THE Eastern Cape Cannabis and Hemp Training Academy, a ground-breaking collaboration between Cheeba Cannabis Training, Hlomla Multi Services, Training Force, and Funda Lula, was officially launched in July 2023. The academy will initially focus on delivering various skills programs and learnerships, including Cathsseta-aligned Cannabis & Tourism and merSeta-aligned Community House Building with Hemp. This diverse range of offerings reflects the academy’s commitment to providing valuable training opportunities that cater to different interests and sectors within the cannabis and hemp industries.
This pioneering training centre aims to provide comprehensive education and training on the cultivation, processing, and distribution of cannabis and hemp products. With a particular focus on unlocking economic and social opportunities in the Eastern Cape region, the Eastern Cape Cannabis and Hemp Training Academy is set to play a significant role in the development of these industries.
Cheeba Cannabis Training brings over four years of experience and expertise to this collaboration. Having successfully delivered multiple training and educational programs from their flagship campus in Rivonia, Johannesburg, Cheeba Cannabis Training is expanding its reach by establishing six official Cannabis and Hemp training centres across the country.
Hlomla Multi Services, renowned for its experience in training learners across the Agricultural sector, owns Rasmeni Farm, the chosen location for the Eastern Cape Cannabis and Hemp Training Academy. Hlomla Multi Services’ Manyano Rasmeni says, “With our experience in training learners across the Agricultural sector, we are confident in the positive impact this academy will have on the region. By providing specialised education and training, we aim to empower individuals and drive the growth of the cannabis and hemp industries in the Eastern Cape.”
Co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Training, Linda Siboto, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Hlomla Multi Services, Training Force, and Funda Lula in establishing the Eastern Cape Cannabis and Hemp Training Academy. Our mission has always been to provide top-quality education and training in the cannabis and hemp sector, and this academy allows us to expand our reach and significantly impact the economic and social development of the Eastern Cape region.”
Training Force, a reputable skills development provider with a 20-year track record, brings invaluable knowledge and expertise to the partnership. With a national footprint and a proven record of upskilling more than 55,000 workers and assisting over 3,000 companies, Training Force is poised to contribute significantly to the success of the initiative.
Managing director of Training Force, Daniel Orelowitz, said, “At Training Force, we believe in the power of skills development to drive economic growth and empower individuals and communities. The Eastern Cape Cannabis and Hemp Training Academy perfectly aligns with our vision, and we are thrilled to contribute our expertise to this groundbreaking initiative. By providing comprehensive training programs, we can equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the cannabis and hemp industries.”
Funda Lula, the lead project developer, has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. Its dedication and commitment to the development of the cannabis industry have played a crucial role in establishing the academy.