CenGen hosted a SACTA (South African Cultivar and Technology Agency)-funded geneWorkshop with exceptional grade 12 Agricultural Sciences learners from Sinenjongo Secondary School located in Milnerton. We were first introduced to the school by their Agricultural Sciences teacher, Mr Wilson Bope, who attended a geneTeachers Workshop in 2023. Because of his admirable work and the success of his learners who take the subject, his school was nominated by Mr Matthew Schroeder (SES: Marine and Agricultural Sciences) to participate in a practical geneWorkshop hosted at the CenGen|DIPLOMICS training laboratory. SACTA generously funded the workshop as well as the transport to and from Worcester.
A total of 44 learners were hosted on 24 and 25 March 2026. The workshop comprised a theory component (genetic inheritance and genetically modified organisms) and a practical component (DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, microscopy and bioinformatics). Dr Vicki Tolmay (entomologist, ARC-SG) presented on the (often hidden) importance of insects in agriculture and our daily lives – this was a highlight for many of the participants. We were also joined by Mr L. Sotondoshe (novel Life Sciences teacher) and Mr N. Manhaka (Subject head for Agricultural Sciences) from the school, who were very impressed by the workshop. They were inspired by the workshop and were motivated to implement and expand on the content covered here.
The participants were truly grateful for the opportunity they had received. They asked many intriguing questions about the industry, answered questions addressed to them with confidence and eagerly participated in all interactive sessions and demonstrations.
Below are some learner insights and images of the workshop.
