A Day in the Life: Postsecondary Agricultural Sciences Teacher in South Africa
So, what does a typical day actually look like for an Agricultural Sciences lecturer in South Africa?
It’s a bit of a balancing act, really. My day usually kicks off around 07:30. If I’m lucky, I’m in my office at the university or college, catching up on emails and fine-tuning a lecture programme before the first period. By 09:00, I’m usually in the lecture hall. I might be teaching a module on Soil Science or Agribusiness Management to a group of second-year students.
But it’s not all talk and whiteboards. By midday, you’ll likely find me out at the experimental farm or in the laboratory. We might be checking the progress of a hydroponics trial or supervising students as they take soil samples. In South Africa, our teaching has to be incredibly practical because our students need to be ready for the realities of local farming conditions. I usually wrap up the "official" day by 16:30, but there’s always marking or research papers to review in the evening.
That sounds quite varied! What is the work environment like?
It’s a unique mix. One hour I’m in a high-tech lab or a modern, air-conditioned lecture theatre, and the next I’m walking through a muddy maize field or standing in a kraal. You have to be comfortable with both academic rigour and getting your hands dirty. Most of us work at major institutions like the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch, or perhaps a TVET college in a more rural area. It’s a professional environment, but there’s a definite "earthy" feel to it because everyone involved is passionate about the land.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this role?
To be honest, the administrative load can be quite heavy. Between grading assessments and keeping up with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) requirements, the paperwork never seems to end. Then there’s the broader context—funding for research can be tight, and we have to be very creative with how we organise our resources.
We also have to deal with the pressure of food security. We aren't just teaching a subject; we are training the people who will have to feed the country amidst climate change and land reform complexities. It’s a lot of responsibility to carry.
The market data says there are currently zero active job openings. Does that make it a difficult career to enter?
It’s a competitive space, definitely. These roles are highly sought after and often have low turnover because people tend to stay in academia for a long time. However, don't let the "0 active jobs" figure discourage you entirely. It simply means you have to be strategic. Networking within the agricultural sector and completing a PhD are almost non-negotiable if you want to land a permanent post at a university. Many start as junior lecturers or research assistants while they finish their postgraduate studies.
And what about the salary? Is R40,577 per month realistic?
That’s a very fair average for a mid-level lecturer or a senior teacher at a college. When you start out, you might earn a bit less, but as you publish research and gain seniority, your earning potential increases. It’s a comfortable living, especially when you consider the benefits like medical aid and pension contributions that usually come with institutional roles. It’s not "corporate" money, but the job security and the intellectual freedom make it worth it for many of us.
What are the most rewarding parts of the job?
There is nothing quite like the "aha!" moment when a student finally grasps a complex genetic concept or successfully manages a crop cycle for the first time. Realising that you are helping a young person from a rural background gain the skills to go back and transform their community’s farming practices is incredibly fulfilling. You feel like you are part of the solution for South Africa’s future.
What is your expert advice for someone wanting to follow this path?
My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and stay grounded. Don't just stay in the library; get out into the industry. Join agricultural societies, attend farmers' days, and understand the challenges local farmers face. If you want to teach at a postsecondary level, you need to be an expert, so focus on your postgraduate research early. Most importantly, you need to have a genuine love for both the science of agriculture and the art of teaching. Without that passion, the marking and the admin will wear you down.
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