South Africa’s emerging cannabis industry holds significant promise for much-needed economic development. Key to unlocking the job creation potential is quality education and training that can turn out a knowledgeable and effective workforce. As cannabis legislation changes across the world, South Africa will face fierce competition from other countries, and it is our people that will give us the edge.
Trenton Birch, CEO and co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Academy says, “Cannabis education and training will also play another vital role – and that is to ensure that our cannabis industry will be one that is equitable and accessible, most especially for South Africans in communities where economic and social development is most needed. From all aspects of cultivation through the supply chain to product development and the consumer, there’s a wide range of employment opportunities that will be opened up as our cannabis industry develops more and more. Accessing knowledge and gaining expertise, will be critical in empowering South Africans to forge career paths and start businesses that can lift, not just individuals, but families and even communities out of poverty.”
Cheeba Cannabis Academy, South Africa’s first cannabis education platform, is opening their cannabis education campus near Johannesburg in March, following the successful launch of their online academy in 2020. The ground-breaking institution offers an array of education programmes from personal to commercial growing and entrepreneurship, as well as accredited medical cannabis courses for health professionals. While its online courses are available anytime, anywhere, Cheeba is starting out in 2021 with the launch of three foundational cultivation courses that include on-campus, on-site and on-screen components. Leveraging long-standing relationships in the cannabis community, Cheeba Cannabis Academy has lined up leading industry experts as course instructors, and participants are encouraged to network and build their own relationships to support their development as employees and employers in the industry.
This includes a partnership with Tamatie “Growing Master Growers”. Tamatie is spearheaded by industry stalwart Natie Ferreria, who has over 30 years of experience in the agricultural and cannabis sector. Their full-time course at the campus is endorsed by the University of Limpopo and Edupark and graduates will receive a certificate of completion from the University.
Enrolment is now open for the following Cheeba Cannabis Academy grow courses:
Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Course
This three-day immersive education programme will take place at the Cheeba Campus near Johannesburg and in Paarl, just outside of Cape Town on five occasions in each location during 2021. Aimed at farmers and growers with business aspirations, as well as entrepreneurs and investors who want a foundational understanding of both indoor and outdoor commercial-scale cannabis growing and the supply chain.
Cannabis Grow 101 (Enrolments from 1 February 2021)
Cheeba Cannabis Academy’s Grow 101 Course, which is also offered as a more intensive bundled course, is an online education programme which provides a comprehensive overview of both indoor and outdoor cannabis growing. It is an ideal course for those who want to start growing and those who want to improve their growing; but is also specifically targeted at those who want to develop cannabis growing skills with an eye to gaining employment in the burgeoning industry. Grow 101 courses will be available from 1 February 2021. The bundled Grow 101 course includes Zoom classes with industry experts.
Whether you’re a new home-grower, an experienced outdoor grower or an aspiring commercial grower, this one-day intensive course, held in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, demystifies the indoor growing environment, equipment and methodologies. Participants will get an overview of the industry before taking a deep dive into the ‘seed to harvest’ process of indoor cannabis cultivation. Courses will be held from February through to October in Johannesburg, and from March to September in Cape Town.
Birch says, “We’re excited to kick-start 2021 with the addition of these fantastic courses which will bring expert instructors with vast growing experience together with future entrepreneurs, community-based leaders and industry workers. It all starts with education, and Cheeba Academy has a compelling vision of an inclusive and expert South African, and African cannabis ecosystem that supports robust sustainable development and delivers on the expansive promise of cannabis as a driver of economics, health and wellness.”
