Opinion

Poor mobile signal in 2026 isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. Mines, hospitals, and hotels face safety, clinical, and revenue risks, while proactive organisations stay in control with reliable connectivity.

For 2026, Farmer’s Weekly will be focusing on the overarching theme of artificial intelligence and technology, and the importance of this in sustainable and long-term farming.

Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute is the oldest agricultural college in South Africa, with a history spanning 128 years.

Young farmers in South Africa need broad skillsets to succeed in an evolving agriculture sector and help address its skills shortage, says Shaun Welmans, chief operating officer of Agri Skills Transfer, as he unpacks common misconceptions and career pathways.

2026 has finally dawned upon us, and as the farming calendar turns and we close the books on another challenging, yet ultimately fruitful year, it is time to look forward to what this year may bring.

Since the implementation of the Firearms Control Act of 2000, legislation has given South Africans a clear framework for owning, storing and operating firearms. However, the use of a firearm for self-defence and farm safety can put farmers at risk if legal bounds are overstepped. Henning Naudé reports on the process of becoming a licensed firearm owner and the use of a firearm for protection.

It always amazes me when we reach the end of the year at just how quickly the months pass. The adage that time seems to go faster the older you get certainly seems to be true!

Few symbols of Christmas are as instantly recognisable as the red-and-white figure of Father Christmas and his flying reindeer bounding across a snowy northern sky.

Strong cell phone signal that lets you make clear calls and enjoy high-speed data is becoming increasingly rare, for several reasons.

Shows can be a daunting prospect for newcomers to the showing world. While they offer an ideal opportunity for their animals to be evaluated by professionals in the industry, having their animals formally judged can be nerve-racking. Willemien Pieterse, a show judge and independent cattle inspector, spoke to Janine Ryan about what she looks for when judging cattle in the show ring.

From opening new global markets and modernising agricultural regulation to strengthening biosecurity and farmer support, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen reflects on a pivotal year for South African agriculture.

Cedara College of Agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal, a training institute and research station, was established in 1905 on 1 542ha of land bought by the then-Natal government.

Honey adulteration has become one of the most widespread food-fraud problems globally – and South Africa is far from immune. Prof Robin Crewe and Jan Steenkamp spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this growing threat to consumers, beekeepers, and the future of the honey industry.

No mine can afford poor mobile signal underground. When communication stops, operations slow, safety risks rise, and productivity drops.

Farming group ZZ2 has embraced technology to streamline farming practices and systems to maximise efficiency. Martin Jansen, chief information officer at ZZ2, shares the company’s approach to technological innovation, offering advice on how businesses can implement their own successful strategies.

Weak mobile reception isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a silent barrier that slows productivity, disrupts business, and disconnects people from the world they rely on. Behind every strong and reliable signal lies a single, often underestimated component: the antenna.

Broll Auctions and Sales focuses on auctions and private treaty sales of real estate across South Africa, with expertise in commercial and industrial properties, retail and mixed-use developments, farms and agricultural estates, and more.

Experiencing your first livestock auction can be intimidating. The energy is high and the auctioneer’s chant can be confusing. Auctioneers Vincent Pike and Jan Mostert share tips on reading catalogues and understanding key terms to help you bid confidently.

Zimbabwean farmer Dan Burger is involved in 13 joint farming ventures with beneficiaries of that country's land reform programme, an initiative the government is championing to address the underutilisation of expropriated farms.

Lucia Zinzi Ndlala’s path into agriculture began as a quiet childhood curiosity in her Kamhlushwa garden, watching her mother plant, tend, and harvest. That early spark grew into a career rooted in science, meaningful impact, and dedicated mentorship.