Robyn Joubert

Botswana’s repeated bans on South African fresh produce have raised concerns in the agriculture sector, with industry leaders saying the stop-start restrictions disrupt trade flows and make export planning difficult.

For years, government has come under a steady stream of fire for allowing unprocessed, raw goods to leave South Africa’s shores, only to return as more pricey finished products.

A mother-and-son team is building a reputation for flavoursome ‘open-range’ Pekin ducks. But behind the picture-perfect ideal of ducks preening happily under sprinklers lies many challenges.

The Christmas Fair Fund was started in Stanger by a group of young farmers’ wives 60 years ago – and the organisation has brought hope and upliftment to the region ever since. Robyn Joubert visited them.