About Us
Cultivating Growth and Empowering Communities: TARDI's Commitment to Rural Prosperity in the Eastern Cape
Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (“TARDI”), previsuosly Tsolo College of Agriculture, is situated in Mhlontlo Local Municipality, a rural municipality with a population of about a 194 000 people, that falls under one of the larger districts in the Eastern Cape. The OR Tambo District Municipality has an area size of 12 096 km2 and is a Category C municipality located in the east of the coastline in Eastern Cape Province. It is bordered by the Alfred Nzo District Municipality to the north, the Joe Gqabi District Municipality to the north-west, the Amathole District Municipality to the south-west, and the Chris Hani District Municipality to the west.
The municipality is formed by five local municipalities: King Sabata Dalindyebo, Nyandeni, Mhlontlo, Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill. It covers about 80% of what used to be marginalised homeland in the Transkei, contributing 21% of the 7 010 00 overall population of Eastern Cape.
The district holds about 60% of the livestock population of the Eastern Cape, making ideal to have an Animal Health institution like Tsolo Agriculture & Rural Development Institute (TARDI).
Message from the principal
Dear Parents, Students, and Future Trailblazers,
I extend a warm welcome to you from the heart of Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI). As the driving force behind our commitment to academic brilliance and community empowerment, I’m thrilled to personally invite you to explore the dynamic world of TARDI through our engaging online portal.
#TeamTARDI expresses gratitude for your valuable time spent navigating our virtual campus. In this digital space, we aim to furnish you with invaluable insights into our academic prowess and groundbreaking community initiatives.
Immerse yourself in the TARDI experience, where our dedicated staff goes above and beyond to deliver top-tier education through hands-on practices. Witness the zeal, passion, and relentless dedication our team invests in crafting a practical educational environment, ensuring a staggering 70% hands-on exposure for our students.
Under my leadership, we champion a culture of academic excellence, promoting not only intellectual growth but also celebrating the cultural and sporting triumphs of our vibrant student body and staff.
TARDI, an educational cornerstone under the Eastern Cape government’s Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), proudly offers a Diploma in Animal Health, with exciting plans for expanding our academic horizons. Our diverse array of shorter programs, ranging from agriculture management to baking and confectionery, reflects our commitment to holistic education.
Beyond the classroom, TARDI extends its impact through extension services, covering animal health, agricultural production, and small-scale agricultural activities. Our students actively participate in internships, learning firsthand from our Nguni and dairy cattle farming, poultry, sheep farming, horticulture, hydroponics, aquaculture, and agro-processing initiatives.
As part of our holistic approach, students are encouraged to not only excel academically but also immerse themselves in a myriad of extracurricular activities, including Netball, Soccer, Rugby, Volleyball, Drama, and Choral music.
Embark on a journey of discovery as you navigate our website. Should you wish to connect with us, all contact details are conveniently available on our ‘About Us’ page.
Unleash your potential in agricultural education at TARDI, where every experience is a step towards a brighter future.
Best Regards,
Nandipha T. Ndudane Principal, Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI)
Name:
Dr. Nandipha T. Ndudane
Position:
Principal
