Home Authors Posts by Octavia Avesca Spandiel

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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.

Role players voice concerns over promises made during SONA 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025 highlighted key interventions aimed at strengthening South Africa's agriculture sector.

The effective monitoring of body temperature in cattle

Accurate monitoring of cattle’s body temperatures is crucial for ensuring optimal herd health and productivity. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to animal health experts for tips on precise temperature readings, early disease detection, and maintaining biosecurity in a herd.

Namibia’s vegetable ban on South Africa a struggle for local farmers

South Africa's agricultural trade with its neighbouring countries has faced significant challenges over the past few years, particularly with import restrictions imposed on the country by Namibia and Botswana.

Eastern Cape small-scale farmers receive Nguni bulls to improve production

Nonceba Kontsiwe, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, called on farmers to expand their operations and venture into the entire red meat value chain to make a meaningful impact on the economy.

Expropriation Bill sparks concerns on land reform, food security

The Expropriation Bill has reignited discussions on land reform and its potential impacts on food security, property rights, and agricultural productivity. This follows its signing into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 23 January, concluding a two-decade-long effort to address historical land injustices.

SA’s first white maize shipment since 2017 arrives at Port of Durban

The African Baza, a bulk carrier sailing under the Bahamas flag, last week offloaded 23 700t of white maize produced in the US at the Port of Durban.

Optimising nutrient availability for cattle

Nutrient circularity in cattle farming can help improve soil health and reduce farming costs. Ernest Makua, livestock technical adviser at Red Meat Industry Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for farmers to achieve sustainability and profitability in the industry.

Red meat industry report offers key insights on global, domestic trends

The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has released its first-ever Red Meat Industry Report, providing a detailed analysis of the trends shaping supply, demand, and prices.

Heavy rainfall in Gauteng and KZN raise flood warnings

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with the potential for severe flooding, property damage, and disruption of essential services. The adverse weather is expected to persist throughout the week.

Breaking barriers: a change agent in SA wine

Wendy Petersen, a trailblazer in the South African wine industry, spent nearly three decades working towards the empowerment of black women in the industry and transforming communities. She spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about her determination to make a difference and push boundaries.

New cold storage facility strengthens logistics in the Eastern Cape

Commercial Cold Holdings (CCH) officially launched its Greenbushes facility in Gqeberha on 5 December, marking a pivotal moment for the Eastern Cape’s agricultural and logistics sectors.

Difficulty of fighting fires in mountainous regions

The recent fires in Mitchell’s Pass in the Western Cape have brought attention to the unique challenges faced by firefighters in mountainous regions.

The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production

Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.

Citrus industry faces hurdles as export volumes fall

South Africa’s citrus industry experienced an unexpected dip in export volumes this year, presenting growers with significant challenges related to climate, market demands, and logistics. The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) has stepped in to address these issues, supporting farmers as they navigate a tough season.