Jaco Van Der Merwe
Jaco van der Merwe is an experienced agricultural journalist with over X years of reporting on South African and African farming sectors. He specialises in [crop/livestock/markets/policy/etc.], bringing in-depth analysis and sector insight to Farmers Weekly readers.
Jaco’s reporting focuses on:
Agricultural markets and pricing trends
Farm economics and production systems
Policy and regulatory developments
Innovation and technology in agriculture
He is committed to delivering accurate, independent journalism that supports farmers, agribusiness professionals and rural communities.
Professional Background & Expertise
Before joining Farmers Weekly, Jaco:
Worked as [role] for [publication/organisation]
Covered [specific beats/areas of expertise]
Studied [Degree – e.g., BA Journalism / Agricultural Science / etc.]
He regularly attends agricultural conferences, interacts with industry leaders, and provides reliable reporting on issues affecting the farming sector.
Editorial Standards
As a journalist for Farmers Weekly, Jaco adheres to our Editorial Policy, ensuring all reporting is:
Independent and fact-checked
Balanced and fair
Credible and transparent
Ford Tourneo Custom pair makes vans an attractive alternative
While sedans and hatchbacks lose ground to SUVs and crossovers, vans have quietly stayed in their lane. However, models like the Ford Tourneo Custom Sport and Titanium X now make them more appealing, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
Classy Kia Carnival offers the best of both worlds
Multipurpose vehicles, or MPVs, usually feature body-colour rear window trim and carry passengers and cargo. Technically an MPV, the Kia Carnival has too much style to be lumped in with that riff-raff, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
Subaru Forester shows that quality trumps quantity
Subaru is hardly visible on a map of South Africa’s motoring landscape. But the Japanese carmaker’s existence presents an excellent case of quality over quantity. The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe reports.
Suzuki ‘half-loaf’ will put in a full shift
The Nissan NP200 has been replaced by all sorts of alternatives, including one-tonner single cabs, converted SUVs, and cargo hatchbacks. However, the most interesting of the lot is a unique little van called the Suzuki Eeco, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
Classy Volvo XC90 not ready to lay down arms in electric race
While Volvo is moving towards complete electrification, the updated XC90 shows the Swedish carmaker values the role of hybrid technology for the time being.
Jaecoo J5 is ready to make waves
Chinese carmakers have been growing their local market share at the rate of knots over the last few years. The introduction of the Jaecoo J5 will further ensure the upward curve.
GWM Haval H7 breaks the SUV mould with left-field styling
The market is so saturated with SUVs that it’s getting harder to tell them apart. But every now and then, an SUV like the GWM Haval H7 comes along and does things differently, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
Updated Isuzu MU-X hits R1 million mark
The Isuzu D-Max bakkie might be a local favourite, but its MU-X SUV sibling is miles behind segment heavyweights like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe took the updated MU-X for a spin to find out if it is capable of gaining any ground on its rivals.
Choosing the 90, 110 or 130? There is a Defender for everyone!
The Defender is Jaguar Land Rover’s best-selling local vehicle by a country mile. With a variety of body styles and powertrains on offer, buyers are spoiled for choice.
Plush Defender 130 perfect for taking a big family anywhere in style
The Land Rover Defender 130 launched in 2023 as a capable eight-seater SUV. Recent updates have improved comfort and capability, albeit at the expense of one seat at optimal trim level.
Special OCTA Black and Trophy Edition models keep the Defender fresh
Since introducing the Defender in 2020, Jaguar Land Rover has kept its British adventure brand fresh by introducing desirable model editions throughout the past five years. The latest two come in the form of the OCTA Black and Trophy Edition, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
Merc hits the spot with Vito Select
With the new V-Class only offered in flagship V300d guise, Mercedes-Benz was left with a gap in its line-up for a more accessible family van. Enter the Vito Select, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
BYD Shark out to prove its credentials
BYD’s presence in South Africa has been low-key due to the Chinese carmaker only offering all-electric models. That’s about to change with the arrival of the plug-in hybrid Shark bakkie, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
All-new Hyundai Santa Fe shows its hip to be square
Hyundai’s seven-seat Santa Fe SUV was initially built to blend in. But the hybrid-only latest reiteration of the Korean carmaker’s flagship local product is meant to stand out, says The Citizen’s Mark Jones.
Chery planning to make local bakkie segment even sweeter
After saturating the local SUV scene with dozens of models over the past few years, the bakkie segment is next on the list for Chinese carmakers. Chery has become the latest manufacturer from China to join the bakkie party, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
The many uses of cattle rails
The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe has fond memories of holding onto the cattle rails of his uncle’s bakkie for dear life, with Lovely the collie by his side, on the farm roads of Koekenaap. It turns out, though, that these rails keep more people and dogs on bakkies than they do cattle.
Renault Duster enters new era without diesel engines
The big news around the all-new Renault Duster’s local introduction was the discontinuation of the venerable diesel engines. The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe looks at how the crossover is gearing up for life after diesel.
One of a kind: the Ford Transit Custom Sport
It’s hard to believe there was once a gap in the van segment between plush people movers and cargo carriers, yet the Ford Transit Custom Sport has plugged that gap, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
The Toyota Corolla Cross raises the bar
The Corolla Cross is the best-selling SUV in South Africa, but it faces growing competition from the influx of SUVs from China. To make sure it stays ahead of the pack, Toyota has introduced a range of updates to the facelifted model, writes Jaco van der Merwe.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
