Tobacco Industry Invests in Future of SA Agriculture

Source from:  Thu, 04 May 2006 14:58 Moneyweb Holdings Limited, 1997-2006 05/08/2006

The Tobacco Institute of South Africa The In Business Today section is reserved for relevant company announcements and releases. Companies are not entitled to have their announcements published in this section, but from time to time, these may be selected by Moneyweb for publication in the interest of the Moneyweb Community of readers. The copy has not been generated by Moneyweb nor should be attributed to Moneyweb. Nor has the information contained therein been verified by Moneyweb journalists. Three promising black Agriculture students have been selected by The Tobacco Institute of South Africa (TISA) to undergo their practical training in the tobacco industry during 2006. The students are based in the Groblersdal tobacco growing region in Mpumalanga. Funding is provided by the Tobacco Institute while an experienced Agronomist acts as mentor to the students guiding them through all aspects of their practical training. "Giving an opportunity to these students to gain skills and experience, forms part of a broader AgriBEE Business Plan currently being developed by the industry in South Africa", said Chairman of the Institute, Francois van der Merwe. "The ultimate aim of this initiative is to empower these students to build a sustainable career in Agriculture in South Africa." Students who successfully completed their practical training during 2005 have been offered employment in the tobacco industry. "Investing in these students is evidence of the Tobacco Industry's commitment to this country. We will continue to on an annual basis consider promising students for practical training in the tobacco industry as part of our broader AgriBEE plan". "Despite the Health Department's aim to regulate and restrict the legal industry even further, the industry will continue to contribute to building the economy in this country. Tobacco is the ideal crop for government to become involved in. Given the huge contribution made by the industry in this country, government should embrace and allow tobacco to develop rather than restricting and over-regulating the industry" TISA Chairman, Francois van der Merwe concluded. Enditem