Rural insight

A conversation with the author of a fascinating new book on Zimbabwe's commercial farmers.

Getting beyond appearances in the strikelands of the Western Cape.

Government is increasingly calling for public and private collaboration to facilitate development in South Africa’s agricultural sectors. Stakeholders in a KwaZulu-Natal sugar cane growing co-operative have taken this call to heart.

Getting beyond appearances in the strikelands of the Western Cape

Foodcorp (Pty) Ltd has invested more than R46 million in Ouma Rusks so that the South African delight will continue to be produced on the very same farm where it was first baked by farmer’s wife and entrepreneur Elizabeth Anne Greyvensteyn way back in 1939.

With the support of a handful of visionary farmers, a sharp young man is cutting a path for himself in the commercial dairy world. Robyn Joubert reports.

Marieta Groenewald from Clocolan in the Free State is driven by her passion for children. She believes the future of our country lies in the hands of the younger generations. In her quest to afford destitute children, love, dignity and support, she founded two children’s homes, among others, in the town. Annelie Coleman reports.

The construction of bridges on the Eastern Frontier during the late 19th century contributed greatly to controlling newly conquered chunks of Xhosaland. Mike Burgess visited a number of bridges designed by legendary British engineer and bridge builder Joseph Newey and spoke to consulting engineer and author Dennis Walters about Newey’s legacy.

An indigenous sheep breeding project – backed by Land Bank and the University of Zululand – is helping to fight rural poverty while preserving a part of the Zulu heritage. Peter Mashala reports.

A farm worker development initiative in Villiersdorp is changing lives and helping farmers and farm workers form better relationships. Denene Erasmus spoke to Shine’s project manager, Izel Botha, to find out more about the work they are doing.

One doesn’t have to run a big farming operation in order to become a mentor to other farmers. Small-scale farmer Nixon Tenza believes that it is better to give than to receive and is putting his beliefs into practice. Lloyd Phillips reports.

In Zimbabwe for much of the 20th Century, the ‘sports club’ was at the heart of social life. I spent much of my childhood on the cricket pitch and clay tennis courts of Norton Country Club, about 40km south-east of Harare.