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.
Blending indigenous farming with innovative business techniques
Seniren Naidoo, who farms in Upper Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, has merged ancestral wisdom with modern business acumen to build a thriving agricultural enterprise. He spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about his operation, which is rooted in indigenous crops, sustainability, and innovation.
SA boosts fight against Goss’s wilt ahead of 2025/26 maize season
Goss’s wilt, caused by the bacterium Clavibacter nebraskensis, was first identified in the US in 1969 and has since spread to Southern Africa, prompting action by farmers, scientists, and policymakers.
SA’s top mohair producers honoured at Daidoh awards
The Daidoh Summer Kid Mohair Awards, hosted by Mohair South Africa on 12 October at the Botanics in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, welcomed over 220 guests from across the mohair value chain, including farmers, brokers, and international partners.
Mpumalanga sugar industry acts against huge surge in imports
Sugar imports into South Africa surged by more than 400% between January and August 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, affecting local sales and rural livelihoods.
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Emerging farmer opportunities in the spotlight at Agri 5 Expo KZN
The Agri 5 Expo in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, showcased opportunities for small-scale and emerging farmers through access to technology, information, and financial services.
ECRDA partnership to transform Eastern Cape crop and food output
The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding with African Seeds Group and HelloChoice to boost crop and food production by improving input access, market connectivity, and financial inclusion for smallholder farmers across the province.
Imvaba Cooperative fund strengthens rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape
Last week in Willowvale, Eastern Cape, the Imvaba Cooperative Fund delivered 20 heifers and farming equipment to the Nqabarha Cooperative. The fund is run by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Dormer sheep: proven performer in SA’s meat market
Dormer sheep continue to dominate commercial meat systems with their fast growth, high weaning weights and impressive carcass yields. Agricultural economics lecturer and Dormer breeder Dr Mariëtte Geyser spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the breed’s production edge.
EC agri department achieves clean audit and adds 21 000 jobs
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe tabled the 2024/25 annual report of the Department of Agriculture at the provincial legislature in Bhisho, highlighting major achievements in job creation, financial accountability, and food security.
Lessons from a small-scale tomato farmer and agro-processor
When Pumeza Maseti speaks about her journey into agriculture, her passion and creativity shine through. She now manages 1,6ha in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, through Sinemihlali, a co-operative established to create jobs and build skills.
Forecast climatic conditions highlight need for crop insurance
Agricultural production is increasingly affected by changing climate patterns, with experts observing that rainfall and temperature shifts are becoming more unpredictable.
‘All farmers must prioritise water-use compliance’ – DWS
During the Agri 5 Expo in East London, Lizna Fourie, assistant director of the Department of Water and Sanitation, emphasised the need for farmers to comply with the National Water Act and adopt responsible water-use practices.
APAC highlights need for transparency in agricultural marketing
The Agricultural Produce Agents Council used its platform at the 12th Agri 5 Expo, which opened today and runs until tomorrow at the Buffalo Club in East London, Eastern Cape, to stress the importance of fair and transparent practices in agricultural marketing.
How biotech crops are created
Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on how biotechnology has revolutionised agriculture, offering innovative solutions to challenges such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and food security.
Why farmers should move away from DNA testing to genomics
Beef cattle genetics and their role in shaping the industry’s future were put firmly in the spotlight at Nampo Cape 2025, currently being held in Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.
Unity key to securing the future of South Africa’s red meat industry
SA Stud Book recently hosted a discussion on the future of the red meat industry at Nampo Cape 2025, currently being held in Bredasdorp.
A celebration of floral art and farming at Nampo Cape
The flower arranging exhibition at this year’s Nampo Cape dazzled visitors with striking arrangement themed around farming life, focusing on the elements of nature – earth, air, fire, and water – and how these forces shape the agricultural landscape.
Nampo Cape school programme showcases agri opportunities for learners
At a recent school programme hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture at Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp, learners were told about the opportunities awaiting them in the sector.
Kroonstad farmers frustrated over FMD quarantine enforcement
Farmers in the northwest of Kroonstad, Free State, are becoming increasingly frustrated over the handling of foot-and-mouth disease control measures, with claims that cattle in quarantined red zones are roaming freely despite restrictions.
Thinking of farming Afrikaners? Here’s what you should know
Free State cattle farmer Jannie Visagie spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the resilience, adaptability, and economic benefits of the Afrikaner cattle breed. He shares valuable insights and practical advice for farmers considering this hardy breed for South African conditions.
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