Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian
Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy, a leading South African cannabis education provider, has unveiled its groundbreaking Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production and Management. This qualification, the first of its kind to be accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), aims to set a new standard for cannabis education.
Trenton Birch, CEO and Co-founder of Cheeba Africa, described the accreditation as a milestone, saying, “It has been a rigorous four-year journey for our Academy to reach this important accreditation, and we are excited to offer this powerful programme to potential cannabis entrepreneurs and workers.”
Birch emphasized the importance of the cannabis industry for South Africa, particularly in creating sustainable livelihoods in underserved communities. “The emerging cannabis and hemp industry holds immense potential to transform South Africa, and we are proud to lead the way in this crucial sector,” he added.
The Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management is a 120-credit, NQF Level 5 qualification. The full-time, in-class programme will be offered at the Academy’s Johannesburg campus, making it accessible to students from across Africa and beyond. The course provides practical training, covering a range of topics such as medical cannabis, cultivation techniques, commercial operations, cannabis business management, sustainable farming, and wellness.
A Strategic Move for South Africa’s Cannabis Industry
As the country navigates the complexities of developing a lucrative and inclusive cannabis industry, Cheeba is positioning the course as a key opportunity to capitalize on the sector’s potential. Despite some uncertainties in the legal framework, Cheeba has been proactive, particularly through its partnership to bring cannabis education to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. This initiative aims to tap into the economic opportunities the region offers, with the provincial government investing R1 billion in the local medical cannabis industry over the next five years.
The Eastern Cape faces high unemployment rates, with over 40% of the population officially unemployed. However, it is also one of the most promising regions for cannabis cultivation, owing to its favorable climate and historical significance. Cheeba’s new Mthatha partnership with the Township Cannabis Incubator (TCI) seeks to empower local communities by fostering job creation and sustainable development through the cannabis industry.
A Vision for Economic Transformation
Cheeba’s partnership with TCI in Mthatha aligns with the National Cannabis Master Plan’s projections for significant economic benefits, including the creation of 130,000 jobs and access to a R30 billion market. Dr. Ncebakazi Galada, CEO of TCI, expressed excitement about equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the skills needed to participate in the global cannabis market.
The programme’s expansion into Mthatha is slated for early 2025, with Cheeba’s Director and co-founder, Linda Siboto—born in Mthatha—expressing pride in contributing to the region’s development. Siboto stated, “It’s an honor to be part of this transformative initiative, which reflects our deep commitment to building an inclusive South African cannabis industry that recognizes the heritage created by indigenous growers.”
With the industry poised for growth, Cheeba’s education initiatives aim to equip South Africans with the skills needed to navigate the evolving cannabis landscape and capitalize on its economic potential.
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