The OTAB Wealth Development Consultants NSF-funded Short Skills Training Programme is open now, and this matters because many people in rural areas still do not get practical agricultural training close to home. If you live in Mbashe and want real farming skills, this is a chance to learn, work, and grow in agriculture before the 08 May 2026 closing date.
What this opportunity is
This is a six-month short skills training programme funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF) and offered by OTAB Wealth Development Consultants.
It is meant for people in Mbashe Local Municipality who want training in agriculture. The programme covers two fields:
- Plant Production (NQF Level 3)
- Animal Production (NQF Level 3)
This is not a learnership. It is a short skills training programme with daily classes and practical work.
Quick overview
- Programme name: OTAB NSF Agricultural Short Skills Training Programme 2026
- Funding partner: National Skills Fund (NSF)
- Training provider: OTAB Wealth Development Consultants
- Fields: Plant Production and Animal Production
- Programme duration: 6 months
- Location: Mbashe Local Municipality
- Stipend: R100 per day
- Closing date: 08 May 2026
- Number of beneficiaries: 25 for Animal Production and 25 for Plant Production
- Submission method: Hand delivery to municipal Special Programmes Offices
Who can apply
This programme is mainly for people who want to build or improve farming skills. Many applicants struggle with access to proper training, so this opportunity is aimed at community members who are already involved in agriculture or want to enter the sector.
You can apply if you are one of the following:
- subsistence farmer
- emerging farmer
- aspiring farmer
- unemployed rural youth
- adult involved in agriculture
- elderly person involved in farming
You must also:
- live in Mbashe Local Municipality
- have a valid South African ID
- be physically fit for practical farm work
- be available full-time for 6 months
- show interest or experience in agriculture
For Animal Production, there is one extra rule: you must already be a practising wool grower and you must show proof of that activity.
What you gain from the programme
This training is practical. You will not just sit in a classroom. You will also do farm work, take part in demonstrations, and learn by doing.
Participants will attend:
- daily theory sessions
- daily practical training
- agricultural production activities
- skills-transfer sessions
- capacity-building workshops
If you choose Plant Production, you can learn:
- crop production basics
- soil preparation methods
- irrigation basics
- seasonal planning
- pest management principles
- sustainable farming practices
This stream is suitable for:
- subsistence farmers
- community gardeners
- emerging farmers
- young people who want to enter agriculture
If you choose Animal Production, the focus is on wool-producing livestock farming. You can gain exposure to:
- livestock handling
- wool production management
- disease prevention
- feeding systems
- farm productivity planning
Stipend and costs
Selected participants will receive a stipend of R100 per day.
Keep in mind that this money must cover all programme-related costs. No extra allowance is provided.
- No separate transport money is paid
- No accommodation allowance is provided
- Personal costs are not funded separately
How to apply
Applications must be hand-delivered to the Special Programmes Unit Offices in Mbashe Local Municipality. Do not wait until the last day. Many applicants miss out because they submit late or forget documents.
Step-by-step application process
- Choose one programme: Plant Production or Animal Production.
- Write an application letter clearly stating your preferred stream.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Make sure certified copies are recent.
- Deliver your application to the correct office before 08 May 2026.
Where to submit
- 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
Official application link: https://seta-sa.co.za/
Documents you must submit
Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- application letter stating the programme you want
- updated CV
- certified copy of South African ID not older than 3 months
- proof of residence
- highest qualification certificate
- proof of wool growing activity, if you apply for Animal Production
All certified documents must be not older than three months.
Medical fitness requirement
Selected candidates may be asked to go for a medical fitness check before final enrolment.
This is to make sure you can safely handle:
- field training
- livestock activities
- physical agricultural tasks
Tips to improve your chances
From experience, agricultural programmes like this are competitive. That means you must be careful with your application and follow instructions exactly.
- submit your documents early
- write the correct programme name in your letter
- include proof of farming activity if needed
- check that your phone number is correct
- do not leave out any document
- deliver the application before the deadline
If you are a young person and you are not yet farming, Plant Production may be the better entry point for you.
Final word
This programme can help you build practical agricultural skills that are useful in real life. It is a good option if you live in Mbashe and want hands-on training in farming.
Read the requirements carefully, prepare your documents, and apply on time. If you qualify, do not wait until the closing date. Hand in your application early and keep a copy of everything for yourself.
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.
