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.
Efforts to contain foot-and-mouth disease in KZN intensify
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to pose a significant challenge in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), affecting communal dip tanks, small farms, and game reserves.
Sugar tax: weighing health benefits against economic costs
The Health Promotion Levy (HPL), commonly referred to as South Africa’s sugar tax, was introduced in 2018 as part of an effort to reduce rising rates of non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation: a local company’s solutions to decline in bees
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
SA unlikely to be hit by major locust outbreak
South Africa’s agricultural regions are not expected to see a significant locust outbreak this season, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager at CropLife South Africa.
Sorghum: boosting rural economies and enhancing soil health
Sorghum can transform rural economies by boosting food security, supporting local processing, and enhancing soil health. Nate Blum, CEO of Sorghum United, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the potential of this drought-resistant grain.
SA strengthens measures to control foot-and-mouth disease
South Africa’s agriculture sector is ramping up biosecurity measures to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in affected provinces, with North West, Free State, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga implementing targeted testing and movement controls.
Record 2 304 wildfire incidents call for strong intervention
The 2024 wildfire season has officially become the worst in South Africa in the past eight years, with the Working on Fire-Kishugu joint venture having responded to an unprecedented 2 304 wildfire incidents by 21 October.
Eastern Cape launches R80 million cropping programme
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) launched a large-scale cropping programme in Ngxakaxha village, Mbhashe Local Municipality, on Wednesday. The initiative is part of broader efforts to tackle poverty in the province.
Living in a smart agri village
Octavia Avesca Spandiel visited Crossways Farm Village, South Africa’s first contemporary new rural town and smart village near Gqeberha, showcasing its focus on community, conservation, and agriculture.
SA egg industry celebrates World Egg Day amid bird flu challenges
The South African egg industry joins the global celebration of World Egg Day on 11 October, highlighting the essential role that eggs play in both nutrition and economic sustainability.
Strategies for effective grassland restoration
Grassland restoration is crucial for ecosystem health. Frits van Oudtshoorn, a pasture consultant and agricultural/environmental trainer, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about effective methods, key challenges, and the role of native plants and proper grazing management in successful restoration projects.
Farmers urged to plan to mitigate hot summer ahead
Summer has always been a pivotal season for farmers, but with the rising intensity of heatwaves due to climate change, its impact on agriculture is becoming even more pronounced.
SASA outlines progress and next steps for Sugarcane Master Plan
The South African Sugar Association (SASA) hosted its annual media event from 26 to 27 September at the Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town. The organisation provided an update on the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030, focusing on progress in phase one and the way forward for phase two.
Debt restructuring marks key milestone in Land Bank’s recovery
Land Bank has announced the successful conclusion of its debt restructuring solution, marking a critical step in its financial recovery.
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Agri 5 Expo points emerging farmers to smart farming solutions
The Agri5 Expo recently brought together over 5 000 farmers in East London to explore innovative farming solutions and smart agriculture practices.
Eastern Cape’s agricultural potential sparks industry optimism
Industry leaders and government officials recently came together at the Eastern Cape Export Symposium to discuss the challenges and opportunities that could shape the future of agricultural exports.
Mpumalanga farm builds water-based solar plant
Radley Landgoed, a 1 900ha family-owned farm near Malelane in Mpumalanga, has constructed a large-scale water-based solar plant, marking a significant innovation in the agricultural sector's approach to renewable energy.
Finding ways to strengthen SA exports to Europe
With global markets shifting towards sustainability, the Eastern Cape Export Symposium spotlighted how the European Union (EU) and South Africa’s strategic partnership is opening doors for agricultural innovation and eco-friendly trade practices.
Top-performing Eastern Cape women honoured at entrepreneur awards
On the evening of 15 August 2024, the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform hosted its annual Women Entrepreneur Awards in Gqeberha, where MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe honoured 19 women for their outstanding contributions to the province's economic development and job creation through agriculture.
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