Jones already has a trade behind him: before Ngamo he worked in borehole and solar installation, describing himself as a professional solar installer.

He lives with his uncle in Mthanyelwane, in the Tsholotsho Efusini area, in a self employed household that has faced real financial difficulty. That hands on background carried straight into his coursework, Agricultural Engineering is his focus, and practicals are where he says he performs best. A genuine passion for animals and farming, plus the chance to learn entrepreneurship rather than just a trade, is what drew him to the college. He believes farming as a sector creates more job opportunities, and gaining real skills in rearing animals is what keeps him working through the harder stretches of training.

Jones wants to become a commercial cattle farmer and an engineer, using both skill sets to create employment for people currently out of work and teach them new farming methods. He sees himself, years from now, as both an engineer and a livestock farmer.

“I want to be a commercial cattle farmer and an engineer.”

Previously at Nembe Secondary School. Jones is now part of the training programme at Ngamo Vocational College and Livestock Farm.