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.
Eastern Cape pushes household food production through Ilima Lokulima
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to tackle food insecurity by encouraging communities to produce their own food through the province’s Ilima Lokulima (“Let's cultivate together”) programme.
Aquaponics offers a practical solution for farming with less water
Dr Ntobeko Mchunu, a researcher in the Agronomy Division at the Agricultural Research Council, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how aquaponics is helping farmers produce more food while using significantly less water.
SASTA congress looks at new ways to unlock value from sugar cane
Research that delivers practical solutions, closer collaboration across the sugar value chain, and finding new ways to extract value from sugar cane were among the key themes at the recent 98th South African Sugar Technologists’ Association (SASTA) Congress in Durban.
South African citrus gains new cold-treatment option for India market
South African citrus exporters have gained greater flexibility in accessing the Indian market following India’s approval of in-transit cold treatment for fresh citrus from South Africa.
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.
