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.
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.
Southern African industrial hemp industry faces critical challenges
The development of a viable industrial hemp industry in Southern Africa depends on closing critical gaps in funding, coordination, and implementation, experts said at the recent African Industrial Hemp Fibre Processing for Commercialisation Conference in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
R2,8m boost for lobster co-ops in Port St Johns
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation is investing R2,8 million in seven lobster-farming co-ops under the Tsweleni Rock Lobster Project in Port St Johns. The funds are aimed at enhancing product quality, scaling up production, and improving export competitiveness.
Qhimirha Village mohair farmers receive infrastructure, machinery boost
Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe visited Qhimirha Village in Sterkspruit last week to hand over infrastructure and machinery worth more than R1,6 million to help subsistence farmers improve wool and mohair quality and move towards commercial production.
Eastern Cape Budget 2026 prioritises agriculture, SMMEs, job creation
The 2026 Eastern Cape Budget Speech, delivered by MEC for Finance Mlungisi Mvoko on 13 March at the provincial legislature, highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to driving inclusive economic growth, supporting small businesses, and expanding agricultural value chains.
Agribusiness innovation for African food security
The 2026 International Conference on Business Models in Agriculture, held from 8 to 10 March in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, brought researchers, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, and development practitioners together to examine how innovative business models can strengthen food systems and promote inclusive economic growth.
From planning to peak lay: building a profitable egg business
Mpumalanga poultry farmer Lebogang Mashego spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel, and shared practical insights on planning, building systems that work, breed choice, feed management, and markets to build a profitable and sustainable egg business.
Farmers to face uncertain weather conditions as La Niña fades
South Africa is expected to exit the 2025/26 La Niña phase in April, moving towards neutral ocean and atmospheric conditions. Meteorologists say this shift may stabilise rainfall patterns, while agricultural economists.
SA’s essential oils step into global spotlight
Karen Swanepoel, executive director of the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about South Africa’s essential oils industry and its rise from a small niche market to a quality-driven, globally recognised, and fast-growing business.
FMD vaccinations begin in Eastern Cape, industry flags supply concerns
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture rolled out foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccinations in high-risk areas last week, but organised agriculture has warned that the current supply will not be enough to contain the disease if the outbreak continues.
State-of-the-art machinery to transform Eastern Cape mohair industry
An almost R30 million investment in machinery is set to boost the Eastern Cape’s mohair processing capacity, strengthening South Africa’s position in the global mohair market and promoting local beneficiation.
Africa’s specialty coffee scene: from everyday brew to artisan craft
Roland Urwin, café owner and coffee researcher, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how South Africa’s evolving specialty coffee culture mirrors global trends, prioritising craftsmanship, origin, and quality-driven consumer experiences.
SA can help Kenya with maize, but GMO rule stands in the way
South Africa is well positioned to supply maize to drought-stricken Kenya in the current marketing year, but policy constraints around genetically modified (GM) grain remain a key obstacle to meaningful trade flows.
Adele’s Mohair: a living tapestry of craft, colour and rural heritage
Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to Adele Cutten, founder of Adele’s Mohair, to explore how a small spinning experiment grew into a thriving rural craft enterprise rooted in South Africa’s rich mohair heritage.
Eastern Cape agricultural show in Gqeberha celebrates smallholder success
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture hosted its fourth agricultural show on 17 February in Gqeberha, uniting farmers from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and Sarah Baartman District Municipalities.
Demand from EU highlights gap in Eastern Cape seafood industry
An international seafood sourcing mission to South Africa has identified both export-ready potential and key compliance gaps among Eastern Cape producers seeking entry into the European Union market.
Rising sugar imports highlight need for next phase of master plan
As local sugar cane farmers face rising sugar imports and global market pressures, the industry prepares for Phase 2 of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, South African Sugar Association executives reflect on Phase 1 outcomes and outline next-phase priorities.
