Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Octavia Avesca Spandiel is a multimedia journalism honours graduate from Stellenbosch University. She is based in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and her passion is to focus attention on the unsung heroes in agriculture. She has a rich background in youth work and loves connecting with people, combining her skills and interests to make a meaningful impact in her field.
Reframing sweetness in SA’s agricultural economy
Priya Seetal, sugar and health policy manager at the South African Sugar Association (SASA), spoke with Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the complex intersection between public health policy and the sustainability of South Africa’s sugar industry.
Intensive lambing systems help unlock genetic potential
Eastern Cape livestock farmer Stefan Erasmus spoke with Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the advantages, challenges, and economics of intensive and extensive lambing systems and their role in improving flock productivity.
A farmer’s lessons on canola, survival and success
Koos Blanckenberg told Octavia Avesca Spandiel that canola has become essential in improving soil health, controlling ryegrass and strengthening crop rotation systems as grain producers navigate rising costs and climate uncertainty.
Quarterly agricultural employment dips despite year-on-year growth
South Africa’s agriculture sector shed 16 000 jobs in the second quarter of 2026 but remained 4,3% above the level seen a year earlier. Economists say the quarterly decline reflects the sector’s seasonal nature, but warn that weak profitability could put pressure on future employment.
Beauty Mokgwamme: leading with purpose, growing with passion
Mohair Empowerment Trust manager Beauty Mokgwamme spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to empowering emerging farmers to become commercially viable, thereby transforming lives through agriculture.
Significance of soil mapping in productive vineyards
Soil mapping and professional surveys have a vital role to play in the establishment of vineyards. The agriculture industry in South Africa has continued to embrace and implement this critical fundamental step in farm planning.
Agriculture’s resilience relies on collaboration, practical leadership
Stronger collaboration between organised agriculture, government, and industry stakeholders is essential to building a more resilient agriculture sector, industry leaders said during a panel discussion at the Agri EC Congress 2026, held in Jeffreys Bay from 5 to 6 August.
Premier’s Tulbagh factory closure puts canning fruit value chain at risk
Growers, processors, and industry leaders have warned that Premier Group’s closure of its Fruit Products Western Cape processing facility in Tulbagh could threaten thousands of jobs, disrupt fruit supply chains, and undermine the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry.
Eastern Cape launches R80m grain commercialisation initiative
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture recently launched its Grain Commercialisation Chapter, which includes committing R80 million to strengthen grain and oilseed production as part of its drive to transform the province’s emerging farmers into commercially viable agricultural enterprises.
Soil health defined by function, shaped by context
Soil health is more than just a definition; it’s a functional powerhouse for agriculture. Gerhard du Preez, an associate professor at North-West University, emphasises that by prioritising soil biology and carbon, farmers can enhance nutrient cycling, water retention, and resilience. Success requires an adaptive, context-specific approach, moving beyond fixed formulas to observation and biodiversity.
Mozambique’s import substitution plans present opportunities for SA
Mozambique's plans to reduce agricultural imports from South Africa could create new opportunities for investment and regional cooperation, provided domestic production expands without disrupting cross-border trade.
Post-harvest pitfalls threaten cannabis quality
Post-harvest handling remains a key challenge in South Africa’s cannabis sector, with expert Natie Ferreira warning that poor drying, storage and consistency issues drive losses.
SA on track to deliver record maize harvest despite delayed season
South Africa's maize harvest is running about 14% behind last year's pace, but industry experts say there is little reason for concern, with the country still on track to produce a record 17,3 million tons of maize this season.
Women farmers, extension officers honoured at OR Tambo District awards
On 9 July, the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture celebrated the achievements of women farmers and extension officers during the OR Tambo District leg of the Women Entrepreneur Awards and Extension and Advisory Services Awards.
New export markets boost rooibos industry confidence
As international demand for rooibos continues to grow and new export opportunities emerge, industry leaders say protecting the product's geographical origin will be critical to ensuring its long-term value and supporting South African producers.
MET training programme equips farmers for commercialisation
From 29 June to 3 July, the Mohair Empowerment Trust (MET), in partnership with the African Enterprise Network, hosted its Phase 5 Training Programme at Grootfontein College of Agriculture near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape festival continues to build on agricultural, conservation roots
Thousands of visitors attend the Spar Kirkwood Wildsfees every year for music, food, and family entertainment, but organisers say the festival's greatest value lies beyond the main stage, creating opportunities for agriculture, conservation, tourism, and rural economic development.
Thoroughbred horse breeding success at Narrow Creek Stud in the Western Cape
At Narrow Creek Stud, success in the Thoroughbred industry is driven by specialisation and disciplined management. Owner John Everett rejects traditional diversification, focusing entirely on a high-turnover commercial model that brings elite athletes to market by age two.
From field to fibre: turning pineapple leaves into sanitary products
At Leafline Washable Sanitary Wear in Bathurst, Eastern Cape, pineapple leaf fibre is transformed into reusable sanitary and incontinence products. Founder and director Candy Androliakos spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about unlocking the value of crop residues to support sustainability, rural employment, and circular economy principles in the local agriculture sector.
Nelson Mandela Bay youth urged to seize opportunities in agriculture
At the 2026 Youth in Agriculture Summit, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on 11 June, young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs were presented with opportunities including funding, equipment support, land access, and business development.
