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Jyothi Laldas is an accomplished journalist with 15 years of experience in the news media industry. She has established herself as a respected voice in the field, known for her keen insights and passion for storytelling. Jyothi grew up on a farm in rural KwaZulu-Natal, a background that instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and the importance of community. Her passion for writing and learning about people has been a driving force throughout her career, enabling her to connect with her audience and bring important stories to light. Jyothi‘s journalistic journey has been marked by her dedication to providing accurate and impactful reporting on a range of topics.

Food inflation steady at 4,4% as meat prices remain under pressure

Consumer food price inflation held steady at 4,4% in December 2025, unchanged from November, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and while overall inflation for 2025 was the lowest in more than two decades, elevated meat prices continue to weigh on the country’s food basket.

North West retracts FMD movement protocol

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has retracted a circular titled ‘Foot and Mouth Disease Movement Protocol for Live Animals and Game into and within North West Province’, which was released on 14 January.

Tighter border controls on agri goods as travellers return to SA

As thousands of travellers return to South Africa this week after the festive season, the Border Management Authority has issued a strong warning about bringing agricultural products back into the country.

Corporate partnerships help communities grow their own food

In food-insecure communities across South Africa, Shoprite and its partners are establishing food gardens that help people grow their own food and build long-term self-reliance.

Foot-and-mouth disease crisis under spotlight at industry workshop

Farmers, veterinarians and industry experts met in Potchefstroom, North West, on 12 December to discuss practical ways to manage the growing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis affecting livestock across South Africa.

Botswana reinstates vegetable import ban from South Africa

Botswana has once again banned vegetable imports from South Africa and other neighbouring countries in an effort to bolster support for local producers, despite having only recently lifted similar restrictions.

Beef industry’s best honoured at ARC National Beef Performers Awards

South Africa’s top beef cattle producers and emerging farmers were celebrated recently at the 2025 ARC National Beef Performers Awards, a prestigious ceremony recognising excellence in herd genetics, management, and performance across the country.

AFASA conference drives agricultural partnerships and transformation

The African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) recently brought together government leaders, agricultural experts, financial institutions, and farmer representatives for its Leadership and Strategic Partnership Conference.

Industry, government warn against use of illegal FMD vaccines

Following recent reports of the illegal use of Kenyan foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines in South Africa, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) immediately alerted authorities, which led to the detection of two suspicious consignments, one in Polokwane and another in Pietermaritzburg.

SA’s national herd to be vaccinated against FMD

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced on Wednesday that the country’s entire national cattle herd will be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease, marking a major shift from the long-standing targeted vaccination strategy.

Record-breaking season for SA citrus industry

In the 2025 season, the South African citrus industry delivered its strongest performance yet, packing 203,4 million 15kg cartons for global markets, the highest export volume ever recorded in the country.

Strict controls keep Limpopo free of foot-and-mouth, says MEC

While most of South Africa is battling widespread foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, Limpopo remains free of FMD, with the province’s agriculture MEC Nakedi Kekana saying strict long-term control measures, vaccination strategy and strict livestock monitoring have kept the virus at bay.

Western Cape takes swift action to contain FMD outbreak

All animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Gouda area have been vaccinated as part of approved containment measures, the Joint Operations Centre for FMD, led by the Western Cape, has confirmed.

Medium-Term Budget offers boost for agriculture through structural reforms

While South Africa’s agriculture sector may not have featured explicitly in Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) delivered on Wednesday, leading economists say some reforms and policy shifts outlined in the speech point to meaningful indirect gains for the sector.