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.
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.
NWGA communal producers seek greater support to reach full potential
At the National Wool Growers' Association (NWGA) Congress on 3 June in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, industry stakeholders highlighted the need for greater investment in communal farming areas, improved genetics, stronger biosecurity measures, and better infrastructure to build an inclusive, sustainable wool sheep economy in South Africa.
Eastern Cape hemp industry moves into local textile processing
The Eastern Cape’s emerging hemp industry has taken a step forward following the display of locally processed hemp fabric at a stakeholder engagement session held at the Southern Sun Hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay earlier this week.
Potatoes: a key South African industry under pressure
Ahead of International Day of Potato on 30 May, attention is being given to the role potatoes play in food supply and agricultural activity in South Africa, alongside ongoing production pressures.
Cannabis sector positioned for industrial growth in South Africa
Cannabis and industrial hemp development formed part of discussions on Wednesday during day two of the Africa Agricultural Indaba, where stakeholders in agriculture, government and investment sectors gathered to assess value chain opportunities in the Eastern Cape and across South Africa.
Eastern Cape pushes agro-processing, local procurement at indaba
At the Africa Agricultural Indaba 2026 in East London, the Eastern Cape government is intensifying its push for agriculture-led economic growth, with Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe urging stronger investment in agro-processing, local procurement, and farmer commercialisation.
World Bee Day: Forage pressure weakens bee populations
Ahead of World Bee Day on 20 May, South African researchers and beekeepers warn that declining forage resources are placing sustained pressure on honeybee populations, threatening pollination services that underpin much of the country’s agricultural production.
Local wine industry shifts focus to premium growth
The South African wine industry is increasingly focusing on premiumisation, sustainability, and long-term value growth as it navigates pricing pressures and ongoing global oversupply in certain segments.
Fairfield Dairy completes acquisition of Ladismith Cheese Company
Fairfield Dairy, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Woodlands Dairy Group, has confirmed the completion of its acquisition of 100% of Ladismith Cheese Company and its subsidiaries, following approval by the Competition Tribunal of South Africa.
Cost pressures and global supply weigh on SA wheat industry
As South Africa’s wheat farmers head into the 2026/27 winter crop season, higher fuel and fertiliser costs, weaker global wheat prices, and uncertain weather conditions are expected to weigh on plantings, potentially pushing them to a 12-year low.
Merinos: the cornerstone of South Africa’s sheep industry
Grant Naudé, president of Merino South Africa, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the Merino breed’s adaptability, dual-purpose strengths and vital role in sustaining South Africa’s wool and meat industries.
Eastern Cape government backs AHTs to improve rural livestock services
The Eastern Cape government has moved to strengthen frontline animal health services and tackle unemployment in the province by investing R512 000 in a pilot programme supporting 13 animal health technicians to establish primary animal healthcare enterprises in rural communities.
Tongaat Hulett funding deal brings some relief to sugar industry
The South African sugar industry has welcomed a R200 million funding commitment from the Industrial Development Corporation aimed at restarting Tongaat Hulett’s mills and refinery ahead of the 2026/27 crushing season, easing immediate fears of disruption while longer-term uncertainty remains.
IFAJ webinar series spotlights biological crop protection challenges
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), in partnership with CropLife Africa Middle East (AME), launched a webinar series on 1 April, with the first session placing biological crop protection at the centre of discussions on agricultural innovation across the region.
Prince Albert Farmers’ Day highlights mohair under climate pressure
Mohair South Africa hosted a farmers’ day on 14 April at the Showroom Theatre in Prince Albert, Western Cape, where producers were brought up to speed on how climate policy, emissions reporting, and ethical sourcing requirements are reshaping demand for natural fibres.
Favourable conditions drive citrus export growth
South Africa’s citrus industry is set for a positive 2026 export season thanks to strong production conditions and improved logistics performance. However, industry leaders say geopolitical uncertainty, rising costs, structural vulnerabilities in logistics, and market access challenges continue to shape the outlook.
Sugar master plan phase two signed amid import pressure
South African sugar industry stakeholders have warned, that without urgent tariff intervention, the gains of Phase Two of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030 could be undermined before its diversification goals can be realised.
The Simmentaler advantage in Southern Africa
For more than 60 years, the Simmentaler has played a structured, performance-driven role in Southern African beef production. Jamie Berger, general manager of the Simmentaler Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the breed’s performance, adaptability, and maternal strength.
Dorper production built on genetics, adaptability and disciplined management
Ashley Phillips, a Dorper farmer in Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about genetics, production systems, nutrition, breeding efficiency and the economics of sheep farming.
