Blue Chip Issue 81

Metropolitan works towards creating agricultural stability with pilot
launch of the Collective Shapers initiative
Polokwane
South Africa is entering an interesting time in its rich historical roadmap and while we
face harsh difficulties, there is hope where innovation and creative solutions lie. The
Metropolitan Collective Shapers, an initiative aimed at accelerating young people’s
passion and skills to the next level, was launched in Polokwane as part of the first leg
of the programme rollout. The aim of the programme is to uplift communities and hone
in on developing existing skills and passions within the agriculture industry and spread
knowledge among the youth.
Many households in Polokwane – 41 867 to be exact – are already involved in agriculture
and this presents an opportunity to build on this skill. Instead of swooping in and changing
the landscape, so to speak, Metropolitan is using this as an opportunity for fun and
interactive ways of sharing knowledge within the community and taking the people’s
lead, formulating solutions from within so that it is sustainable and suitable for the local
environment to flourish.
Through the Collective Shapers initiative, Metropolitan aims to uplift the youth through
knowledge, skills, and enabling a sustainable future for them to reach their goals. Tapping
into already established local practices and introducing a training programme, the
hope is to instil generational knowledge as well as introducing new ways of agricultural
development, farming, and running an agricultural business. By garnering the already
present passion that people in the area have for agriculture, Polokwane is a prime area to
begin this exciting journey.
The initiative in Polokwane, in conjunction with Agri Enterprises, includes post-course
support for when attendees leave the classroom and begin working. The programme runs
over nine weeks and involves nine modules that will enable young people in Polokwane
to better navigate the agricultural industry and boost both farming and the employment
market. The course includes nine modules on the Introduction to Agri-business and a more
in-depth six-module look at vegetable and avocado production, which is a specialisation
for the area specifically. There is sustainability knowledge being introduced in the form of
permaculture and upcycling resources.
Metropolitan wishes to see these communities flourish and hopes to impact job creation,
and better the lives of people in the area through farming and knowledge that can be
passed down generation to generation. The people of Polokwane are already doing so
much in feeding the nation so our wish for them is to see them become farming leaders. In
this way, Metropolitan has said “together we can” in a much bigger way than ever before.
Youth living in the Capricorn District between the ages of 18 to 34 that are already involved
in agricultural businesses are encouraged to apply at www.metropolitan.co.za.
We believe that together we can build a better future. As a brand that is passionate about
community and youth development. While Metropolitan can influence the person, the
person influences the broader community. Our sponsorship of this initiative will hopefully
enable sustainable development and employment for generations to come.
You can support the initiative by sharing the message far and wide because together we can.
For more information check out www.metropolitan.co.za
or follow the official social media pages:
MetropolitanZA @MetropolitanZA metropolitan_za
Together we can
#
#CollectiveShapers
Metropolitan is part of Momentum Metropolitan Life Limited, a licensed life insurer and
authorised fi nancial services (FSP44673) and registered credit provider (NCRCP173).