Staff Reporter
Hotel Verde stays eco-friendly, guest experience keeps getting better
Brian Berkman says Africa's greenest hotel shows how eco-conscious stays can also offer excellent value. Voted by the Green Building Council South Africa as Africa's greenest hotel, Hotel Verde in Cape Town, Western Cape, recycles more than 90% of its waste. And in June this year, it was named Africa's Leading Green Hotel in the World Travel Awards.
Grain exporters look to capitalise on rail privatisation
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently announced that 11 private rail operators had successfully bid for rail slots on Transnet’s network. Grain value chain players are already looking at ways to transport surplus grain earmarked for export from the interior to Durban by train.
Willemien Pieterse on life as a cattle inspector and show judge
Independent cattle inspector and show judge Willemien Pieterse has built a career around her lifelong passion for cattle.
Critics say draft live export regulations ‘greenwash’ animal suffering
Government’s draft regulations for the export of live animals by sea have sparked sharp criticism from animal welfare groups, who argue the measures will do little to protect livestock and instead entrench cruelty in law.
Grootfontein College of Agriculture: shaping future agri-entrepreneurs
In this first article in Farmer’s Weekly’s series on agricultural training institutions in South Africa, we look at Grootfontein College of Agriculture. This Eastern Cape institution has a strong focus on the sheep and goat farming industries.
Pullman Cape Town City Centre adapts to modern travel demands
Brian Berkman visited the Accor Hotel Group’s first Pullman-branded hotel in South Africa, formerly a Radisson Blu, and found that subtle changes enhanced the guest experience.
How aardvark burrows could unite farming and conservation
For many farmers, conservation has long felt like a trade-off, as more land for wildlife often means less land for crops or grazing. But new research from the University of Pretoria shows agriculture and conservation can coexist.
Higher meat and vegetable prices push food inflation up
Headline consumer inflation climbed to 3,5% in July, up from 3,0% the previous month. This was its highest rate since September 2024, when it was 3,8%, Statistics South Africa reported.
How to set up a small-scale hydroponic vegetable farm
Hydroponic production offers an alternative for small-scale vegetable growers who without access to arable land or sufficient space. While upfront costs tend to be high, hydroponic farming can be a lucrative venture if approached and implemented carefully.
Ultimate Braai Festival 2025 turns up the heat
Dubbed the event with ‘fire, flavour and famous faces’, South Africans can get ready for a two-day celebration of spring, and everything proudly local, at the Ultimate Braai Festival 2025.
Meet the woman taking livestock auctions across borders
Martenique Scott from Namibia never planned on hosting auctions. Starting out in the game industry, she soon found herself trading rhinos, giraffes, and livestock across borders.
Getting started with lettuce
Lettuce has a relatively short growth cycle and can be harvested multiple times a year, providing farmers with a consistent income stream. However, successful production depends on careful cultivar selection, temperature and soil moisture management, and tackling seasonal challenges.
A Wes Anderson-inspired sanctuary in the heart of Cape Town
Why settle for The Grand Budapest Hotel when you can stay at The Trade Boutique Hotel instead? Brian Berkman discovers a delightful hotel in the Cape Town CBD inspired by the set of the classic film.
Lessons from the money winners of the SA Invitational Pigeon Race
The South Africa Invitational Pigeon Race (SAIPR) brings together pigeon fanciers from across the country to compete in a unique One Loft series. The article looks at how the races work, entry rules, the Challenge Race, and tips for breeding and training top-performing pigeons.
More to game viewers than meets the eye
Sustained by tourists’ strong foreign currencies, South Africa’s game lodge industry offers opportunities, such as converting standard vehicles into game viewers.
Steenhuisen warns Tshwane to fix market services after court ruling
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has warned that his department will closely monitor the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s compliance with a high court order to supply the Tshwane Market with municipal services.
Agriculture sector sheds 24 000 jobs during second quarter
Agriculture was among the hardest-hit sectors in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025’s employment statistics, placing joint second for the most jobs lost between 1 April to 30 June compared with the first quarter of the year.
Suspected African swine fever in Bredasdorp raises fears for local farmers
A suspected outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, has resulted in the deaths of 330 pigs as of 11 August, and authorities are struggling to enforce strict quarantine measures.
South Africa’s apple cultivars and new contenders
South Africa produces a wide range of apple cultivars, from export staples like Golden Delicious and Granny Smith to sweet varieties preferred across the continent. New cultivars are also gaining ground, attracting interest from farmers and consumers.
Customs’ need for hard-copy vet certificates delays poultry imports
With the import ban on Brazilian poultry lifted, South African importers are appealing to border authorities to embrace the digital age to speed up customs procedures.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
