Cheeba Academy’s new programme aims to transform rural economies through Cannabis education and sustainable development.
Image: Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy
In a landmark achievement for South Africa’s Cannabis industry, Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy has secured accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for its Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management.
This qualification marks the first of its kind in Africa and positions Cheeba as a leader in the fast-growing Cannabis and hemp sector.
The 120-credit, NQF Level 5 programme offers a comprehensive curriculum covering medical Cannabis, cultivation techniques, sustainable farming, and business operations.
It will be offered in Johannesburg in 2025, catering to students from across Africa and beyond.
The Academy’s expansion to Mthatha, Eastern Cape, in collaboration with the Township Cannabis Incubator (TCI) and Training Force, aims to create opportunities in one of South Africa’s poorest regions.
The Eastern Cape, with an unemployment rate exceeding 40% and over 60% of its population living below the poverty line, has long struggled with economic development. Yet, the region boasts a rich Cannabis heritage, being a key cultivation hub in Africa.
By integrating education with business incubation, the partnership hopes to empower rural and township-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in a sector projected to reach R1 billion in investments over the next five years.
Dr Ncebakazi Galada, CEO of TCI, emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “Cheeba and Training Force’s academic programme complements TCI’s business incubation support, enabling rural and township-based MSMEs to transition from cultivation to producing high-value products for local and global markets.”
For Linda Siboto, Mthatha-born co-founder of Cheeba Africa, this initiative represents a deeply personal milestone.
“It’s an honour to contribute to capacity building in my birthplace,” Sibo shared, highlighting the Academy’s commitment to small-scale growers and indigenous Cannabis heritage.
The Academy’s achievements include educating hemp farmers, training Malawi’s government seed unit, and delivering the Cannabis & Hemp Business Mastery Programme with GIBS Business School.
The Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management builds on this legacy, positioning Cheeba to address poverty and unemployment through education and industry growth. The first cohort of students is expected to begin their studies in early 2025, signifying a new chapter in South Africa’s Cannabis landscape.
IOL
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