To get any new industry going, there needs to be investment and skills training. Cheeba Africa has been at the forefront of cannabis education and awareness and has expanded its Eastern Cape footprint in a joint venture with Hlomla Mtuli Services, Training Force and Funda Lula to launch a new cannabis academy at Rasmeni Farm just outside King Williams Town.

Cheeba recently launched its Midrand cannabis academy in response to a growing market need for cannabis cultivation skills and other training elements within the value chain.

Cheeba director and co-founder Linda Siboto told Farmers Weekly (print edition 11 August 2023) that Cheeba was thrilled to collaborate with the other companies in establishing the Eastern Cape Cannabis and Hemp Training Academy.

“Our mission has always been to provide top-quality educstyion and training in the cannabis and hemp sector, and this academy allows us to expand our reach and significantly impact the economic and social development of the Eastern Cape”.

Farmers Weekly reports that the Academy will “initially focus on delivering programmes and learnerships, including CathsSeta-aligned Cannabis and Tourism and merSeta-aligned Community House Building with Hemp”.

The five day skills course includes modules on cultivation and processing that qualify for NQF levels 2 and 4.

Manyano Rasmeni, MD of Hlomla Multi Services, which owns Rasmeni Farm, told Farmer’s Weekly that “with our experience in training learners across the agricultural sector we are confident in the positive impact this academy will have on the region. By providing specialised education and training we aim to empower individuals to drive the growth of the cannabis and hemp industries in the Eastern Cape”.

#