In a world where change is the only constant, the African Advanced Academy stands as a beacon of innovation and progress. Our commitment to quality learning and empowering the agricultural community knows no bounds. As we embark on this journey together, let's explore the exciting developments taking place at the Academy and the opportunities they offer.

The African Advanced Academy is at the forefront of the e-learning revolution. We understand that education should be accessible to all, regardless of geographic location. Our state-of-the-art e-learning platform has been carefully crafted to deliver high-quality education right to your doorstep. Whether you're in the bustling city of Johannesburg or a remote village in Botswana, our courses are just a click away.

One of the keys to our success is our global perspective. We've forged strong partnerships with international institutions to bring you the best of both worlds. Our courses are designed to meet international standards while remaining rooted in the local context. This unique blend ensures that our graduates are not only well-equipped for global opportunities but also capable of driving positive change in their own communities.

Our vision goes beyond education; it's about empowerment. We believe that knowledge is a tool for change. That's why we offer courses that not only cover the essentials of agriculture but also equip you with vital business and entrepreneurial skills. Whether you dream of managing your own farm or contributing to food security in Africa, we're here to help you realize your goals.

At the African Advanced Academy, we're building more than just an educational institution; we're creating a community of like-minded individuals. Our students and alumni are part of a network that fosters collaboration and mutual growth. Together, we're working towards a future where agriculture plays a pivotal role in shaping the continent's prosperity.

The year 2023 marks a significant turning point in agricultural education in South Africa. With the African Advanced Academy, you have a partner who believes in your potential. As we look ahead, we invite you to be a part of this exciting chapter. Explore our website, discover our courses, and take that first step toward a brighter future in agriculture.

In the coming months, we'll delve deeper into various aspects of our institution, the success stories of our students, and the evolving landscape of agriculture. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration from the African Advanced Academy.

Together, let's unlock new horizons in agricultural education.

In the ever-evolving realm of animal care, change has a profound way of shaping the landscape for the better. The winds of transformation blew strong in December 2022 as a new set of rules emerged, ushering in a groundbreaking era for Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) in South Africa.

These rule changes have not only unlocked doors but have also paved the path for AHTs to take their careers to unprecedented heights. Until December 2022, the realm of operating their own Primary Animal Health Care (PAHC) facility independently was a realm beyond reach for qualified AHTs. This changed dramatically as the new rules came into play, allowing AHTs to finally register their very own PAHC facilities and operate them as self-sustaining entities. This pivotal shift has breathed new life into the members of the AHT profession, offering them the autonomy to drive their careers and income like never before.

However, this newfound freedom comes with its guidelines. AHTs keen on embarking on this remarkable journey must apply for facility registration through the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). The journey starts with completing the requisite application form, conveniently available on the SAVC website. Even for AHTs focusing on delivering mobile services, the importance of registering their base facility according to the act remains paramount.

The impact of these changes extends far beyond individual aspirations. Envisioning a future where AHTs contribute significantly to rural and emerging farming communities is no longer a distant dream. AHTs are poised to play a pivotal role in providing preventive healthcare and animal production services to these communities. This, in turn, has the potential to catalyze a shift in these communities, possibly nurturing the growth of commercial farming and, in effect, making substantial contributions to the nation's economy.

It's imperative, however, to remind all AHTs of the boundaries they operate within. AHTs are not veterinarians, and the principles of operating within the established scope of practice, as per the Veterinary and para-veterinary act, must be upheld at all times.

While AHTs are embracing new opportunities, a strong foundation of ethics and professionalism should always guide their actions. As we stand on the precipice of this transformation journey, let's celebrate the courage of AHTs who are stepping into this exciting chapter. The rule changes are not just ink on paper; they are the catalysts of empowerment, innovation, and progress. With every registered PAHC facility, with every rural community served, and with every step taken within the legal bounds, AHTs are rewriting the narrative of animal care and welfare. Here's to a future where empowered AHTs redefine the landscape of animal health care, one milestone at a time.

The two weeks leading up to this Farmer’s Day were very sad weeks for farmers of the Waterberg area and especially the Springbok Flats,” Herman van Niekerk, Managing Director of the Academy, told farmers on 17 August 2023: “Not only was the Zebediela Citrus Estate, formerly the largest citrus producer in the world with sought-after export products, finally liquidated, but one of the farmers' preferred and world-renowned academic institutions, UNISA, was placed under administration.”

Van Niekerk jokingly expressed the view that there were better magicians in South Africa than Houdini or David Copperfield because they made SAA and all its aircraft disappear, and Zebediela with its thousands of orange trees, and Denel, the Post Office, and Mango Airline with all its assets. The Land Bank, Sanral, and Escom have been placed in the ICU by these magicians.

He thanked the farmers who, under very difficult circumstances, stick to their mission to provide food for the nation and to contribute to food security in general.

Some leading academics were much concerned with the state of many of South Africa’s learning institutions. Those that were not in total disrepair were exposed to student unrest and strikes and violence during the day, and parties all night long, funded by student bursaries. That is why some of these dedicated but concerned scientists decided to team up in 2021 and to establish the African Advanced Academy with a vision to provide quality learning at an affordable price to learners in an environment conducive to learning - the world of e-learning.

Van Niekerk assured the farmers that the Academy’s training is of just as high a standard as that of any other local institution, if not better, because of its international relationships.

He again thanked the farmers for their hard work and dedication and invited them to take hands with the Academy, to visit its website and to enroll for the courses provided there.

Van Niekerk expressed the wish that 2023 would become known as the year of the rebirth of quality agricultural learning and training in South Africa.

After a two-year period of intense planning, course development, and development of its innovative new elearning portal, African Advanced Academy officially opened its virtual campus during February 2023 by enrolling its first 8 students in the course "Build your own PAHC Business."

What sets the Academy apart from other learning institutions is that all training is provided on the e-learning platform, and although the Academy is located in South Africa, learners from across Africa and beyond can enroll and benefit from the learning. Furthermore, the learning is constructed in such a way that the learner only requires airtime to download course material to his desktop, laptop, tablet, or cell phone, or when being assessed. For the rest, he is working offline at his own pace without the pressure of formal semesters.

As the Academy is in effect virtual, there is no requirement for a physical, expensive campus and other costly infrastructure, with the result that the Academy can present courses at a much-reduced and affordable rate to its learners. The learners also save on transport and accommodation costs.

Where required, such as for certain courses in South Africa, the Academy or its partners offer fully accredited learning material according to SAQA Unit Standards for different levels. For other courses, international best practice and guidelines are followed, to ensure learning of the highest standard.

Although the Academy is committed to provide quality learning in the general fields of agriculture as part of its Vision to contribute to food security in Africa now and in the future, it also introduced the concept to equip each student with basic business and entrepreneurial skills to enhance their careers.

Apart from agricultural and business-related training, the Academy also presents wildlife, environmental, and basic skills development training.

In the dynamic landscape of animal health care, one individual's journey stands out as a beacon of innovation and determination. We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of Neeve Andrews, the pioneering Animal Health Technician (AHT) who has made history by becoming the first to register her primary animal health care facility with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

The 9th of December 2022 marked a significant turning point for animal health care in South Africa as new rules empowered AHTs to establish and operate their own primary animal health care facilities. Amid this transformative environment, Neeve Andrews emerged as a trailblazer, driven by her passion for animals and her unwavering commitment to raising the standards of care.

Neeve's journey began at UNISA, where she earned her diploma in Animal Health. Her dedication led her to serve at a private veterinary facility until June 2023, gaining invaluable experience and insights into the world of animal health care.

However, with the advent of the new regulations, Neeve saw an opportunity to translate her expertise into an entrepreneurial venture. Taking a bold step forward, Neeve embarked on the path of entrepreneurship by submitting her application to the SAVC. It was a decision that would not only shape her destiny but also pave the way for others to follow suit. On the 26th of May 2023, Neeve received her provisional registration for Nevil’s Animal Care, marking the official beginning of her independent practice.

But Neeve's aspirations didn't stop there. In her pursuit of excellence, she recognized the need to enhance her business acumen and preventive healthcare knowledge. In 2023, Neeve enrolled in the esteemed African Advanced Academy's course on "Building Your Own Business in Primary Animal Health Care." This strategic move showcased Neeve's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing the best possible care for her patients.

The African Advanced Academy is immensely proud to be associated with Neeve Andrews and other visionary AHTs who are embracing this new era of possibilities. As these professionals venture into uncharted territory, they carry with them the hopes of an entire industry that is evolving for the better.