Magda du Toit
Magda du Toit is a freelance communication consultant and journalist. She has worked in the agriculture sector for more than 35 years. She obtained a BA in Communication (Hons), and also completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management. Throughout her career she has received recognition and various awards for individual and team contributions. She was also the chairperson of the northern branch of Agricultural Writers SA and still serves on both its executive bodies. Magda is also the South African representative at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, where she chairs one of the committees.
Corteva celebrates women’s impact in agriculture
At the Corteva Agriscience Women’s Brunch Celebration held last week in Centurion, Gauteng, women across all levels of agriculture came together to honour one another’s contributions to the sector.
Education levels in South Africa not improving across the race divide
Speaking at the 4th Annual B Lab Africa Summit in Johannesburg, Dr Pali Lehohla, former Statistician-General of South Africa, said that it was evident that the new South Africa has to a large extent failed black and coloured people.
Corteva announces plans to split its seed and chemical businesses
Corteva, the multinational company that develops seed and crop protection products, recently announced in a press release that it plans to separate its seed and chemical businesses into two publicly traded companies.
Evolution of nematicide technology at a glance
Dr Driekie Fourie, Syngenta Seedcare product biologist for Africa and the Middle East, told the recent 25th Nematological Society of Southern Africa Symposium near Malelane, Mpumalanga, that nematicides have come a long way since their introduction in the mid-19th century.
Yield records broken in the Grow for Gold competition
A wider choice of improved cultivars, along with adapted production and field management practices, is contributing to higher grain yields, greater profitability, and a more sustainable grain production industry in South Africa.
Local barley industry stands to benefit from global investment
Barley production has fluctuated due to hurdles ranging from unpredictable weather to rising costs. This has prompted farmers to plant lower-risk crops like wheat, oats, or canola, disrupting production and market stability and increasing uncertainty in the industry.
Machinery supplier gives learners insight into agri technology
For close to a century, since 1927, Rovic Leers has been invested in South African agriculture, specifically focusing on equipment fitted with the latest technology.
Bayer celebrates 111 years of Seedgrowth at Nampo Cape
Seed treatments are a powerful, efficient, and safe tool helping farmers to protect their seedlings during their most vulnerable stages of growth, especially during the first couple of weeks after planting.
Scientists discuss wheat diseases, soil health at Nampo Cape
At this year’s Nampo Cape, Syngenta Seedcare brought together three agricultural science luminaries, with a combined 117 years of expertise, to address the key challenges facing small grain farmers in the Western Cape.
Bayer honours women in agriculture
The Bayer Boervrou van die Jaar competition, now in its second year, celebrates the women who play a vital role in South African agriculture, whether they are managing farm operations, driving innovation, or making a difference in their communities.
Rotary Club honours SACTA’s community contribution
At the Rotary Club of Pretoria Capital’s Service Awards ceremony held on 26 August, members honoured local heroes, including the South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA).
What makes good feed … good?
Feed quality is influenced by many factors. Magda du Toit spoke to feed manufacturers to find out how they ensure quality, from the handling and storage of raw materials to the processing and distribution of feed.
Wheat breeder wins second women’s voice competition
Elaine van Eeden, a wheat breeder and researcher at Syngenta, was announced as the 2025 winner of the Future Agri Perspectives Women’s Voice Competition at a gala event in Johannesburg, Gauteng this week.
Gauteng hosts first agro-processing convention to boost sector growth
Under the theme “Driving inclusive growth through agro-processing,” Gauteng hosted the inaugural two-day Gauteng Agro-processing convention and expo on 3 and 4 July at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
‘Inspiring other young people is my goal’
Noluthando Khumalo grew up in Impendle within the uMgungundlovu District in KwaZulu-Natal at the foot of the Drakensberg. The settlement is in the catchment areas of the Mkhomazi River in the south and the Mngeni River in the north-east. The area is extremely diverse in its topography, climate and soil, and has a rich and complex natural environment.
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Young farmer’s future is guided by big dreams
“Farming chose me,” says Yolanda Mbali Maphalala. Maphalala grew up in the rural community of Zwelisha in KwaZulu-Natal where agriculture is seen as a way of life.
Flying high and closing the technological gap in rural farming
Thabiso Sithole’s vision of building a fully integrated agricultural business received an injection after he was named as one of the finalists in the Metropolitan Collective Shapers Programme.
Young female farmer aims to provide affordable food and create jobs
Sphanaso Ngubane is the founder of Comet Emporia Agri-Farming, an enterprise based in the rural area of Msinga in the Umzinyathi district of KwaZulu-Natal, near Greytown. She is dedicated to poultry production.
Young farmer with big dreams seeking to unlock new opportunities
In 2023, Nduduzo Mtshali registered Feather Field Broiler Enterprise, a mixed farming business in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal. He spoke to Magda du Toit about the challenges of starting out with limited resources, his marketing strategy, and how the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme helped him take his operation to the next level.
A young farmer’s vision to enhance green spaces in KZN
Growing up in Hammersdale in KwaZulu-Natal in a family that produced vegetables in their own garden played a defining role in Sindiswa Ndlovu’s decision to embark on a career in gardening and landscaping eight years ago.
