News

If your employees are not providing the creative input you expect from them, look in the mirror. It’s likely that you are the person at fault.

Years ago, tax benefits were good reasons to purchase life insurance. Is this still true?

Three new smartphone apps were introduced at a recent Agbiz apps workshop, that could benefit both commercial and smallholder farmers.

This combination of ingredients with pasta makes a fine supper for four to five people. And no, it’s not just another version of spaghetti bolonaise…

A recent ruling opened the door for SARS to enforce amendments to the Income Tax Act retrospectively.

In poorer nations, buying the ingredients for a single meal can use up a significant portion of a person’s earnings. Where there is conflict or economic collapse, it can exceed these earnings outright. Researchers involved with the World Food Programme propose what should be done to ensure true food security.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 2018 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, to assure foreign governments and international private sector investors that South Africa was open for business.

Claims have emerged that institutions such as the World Bank are ‘doctoring’ the methods they use to measure food security, competitiveness and other factors in developing countries.

An expansion of this country’s industrial development zones might be an effective way of stimulating our struggling economy.

According to Wandile Sihlobo, agricultural economist and head of agribusiness research at Agbiz, current forecasts indicated that the petrol and diesel prices could decrease by 34c/ℓ and 19c/ℓ respectively in February.

A pork chop – and may all my ancestors kindly look the other way – is a marvellous thing. And when simmered in white wine and a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, it becomes a special dish at a dinner for two.

Stephen Covey selected seven essential ‘habits’ for great managers. Which of these are on your list?

It’s not only farmers who have to adapt to the fundamental changes occurring in world agriculture, or go out of business. Agricultural economists also have to adapt. This is the warning from Bongiswa Matoti, president of the Agricultural Economists’ Association of South Africa.

Calamari – squid to our friends in the marine biology sector – is a wonderful addition to one’s seafood repertoire. Easy to cook, a marvel to present and a delight to eat, this calamari salad is a true classic. Try it and achieve star status amongst your cooking competitors.

In his BCom Hons research paper, Mlungisi Mama examines why so few black youths are interested in agriculture as a career. His conclusion is that they believe the sector comprises little more than farmers and farmworkers, and are unaware of the job opportunities available in various agricultural disciplines. Rectifying this will demand an education campaign run jointly by several government departments.

Pessimists see no further than the next piece of bad news, and sow despair and unhappiness all around them. If you’re a pessimist, snap out of it!

Meaningful land reform is crucial, not only to allay the farming community’s fears, but to help restore the economy and benefit South Africa’s poor.

India’s self-sufficiency in grains is no accident. In the 1960s, in response to food shortages, the country began systematically modernising its agricultural sector. This was achieved through government subsidies, research into improved seed, manufacturing of farming equipment, and other interventions. Sub-Saharan Africa can learn many lessons from India’s ‘Green Revolution’.

Risotto, a hearty rice-based dish, is also a delicious accompaniment to meat, fish or poultry. Add it to your repertoire of gourmet dishes.

The Tax Ombudsman’s investigation highlights the dubious tactics used by SARS to delay refunding taxpayers.