SASRI’s Sugarcane Certificate courses are currently run at both the junior and senior levels.
The courses are taught by SASRI specialists and comprise a mix of theory and practical sessions covering all aspects of sugarcane husbandry.
Course Modules
Key information is provided on subjects dealing with Soils, Varieties, Pests and Diseases, Husbandry, Environmental Management, Land Use Planning, Harvesting, Weed Control, Mechanisation, Irrigation, Farm Management. In addition to the subjects listed above, there are several ‘special interest’ lectures on topics of relevance to agriculture in general. Attendance at all lectures is compulsory.
Certificates
There are written examinations for each subject and successful students are awarded certificates. Seats on the courses are in high demand, and there is usually a waiting list of candidates. This bears testimony to the high regard the courses enjoy both within South Africa and in neighbouring countries.
Accommodation, Meals and Transport
Students are responsible for making their own arrangements for accommodation, meals and transport. SASRI does not offer accommodation but many students stay at the Shukela Training Centre (STC).
Tel: +27 (31) 508 7700 or email: shukela.training@sasa.org.za.
Foreign students must arrange their own transport from their point of arrival in South Africa to their place of accommodation. Neither SASRI nor the STC provides a shuttle service. SASRI does, however, provide a daily shuttle service between STC residences and the course venue. There are canteen facilities at the course venue where light lunches, snacks and cold drinks are available.
Language
Since the courses are delivered in English and all assessment are carried out in English, students must be able to read and write in English. Tests of approximately two-hour duration are written after completion of each subject.
Junior Certificate Course in Sugarcane Agriculture (JCC)
The three-week JCC is offered twice a year, usually in March and October.
Entry requirements
The general entry requirement is Standard 10 (Grade 12), preferably from an agricultural school with at least two years on-farm experience. A student who has a Standard 8 (Grade 10) and relevant agricultural experience may be considered, depending on the outcome of an assessment and interview process.
Upcoming JCC courses
| Date | Cost | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 28 March – 14 April 2022 |
SA Sugar Industry applicants R 8 510.25 + Vat = R 9 786.79 Non-sugar industry applicants (SA) R 9 786.79 + Vat = R11 254.81 Applicants outside South Africa R11 205.60 (No VAT required) |
Apply Online or Download Application Form |
| 3 – 21 October 2022 |
SA Sugar Industry applicants R 9 361 + Vat = R 10 765.15 Non-sugar industry applicants (SA) R 10 297 + Vat = R 11 841.55 Applicants outside South Africa R 13 025 (No VAT required) |
Apply Online or Download Application Form |
Senior Certificate Course in Sugarcane Agriculture (JCC)
The five-week SCC is offered twice a year, usually in February and June.
Entry requirements
The general entry requirement is an undergraduate degree or diploma, preferably in agriculture or the sciences. A student who has a matric (Grade 12) and has passed the Junior Certificate Course with a Merit Pass (65% and above) will also be entitled to enrol. A student who only has a matric (Grade 12) certificate will be considered, depending on the outcome of an assessment and interview process.
Upcoming SCC Courses
| Date | Cost | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 6 June – 8 July 2022 | SA Sugar Industry applicants R15 592.50 + Vat (15%) = R17 931.38 Non-sugar Industry applicants R17 931.38 + Vat (15%) = R20 621.08 Applicants outside South Africa R21 175.35 (No VAT required) |
Apply Online or Download Application Form |
| 6 Feb – 10 March 2023 | SA Sugar Industry applicants R 16 839 + Vat (15%) = R 19 364.85 Non-sugar Industry applicants R 19 365 + Vat (15%) = R 22 269.75 Applicants outside South Africa R 22 869 (No VAT required) |
Apply Online or Download Application Form |