Stock farmer’s big plans to grow meat processing in KZN
Bhekumndeni Khumalo Zulu is a stock farmer with a dream. He not only wishes to be successful himself, but strongly feels that there should be a greater focus on empowering...
Advancing the use of integrated pest management in crop production
Experts in integrated pest management are gaining importance as fruit-importing countries tighten their phytosanitary regulations. Nadine Botha, technical and commercial manager at Insectec, spoke to Magda du Toit about her...
Fighting hunger, one meal at a time: the story of SA Harvest’s impact
A Harvest is revolutionising the fight against hunger in South Africa by rescuing surplus food from going to waste, redistributing it to vulnerable communities, and tackling systemic issues like food...
Building relationships to ensure longevity
Hendrik Eksteen, CEO of Grow Fresh Produce Agents, says maintaining farmer relationships is key to the company’s success.
A business passionate about upliftment
HarvestFresh Farms and Thebe Investment Corporation are committed not only to growing this already-thriving business but uplifting the community in the process.
How a food forest is helping an Eastern Cape community escape food insecurity
Bakhusele Mathupha is the founder of Phawu Likum AgriPak, a rural agroecology co-operative based in the small town of kuGatyane in the Eastern Cape. Through this initiative, he has introduced...
Borrowed time and great spirit: a Prestige Agri Worker’s story
Lindie-Alet van Staden from L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek was named the 2024 Prestige Agri Worker of the Year. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel at her vegetable garden in Somerset...
The small-scale cattle producer continuing his family’s farming legacy
Family-run Glendower Farm in Pedie, Eastern Cape, spans 200ha of fertile land that carries the weight of generations. At its helm is Sdelo Mikhail Ceza, who spoke to Fidelis Zvomuya...
Internship programme empowers Limpopo farmers
Fidelis Zvomuya spoke to two of Limpopo’s young agripreneurs about their hopes and ambitions for the future, and how, with the right support, the impossible becomes possible.
How a mixed communal farm crossed the commercial threshold
According to Vincent Mhlonitshwa, making the transition from a communal to a successful commercial farmer requires mentorship. Mike Burgess visited him near Elliot in the Eastern Cape to better understand...
Co-operative empowers deaf communities through agriculture
Matebogo Victoria leads the VoiceOut Deaf Cooperative, creating job opportunities in agriculture for the deaf community while championing empowerment and inclusion.
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
An experimental ‘smart farm’ is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng’s only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in...
How Limpopo co-operative’s training programmes are empowering workers
Houers, a leading supplier of corrugated cartons in South Africa, supports the agricultural market and local communities through innovation and training. Read on to learn more about their impactful initiatives.
In-service training offers hope to school leavers
Brian Berkman reports that a chain of upmarket hotels is talent-scouting in the agriculture sector, looking for school leavers with the potential to train for exciting positions in the hospitality...
Former seasonal worker wins top farming award
Vivian Jakobs of Crispy Farming recently won the Western Cape Agri Prestige Awards Competition of 2023. Glenneis Kriel went to find out more about this inspiring farm manager.
How aquaponics is being used to feed communities
Green Arch Innovations founder Luvo Gugwana is a social entrepreneur whose goal is to spread affordable aquaponic solutions across rural areas in South Africa through his franchise model, writes Jyothi...
Unlocking value for smallholder raisin producers
Eksteenskuil Agricultural Co-operative has helped to empower a community and improve lives, demonstrating the true value of the co-operative concept. Filomaine Schwartz, office manager of the co-operative, spoke to Glenneis...
The uphill battle of a communal sheep farmer
Zolani Tsheko, the second vice-chairperson of the National Wool Growers’ Association, is a wool producer in the communal area of Thornhill near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess recently...
A thriving empowerment agri project on the KZN South Coast
Started in 2008 to help ensure food security for a charity, the Siyavuna programme has expanded to focus on farming, training and growing its value chains.
Leadership and vision ensure success for community company
Since 2000, the government has invested more than R74 million in the Blocuso community in the Northern Cape. Dirk Claassen, financial manager of the Blocuso company, spoke to Glenneis Kriel...
