there in person, you can join us virtually from wherever you are.
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