In an effort to expose the youth to opportunities available in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) will embark on a three day career expo for youth from across South Africa in Gariep, in the Free State Province from 28 to 30 June 2016.

The expo will draw youth from eight provinces. The youth range from high school learners, fisheries and aquaculture students and those with a background in agriculture and forestry. In total, 400 young people are expected.

The youth will be joined by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana, on 28 June 2016.

Aquaculture has become an important growth sector and a priority for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and South Africa at large. The sector is portrayed as a key component towards unlocking the South African oceans economy. The oceans economy, as encapsulated under Operation Phakisa, is an effort by government to reignite economic growth by looking at untapped opportunities. The aquaculture sector in South Africa has demonstrated potential for growth over the past 10 years and is growing steadily.

Aquaculture is a scarce skill in South Africa and there is a need to embark on awareness campaigns in order to introduce this discipline to the broader public, which includes school-going youth, tertiary students and the broader population.

Therefore, the Minister would like to invite members of different media houses to the event that will take place as follows:

Date: 28 to 30 June 2016
Time: 9h00
Venue: China-South Africa Agricultural Technology Centre (ATDC), Gariep

Free State

*Media requiring transport is required to indicate in their RSVP.

RSVP:
Innocent Mhlanga
Cell: 082 819 1808

Senate Kganela
Cell: 073 615 2023

Enquiries:
Minister’s Spokesperson
Bomikazi Molapo
078 801 3711

Palesa Mokomele
Director: Communication Services (Fisheries Branch)
Cell: 082 904 1908