THE ANC in Limpopo wants agricultural schools to be reopened to fight poverty in the mostly rural province.

The decision to reopen the colleges was taken during a two-day ANC lekgotla in Bela Bela, near Pretoria, from Sunday to Monday.

The lekgotla agreed that mining, tourism and agriculture were the three pillars of the South African economy.

The meeting suggested that for the economy of the province to grow more agricultural colleges such as Settlers and Ntombi Seleka should be opened throughout the province.

The ANC also suggested that agricultural studies must start in early childhood to give children a good foundation.

It was agreed that the chronic shortage of engineers in Limpopo was hampering the growth of its economy.

The meeting also resolved that t Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande and the Limpopo government should discuss autonomy for the universities of Venda and Turfloop, so that they could introduce programmes that were unique to the province, and for a medical school to be set up.

Provincial spokesperson Joe Maswanganyi said it was felt that the merger between the University of Limpopo and Medunsa in Tshwane alienated the province.