One of South Africa's oldest and most respected agricultural training institutions — over a century of excellence in agricultural education and practical training.
To become a centre of excellence in providing relevant agricultural and agro-value chain education, training, research and development.
To deliver sustainable agricultural education and training through competitive human capital, infrastructure, innovation, dynamic and practical training in collaboration with stakeholders.
Glen College is one of the oldest and most respected agricultural training institutions in South Africa, with a proud history dating back more than a century. Archived records indicate that the greater portion of the 4 614-hectare farm on which the College is situated was purchased in 1912 to establish a training institution for young farmers.
Twenty-one young men — many returning from World War I — enrolled for a two-year Diploma in Agriculture. The very first student was Mr E.J. Kemm from Tweespruit. From its inception, Glen College combined theoretical education with practical exposure.
Disciplines such as Entomology, Botany, and Domestic Science were introduced. Annual maize trials commenced, a dairy factory with pasteurizer was established, and Glen became an official South African Weather Service station. In 1924, the first Afrikaans handbook on poultry farming was published.
Glen imported its first Friesland bull and received more than 1 000 applications for short courses. In 1928, the first recorded student strike took place after complaints about excessive brick-making requirements. English was the primary language of instruction at the time.
Through the efforts of Irish-born activist Bell Robinson, the longstanding restriction on female enrolment was lifted. Ms E. Boshoff became the first female student at Glen College, paving the way for greater inclusivity in agricultural education.
Infrastructure expanded with staff houses, a clubhouse with library, canteen, and billiard room. The Diploma reverted to a two-year qualification in 1932. From the 1950s, the College's Olympic-size swimming pool served as a training venue for competitive swimmers, some of whom represented South Africa.
At the dawn of democracy, Mr Joseph Moloi became the first Black student to enrol (1993) and Mr Ezekiel Sefotha the first Black student to graduate (1995). Black lecturers were appointed, the medium of instruction changed from Afrikaans to English, and Mr Challa Moahloli became the first Black Principal.
The Diploma in Agriculture was expanded into a three-year qualification, allowing students to specialise in Animal Production or Crop Production, with Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) as a key component. Glen also hosted the inaugural national Agricultural Colleges soccer tournament (NACSANO).
Glen College hosted one of the most successful NACSANO Sports Weeks, with both the soccer and netball teams emerging victorious in their respective finals — cementing the College's reputation in academics, sport and student development.
Glen College commemorated its centenary anniversary, celebrating over 100 years of agricultural education and the graduation of more than 3 000 students. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) centre was officially opened in partnership with AgriSETA, playing a critical role in access and redress.
During the global Covid-19 pandemic, Glen College faced one of the most challenging periods in its history. Through strict health protocols, strong leadership, and cooperation between staff and students, the College successfully managed the safe return of students — with no fatalities reported.
Glen College continues to offer a Diploma in Agriculture combining academic excellence with hands-on practical training. Students participate in educational excursions, farm visits, NAMPO, choir competitions, rugby tournaments, and NACSANO Sports Week — producing well-rounded agricultural professionals for more than a century.