Strong work ethic and passion for farming pays off
Maize and sunflower producer from Senekal, John Dipale, ascribes his success to hard work and passion for agriculture. At 64, John works even harder than the young men on his farm, he tells Annelie Coleman.
Indian investor smitten by South African winelands
Why has a wealthy Indian businessman become enamoured of SA’s wine industry? Analjit Singh told Denene Erasmus of his love affair with
Franschhoek and his decision to invest in wineries here.
Straight talk: a top farm worker on labour issues
Jerome Thomas, Western Cape Farm Worker of the Year, started his career as a general labourer on Kanonkop Estate 15 years ago. He now works as a supervisor and serves on the farm’s management committee. He spoke to Denene Erasmus about his journey to the top.
OVK – Growing the country’s rural economy
Agribusiness OVK has returned more than R320 million to farmer-shareholders in two years through a loyalty scheme, dividends and a high share price.
Mediation – a cheaper, more peaceful solution
Mediation is a low-cost, high-value method of solving disputes and has been underutilised in SA, with complainants favouring expensive litigation instead. Advocate Alan Nelson SC spoke to Denene Erasmus about the important role that mediation can play in resolving disputes in the farming sector.
How Europe’s top farming countries are faring
South Africa’s agriculture sector may often feel isolated in terms of the challenges it faces. However, a recent survey by the German Agricultural Society reveals that farmers in Germany, Poland, France and the UK have similar problems – and anxieties.
A school in the care of the community
Small-town agricultural schools often struggle in today’s educational climate, characterised by departmental underfunding. But Winterberg Agricultural High School has maintained its high standards, and developed its farm into a self-sufficient entity. Grant Hollins visited the school to learn more.
Feed a Child feeding scheme is making a difference
A visitor to the Feed a Child feeding scheme is greeted by a heartwarming and humbling sight: laughing children anticipating a nutritious hot meal. The project, started in 1988 with the help of regular volunteers from the local township, is a blessing to the lives of many poverty-stricken children. Project managers William Wessels and Johan Meiring spoke to Annelie Coleman.
Farm choirs learn sobering power of song
De Kock Boerdery’s award-winning farm worker choirs have been the saving grace for many of the singers. Choir leaders Elsie Oliphant and Willem Krotz told Denene Erasmus how singing in the choir had changed their lives.
SA wine industry’s revamp
Apart from a new generation of winemakers and marketers that is making a name for itself, upcoming industry leaders are embarking on a fresh strategy to ensure the industry’s success. Jacques Claassen reports on these latest developments.
State cuts support for prize-winning farmer
Mojala Mosoeu has been farming with cattle for 16 years. In 2011, after a nine-year wait, he received a farm as part of the government’s land reform programme. Now he stands to lose everything after the state recently decided to stop supporting him financially. Jaco Visser visited Mojala’s farm outside Heilbron.
A long struggle bears fruit
Headman Manyota, a developing farmer, farms citrus in the Kat River Valley near Fort Beaufort. Last year, he achieved a massive 874% increase in production over 2013. Grant Hollins visited his farm.
