Cheeba and Training Force collaborate on hemp training opportunities 

Cheeba Cannabis Training and Training Force have established a partnership to create employment opportunities in South Africa.

Cheeba Cannabis Training, a leading Cannabis and hemp educator in Africa, has partnered with Training Force, a top training provider focused on delivering job-specific skills assessments and training, to expand hemp training opportunities across the continent. This collaboration will provide learners with access to over 45 Training Force sites throughout the country and the seven official Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Training Centres. The goal is to advance the industry by offering high-quality training programmes that educate individuals on the uses, practicalities, benefits and regulations surrounding hemp and cannabis while creating employment opportunities.

The partnership was celebrated with an event held at the Cheeba Cannabis Training Centre in Midrand on 10 May, where guest speakers discussed the pressing need for regulatory reform and the establishment of a commercial framework for the cannabis industry. 

Among the distinguished speakers was Mayanda Bam, who is a renowned consultant from BCubed Consulting Friends of Hemp and an ardent activist for cannabis reform. With his expertise and passion, Bam delivered an inspiring talk emphasising the significance of creating a robust regulatory system that ensures the responsible and safe cultivation, distribution and consumption of cannabis. 

The event served as a catalyst for fostering dialogue and collaboration among industry professionals, policymakers and advocates, paving the way for a progressive future in the cannabis sector. 

Unlocking job opportunities

Daniel Orelowitz, managing director of Training Force, added: “This partnership represents a significant step forward for the hemp industry in Africa. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this exciting and rapidly growing industry which will play a significant role in job creation.”

Hemp is a versatile crop with numerous applications, including food, fuel and fibre. It contains cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound with a range of health benefits. Despite the prospects, the industry is still in its early stages, particularly in Africa, where knowledge and training opportunities are limited.

The industry is a burgeoning one. According to Polaris Market Research, the global industrial hemp market size was valued at $4.26 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.9% by 2030. Africa, with approximately 200 million hectares of uncultivated land, is poised to become a leading player in hemp cultivation and processing.

Increased access to hemp education

“The collaboration with Training Force will allow us to broaden our reach and provide access to hemp education for individuals across the continent to support job creation and SMME development. We look forward to leveraging Training Force’s vast network of training sites and infrastructure to achieve this,” said Linda Siboto, co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Training.

The initial programmes will deliver SETA-aligned NQF Level 2 and 4 programs covering: How to Start a Hemp Business; Hemp Cultivation and Processing; and Africa’s first accredited Hempcrete Building course in partnership with Afrimathemp, accredited by the SA Council for Architectural Profession and the Engineering Council of SA, with more programmes to follow.

Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Training Centres

• Ignited Unlimited – Paarl (Western Cape)
• DankiPa Eco-Estate – Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape)
• Vital Veggie – Midrand (Gauteng)
• Vital Veggie – De Aar (Northern Cape)
• Nongos Joint – Zeerust (Northwest)
• Eastern Cape Cannabis & Hemp Training Centre – Powered by Cheeba Cannabis Training / Hlomla Multi Services – King Williams Town (Eastern Cape)
• Invegrow / Genscore Africa – Malawi

If you would like to enquire about the Cheeba Cannabis Hemp training delivered in partnership with Training Force, click here to fill in a Google form. You can also visit the Cheeba Cannabis Training website for more information.