Former president Nelson Mandela led the nation when Chris Hani was assassinated 21 years ago on Thursday, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said.

"Today, 21 years ago our country experienced a very tragic event, the assassination of comrade Chris Hani," Motlanthe said during the handover of a USD1 million (R10.4 million) donation at Taung Agricultural College in the North West.

"It was on that day that Madiba came to the fore to literally give leadership to the nation and we were able to go through that tragedy and still find peaceful solution to the problems of our country.

"Therefore as we celebrate here today, we must always remember that we also carry the mandate of those who are no more with us."

According to North West Premier Thandi Modise's office, Motlanthe was accompanied by Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, Modise, agriculture MEC Desbo Mohono and economic development MEC and MEC for Economic Development Motlalepule Rosho.

The donation had been made by Danish company Haldor Topsoe which specialised in research and technology, spokesman Lesiba Kgwele said in a statement.

Motlanthe said the college must not only produce students but also teachers who would educate communities about the importance of preserving nature.

"This college is not only going to produce students, but will also produce teachers who will go out to our communities to teach nature to behave better," he said.

"Nature is very important for the production of food in this country."

Modise said the donation would go a long way towards training aspiring farmers and ensuring food security in the battle against poverty.

Agriculture was a very key driver of the provincial economy and it continued to employ a substantial number of people in the province.