Technology

Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) is once again preparing for a strong presence at Nampo Harvest Day 2026, building on more than three decades of consistent participation in South Africa’s flagship agricultural exhibition.

The Suzuki Across was launched in South Africa in March to become the Japanese carmaker’s flagship SUV ahead of the Grand Vitara. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch reports.

With one bike, an open road, and no fixed plan, Peter Morey proves the best journeys are the ones you don’t overthink. He recently chatted to an old colleague, Jedrie Harmse, about his experiences.

Great Wall Motors (GWM) has expanded its new energy vehicle (NEV) footprint in South Africa with the introduction of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) derivatives to the Haval H6 range. The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe reports.

Embodying the ‘meerkat’ posture on a bike provides the control and visibility essential for conquering South Africa’s most challenging farm tracks.

The Kove 800X Pro is a disruptive newcomer. With its punchy 71kW engine and a lightweight, agile frame, it’s built for the veld. A 275mm ground clearance and 400km range make it a rugged farm-to-town tool, offering high-spec performance at a price that turns heads.

Thorough cleaning, protective wax treatment, and proper winter storage can extend the service life of agricultural machinery, preserve resale value, and reduce the risk of breakdowns in the next season.

Renault recently added turbocharged variants to its popular compact crossover SVY Kiger range. The Citizen’s Mark Jones reports.

Bakkie manufacturers don’t give single cabs to the media due to them generally being regarded as workhorses without the bells and whistles from fancier double cabs. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch was gobsmacked when a single cab arrived for a three-month stay.

The BYD Shark is the fastest production bakkie in South Africa, but its battery needs some mindful management before taking down its rivals, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.

Carel van Niekerk Jr of Piket Implements spoke to Petri de Beer about the recent hemp trials in which the company participated, and the potential for the crop in South Africa.

While motorbikes provide much pleasure, adventure, and relaxation to two-wheel enthusiasts, they also serve as a practical, fuel-efficient way of monitoring tough farm terrain, writes Jedrie Harmse.

In line with the advancement of technology, implements, and systems in the agriculture sector, New Holland is modifying their new-generation tractors to keep pace with farmers’ needs in the future, writes Jaco du Preez.

The demarcation of South Africa’s first butterfly conservation servitude on a property owned by Letsitele farmer Gustav Van Veijeren marks a positive step for rare species protection. He and Etienne Terblanche, a Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa custodian, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly.

Even though the face-lifted Isuzu D-Max was rolled out in other markets more than two years ago, South Africans are still waiting for the updated bakkie, writes The Citizen’s Charl Bosch.

In 2025, South Africa recorded more than 24 000 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease across multiple provinces, threatening the livestock industry, trade, and livelihoods. In such circumstances, maintaining biosecurity and animal health is critical, and farmers need reliable tools to act swiftly and efficiently.

Variable speed drives are transforming modern irrigation by shifting control from valves to pump speed. Instead of running motors at full capacity and throttling flow, the drives adjust motor speed to match real-time crop water demand, reducing energy use, electrical stress and water hammer.

Agrico’s G3 centre pivot irrigation system is designed to adapt to the challenges of modern farming and isn’t just another ordinary water application system.

Second hand farm machinery can deliver excellent value, if you know what to look for. Western Cape equipment broker Debbie Smit gave Lindi Botha practical advice to help farmers decide when to buy new, when pre-owned is the smarter choice, and how to avoid the costly pitfalls that often catch buyers off-guard.

After a 10-year hiatus, Chinese manufacturer Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) has returned to South Africa with the budget beater Vigus Pro bakkie, writes The Citizen’s Charl Bosch.