When it comes to developing skills in the workplace, MASDT does not shirk its responsibility and assists 20 companies. This involves developing an organisational training and development plan, and to conduct analysis to determine outcomes of learning skills development. Companies are also guided to conduct skills development administration and offer advice on the establishment and implementation of a quality management system for skills development practices. Coordinating skills development interventions and providing information and advice on skills development and related issues, as well as promoting a culture of learning, form part of this service.

MASDT’s Skills Development Facilitation is in line with national government’s imperatives on poverty alleviation, job creation and food security. The incubators recognise the specific and unique development requirements in agriculture and target specific interventions in the rural areas. The virtual model operates in Mpumalanga in Nkomazi, Hazyview, Bushbuckridge, Groblersdal/Steelpoort, Badplaas, Buffelspruit and Schagen. It is also operational in KwaZulu-Natal. MASDT has so far assisted nine of their 136 farming ventures to access grants of over R5.5, with production loans totalling R480,000.