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.
Farmer’s day ‘aims to inspire and equip youth to succeed in sector’
The second annual Youth Livestock Farmer’s Day, held in May at Lethare Farm in Serowe, Botswana, drew a crowd of enthusiastic participants from across the country, perhaps signalling growing national interest in livestock farming among young people.
Budget 2025: SA faces slower growth, higher costs
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday, warning that global economic uncertainty and weaker trade are hurting South Africa’s economy.
Eastern Cape agri campaign teaches learners to grow their own food
The Empowering Learners Through Agriculture campaign, launched by the Eastern Cape department of agriculture, aims to uplift schoolchildren by teaching them about growing their own food.
Brothers’ journey from communal farming to mohair success
Through strategic partnerships and perseverance, brothers Simphiwe, Thembinkosi, and Linda Fani have built Doornrivier Farm in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, into a thriving livestock operation. Simphiwe and Thembinkosi spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the land acquisition, infrastructure, and financial challenges they have overcome to reach a point of sustainable production.
Biotech can help make crops more resilient to extreme weather
Plant biotechnology uses tools like genetic modification and bioengineering to enhance crops’ resilience, nutritional value, and sustainability in the face of challenges like climate change. Biosafety South Africa’s Dr Hennie Groenewald spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how this technology can shape the future of crop farming around the world, stressing that field testing and commercialisation are the next critical steps.
Namibia reinstates ban on bovine semen and embryos from SA
The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) recently raised alarm over Namibia’s decision to reinstate its ban on the importation of bovine semen and embryos from South Africa as of 8 April, warning that the move could severely disrupt the red meat value chain between the two countries.
Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa
South Africa’s cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the challenges that small-scale cannabis and hemp farmers face.
US tariffs a major challenge for South African agriculture
US President Donald Trump announced on 2 April that he would impose at least a 10% tariff on all exports to the United States, with some 60 nations, including key trading partners like China, the European Union, Japan, and Vietnam, facing even higher duties.
Foot-and-mouth disease spreads to Bergville, KZN
A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the province's total to 147 active outbreaks out of the 165 reported in South Africa.
Key farming tips to help new farmers succeed
Farming requires patience, resilience, and strategic planning. Duncan Serapelwane, owner of Moalosi Bonsmara, shares essential advice for emerging farmers, focusing on sustainability, budgeting, biosecurity, and leveraging nature for long-term success.
How a food forest is helping an Eastern Cape community escape food insecurity
Bakhusele Mathupha is the founder of Phawu Likum AgriPak, a rural agroecology co-operative based in the small town of kuGatyane in the Eastern Cape. Through this initiative, he has introduced a food forest to help combat food insecurity in the local community. Mathupha spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to the land are empowering community members to create a self-sustaining food system while restoring the local environment.
KZN reports new foot-and-mouth disease cases in Newcastle
New cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been detected in the Newcastle area of KwaZulu-Natal. The outbreak has now spread beyond the boundaries of the original Disease Management Area (DMA), prompting immediate action from authorities.
Tips for relieving heat stress in cattle
With rising global temperatures due to climate change, heat stress in livestock is a growing concern. Ranier van Heerden, Evonik’s business manager for ruminant solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, shared insights with Octavia Avesca Spandiel on early signs of heat stress in cattle, its physiological effects, and practical management strategies, offering valuable advice to help farmers mitigate this issue.
Tru-Cape sponsors SA’s first street food cooking competition show
Nyama Battle, South Africa’s first cooking competition series celebrating street food and smoky flavours, premiered on 23 February on eTV.
Managing weaners and growers for maximum efficiency
Effective pig farming requires a delicate balance of care, precision, and innovation to ensure the well-being and performance of weaners and growers. Dr Alex Westerink, an expert in swine health and production at CS Vet, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about strategies for improving pig welfare, feed efficiency, disease prevention, and leveraging technology to boost productivity.
South Africa’s agricultural exports achieve record high in 2024
South Africa's agriculture sector achieved a record high US$13,7 billion (about R255 billion) in export value in 2024, a 3% increase on the previous year, according to data from Trade Map.
Brucellosis: managing livestock health and protecting farmers
Brucellosis poses threats to animal and human health and has severe economic implications. Dr Didi Claassen, general manager of Afrivet Technical and Training Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the transmission, clinical signs, and control strategies of brucellosis in cattle, sheep and goats.
New cases of foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) continues its battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with recent test results confirming further cases in the province.
How to win the battle to control poultry mites
Preventing mite infestation is a constant struggle for poultry farmers, with the poultry red mite and scaly leg mite posing the greatest threats in South Africa. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on how farmers can identify, manage, and control these pests effectively.
Eastern Cape farmers receive 300 sheep to improve flock genetics
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture recently donated more than 300 sheep, including rams and ewes, to wool growers’ associations in the OR Tambo District as part of efforts to improve wool production and support farmers affected by recent disasters.
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