Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
REFERENCES
Timeline
Generic

Thembeka Bridget Vilakazi

Agricultural Intern
Mtubatuba

Summary

As an intern working with a sugarcane field under the supervision of an extension officer at Department of Agriculture, I assisted with various tasks to gain practical experience in field management. My duties included planning and managing projects, conducting field work to oversee crop health and development, and preparing reports on work done. I also gained hands-on experience in soil classification and sampling, which helped me understand the importance of soil quality in sugarcane production. Under the guidance of the extension officer, I worked closely with farmers and stakeholders to identify potential problems and opportunities, and implemented initiatives to benefit the surrounding communities. Through this experience, I developed skills in stakeholder relations, field management, and problem-solving, and learned the value of effective communication and collaboration in achieving project goals. During my tenure at Mnothophansi Ndumo B Agric Cooperative Farm, working closely with the Farm Manager, I had the opportunity to plan for contingencies, which helped farmers stay on track and achieve their goals. I successfully implemented Farm and Stakeholder Plan Projects, leveraging my knowledge in the development sector to make informed decisions. I developed and directed plans for producing hybrid plant varieties with high yields and disease-resistant characteristics. I effectively translated the organization's vision into project objectives, ensuring successful project completion despite tight schedules and challenges.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications

Work History

Farm Manager

Mnothophansi farm
02.2019 - 01.2021
  • Ability to plan and direct large scale diversified farm activities to supervise large groups of people of farm workers in farm activities and to direct skilled and unskilled workers in varied farm operations.
  • Ability to keep records of time, production and cost and to make reports and recommendations for improvement in methods and equipment.
  • Considerable knowledge of plant and plant diseases and insect, pest and of modern methods of their prevention and curve.
  • Records information such as production, farm management practices and operational reports.
  • Analyzes market conditions to determine acreage allocations.
  • Analyze soil to determine type and quantity of fertilizer required for maximum production.
  • Inspects fields to determine maturity date of crops or to estimate potential crop damage from weather.
  • Implementing a plan and control the progress of the plan and solution.
  • Coordination of activities to meet the planning objectives.
  • Evaluate the results of the plan.
  • Strategic in approach understands and addresses inter-dependencies and real issues.
  • Experience managing to deliverables and milestones: on time/within budget/meeting business needs.
  • Effectively engaging stakeholders through the project development, based on the potential impact they have on the project success.
  • Facilitate and coordinate efficient, effective and timely implementation of Agricultural project activities.
  • Strategic Approach, understands inter-dependencies in real issues.
  • Experience in managing deliverables and milestone, based on time/within budget/meeting business or company needs.
  • Overseeing project communications and project promotional activities.
  • Organised and efficient in work processes.

Agricultural Intern

Department of Agriculture UMlalazi Office
03.2015 - 12.2018
  • Assisting with field operations: Helping with tasks such as planting, maintenance, and harvesting of sugarcane.
  • Data collection and record-keeping: Collecting data on crop yields, growth rates, and other relevant factors, and maintaining accurate records.
  • Learning about sugarcane production: Gaining knowledge about sugarcane cultivation, including best practices, pest management, and irrigation techniques.
  • Assisting with experiments or trials: Helping to set up and maintain experiments or trials related to sugarcane production, such as testing new varieties or fertilizers.
  • Supporting extension officer's activities: Assisting the extension officer with tasks such as farm visits, demonstrations, and training sessions.
  • Monitoring crop health: Identifying signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies in the sugarcane crop and reporting to the extension officer.
  • Participating in farm maintenance: Helping with tasks such as equipment maintenance, irrigation system management, and general farm upkeep.

Education

Matric -

MASIBONISANE HIGH SCHOOL
01.2006 - 01.2010

Diploma in Agriculture - Plant Production

Owen Sithole College Of Agriculture
01.2011 - 01.2014

Skills

  • Monitor stakeholder Relations
  • Risk Management and control
  • Personnel management
  • Developing and implementing farm development strategies
  • Strong admin skills
  • Market development
  • Production skills
  • Mediating in matters of conflicts
  • Management of production, marketing and enterprise risks
  • Crop growth development
  • Analytical skills
  • Confidence and commitment
  • Aptitude
  • Flexible and ability to adapt to change
  • General administration duties
  • Challenging inappropriate behaviour

Certification

Agriculture and Rural Development, Unemployed Agricultural Graduates Youth Programme, 12/23/20

REFERENCES


Contacts person  : Mr V. E Mbanjwa

Position  : Co-ordinator of Land Use Planning, Owen Sitole College

Contacts Details : 0837564941

Contacts person : Mr T.A Yimba

Position  : Extension officer, Department of Agriculture

Contacts Details : 082 384 3296

Contacts person : Mr J. Mthembu

Position : Chairperson, Mnothophansi Ndumo B Agric Cooperative Farm

Contacts Details  : 0762373511

Timeline

Driver's License: Class C / Code 10

08-2020

Farm Manager

Mnothophansi farm
02.2019 - 01.2021

Agricultural Intern

Department of Agriculture UMlalazi Office
03.2015 - 12.2018

Diploma in Agriculture - Plant Production

Owen Sithole College Of Agriculture
01.2011 - 01.2014

Matric -

MASIBONISANE HIGH SCHOOL
01.2006 - 01.2010
Thembeka Bridget VilakaziAgricultural Intern