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.
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.
Eastern Cape targets global growth with natural ingredient exports
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation, in partnership with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme, earlier this week launched the Eastern Cape Natural Ingredients Export Promotion Strategy.
Mohair wins: practical tips from an Eastern Cape emerging farmer
Dintle Maphala has been farming Angora goats for the past nine years. Her hands-on approach, from breeding and grazing to mohair handling and marketing, offers a practical roadmap that emerging producers can adapt to improve their own production outcomes. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.
Mohair trust honours Women’s Month with knitting workshop graduation
The Mohair Empowerment Trust (MET) marked this year’s Women’s Month with a special graduation ceremony on 21 August, celebrating 14 women from Graaff-Reinet, Jansenville, and Aberdeen who successfully completed the trust’s Beginners Knitting Workshop.
Making a mark on agriculture through education
As we celebrate Women’s Month, Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to Dr Hlamalani Ngwenya about her remarkable journey from a home economics teacher to a globally recognised leader in agricultural extension, and the broader agri-food systems. Through resilience, purpose, and a deep belief in people, Ngwenya continues to open doors for women in agriculture.
Rabbit farming on the rise in South Africa
Rabbit farming is gaining traction in South Africa. Farmer Daisy Moleko spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the breeds, biosecurity, and market access opportunities driving growth in this niche livestock sector.
Top mohair farmers honoured at 2025 Miyuki Awards
South Africa’s top mohair farmers were celebrated at the 2025 Miyuki Awards, hosted by Mohair South Africa (MSA) in partnership with Japanese high-quality textile maker Miyuki Keori, on Thursday at Remo’s Italian Restaurant in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
A drought-proofing how-to for South African farmers
As droughts become more frequent and severe across South Africa, farmers are under increasing pressure to adapt their practices to protect their livelihoods.
André Kritzinger named Agri Eastern Cape Toyota Young Farmer of the Year 2025
Joubertina-based farmer André Kritzinger (28) was named Agri Eastern Cape Toyota Young Farmer of the Year 2025 during a celebratory awards dinner at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay on Wednesday.
Sterkstroom business gets R5 million abattoir to boost jobs
In early August, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe officially handed over a fully equipped rural abattoir valued at over R5 million to local business Man Buy & Braai in Sterkstroom.
Navigating the legal landscape for emerging poultry farmers
Emerging poultry farmers face a host of legal, environmental, and practical challenges. Poultry nutritionist Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the complexities of starting and running a compliant and sustainable poultry enterprise.
Stock theft remains a major challenge for farmers across SA
Stock theft continues to affect farmers across South Africa, and law enforcement and agricultural leaders are calling for a stronger commitment to tackle this persistent issue.
Women-owned farming enterprise lauded for boosting jobs, food security
Pula Nala, a 100% African women-owned and youth-majority-led agricultural enterprise, received top honours at the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture’s (DoA) Women Entrepreneur Awards held in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in late July.
‘SA must act fast to shield red meat industry from FMD’ – Steenhuisen
The South African livestock industry is facing a growing crisis as new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continue to spread across several provinces.
