Higher education: New cannabis course launches in South Africa

South African Cannabis education provider, Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy has launched a ground-breaking Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production and Management – the first of its kind to be accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

Trenton Birch, CEO and Co-founder of Cheeba Africa said that “it has been a rigorous four-year journey for our Academy to reach this important accreditation milestone and we’re excited to set this benchmark in Cannabis education by offering this powerful programme to potential Cannabis entrepreneurs and workers.”

“It is a proud moment for our industry, and for South Africa, as we lead the way in one of the most important sectors of our time.

“The emerging Cannabis and Hemp industry has so much potential to create sustainable and dignified livelihoods in South Africa, especially in some of our most underserved communities,” added Birch.

Cheeba Academy’s Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management programme is a 120 credit, NQF Level 5 qualification.

It will be offered at the Academy’s flagship campus in Johannesburg “making it easily accessible to students from other African countries and the world,” said Cheeba.

The programme is a full-time, in-class experience that includes practical training “designed to be one of the most unique Cannabis learning opportunities in the world… that equips students for a variety of roles across the entire Cannabis sector value chain,” added the company.

It covers topics such as medical Cannabis, cultivation techniques, commercial operations, Cannabis business, sustainable farming, futurism, and wellness.

Why now?

Cheeba said that as the country grapples with the complexities of developing a lucrative and inclusive Cannabis industry, the course would be able to provide opportunities in a clouded but potentially game-changing sector.

Cheeba said that despite some uncertainty, it has rolled up its sleeves to capitalise on what’s allowed under the current law.

Cheeba Africa recently announced a partnership to bring its offering to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.

“The economically-stressed province is hoping to see benefits from provincial government efforts to roll out an investment in the local medical Cannabis industry that is expected to reach R1 billion over the next five years,” said Cheeba.

Cheeba Cannabis and Hemp Academy said that the new partnership formed with the Township Cannabis Incubator (TCI) in Mthatha “is a partnership that recognises the significant potential of Cannabis related job creation and sustainable development in one of South Africa’s most rural and underserved provinces.”

Official unemployment rates in the Eastern Cape are above 40%, and the expanded unemployment rates are close to 50%. With 60% of the population living below the poverty level, it is recognised as one of the country’s poorest regions.

Back in 2021, the National Cannabis Master Plan projected significant economic benefits and job creation from commercialising cannabis, including 130,000 jobs and access to a R30 billion market.

Over recent years South Africa has seen significant legislative changes regarding cannabis, allowing private, small-scale recreational use for adults.

Despite this, commercial use is still limited to strictly regulated medicinal and industrial applications.

The Eastern Cape is one of the most significant regions for Cannabis cultivation on the African continent, based on its history, climate and potential.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has long been an avid supporter of cannabis production as a stimulant for industrial and economic growth in the province.

Mabuyane recently said that “we are concerned by the slow progress of the country’s policymakers in expediting the full implementation… of an enabling cannabis regulation framework that encompasses the commercial exploitation of whole plant, all purposes legislation.” 

Cheeba’s new Mthatha initiative, in collaboration with the Township Cannabis Incubator (TCI) and Training Force, aims to boost rural and township-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the cannabis industry.

TCI CEO Dr. Ncebakazi Galada expresses excitement about partnering to offer Cheeba’s Cannabis and Hemp Academy, saying that the initiative will equip MSMEs with skills in cannabis cultivation and manufacturing for global markets.

The academy’s expansion into Mthatha is set for early 2025.

Cheeba Director and co-founder Linda Siboto, born in Mthatha, said that “it’s an honour to be part of this transformative initiative which recognises the role of education in developing a world-class Cannabis industry from a space in my own birthplace.”

“Contributing to the capacity building in the Eastern Cape through education is a dream come true for me [and] it reflects Cheeba Africa’s deep commitment to building a South African Cannabis industry that is inclusive of small-scale rural growers and recognises the heritage created by indigenous growers,” he added.

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