Opinion

In a recent food rescue operation, SA Harvest drew on its relationships with Dutoit Agri and logistics companies to ensure that nutritious food reached those who needed it, writes Ozzy Nel, the company’s COO.

Early in the year it was indicated in this column that 2024 would be important among other things for the fact that half of the world’s population would hold elections.

The Farmers Weekly team reflects on 2024 and sends heartfelt wishes to our readers for a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year ahead.

While the optimism over South Africa’s electricity supply is refreshing, it may be misguided, even if well-intentioned, say Mzukisi Kota, Lubumba Kamukwamba and Kelly-Rain Green of Webber Wentzel.

Wendy Petersen, a trailblazer in the South African wine industry, spent nearly three decades working towards the empowerment of black women in the industry and transforming communities. She spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about her determination to make a difference and push boundaries.

Land Bank recently emerged from a four-year period of default. Themba Rikhotso, CEO of Land Bank, spoke to Glenneis Kriel at Nampo Cape about what lies ahead for the bank.

In an increasingly digital world, data is as much an asset as physical resources are. As applications develop, the need to collect mass data to provide personalised solutions is becoming more prevalent. This leaves producers with an uneasy choice of whether or not to share data. Feroz Sheikh, chief information and digital officer at Syngenta, spoke to Lindi Botha about why farmers should share their data, and how to do so safely.

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe recently announced his department’s plans to conduct the first major seismic survey in 50 years in the south-central Karoo. Prof Raymond Durrheim, Emeritus Professor in the School of Geosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, spoke to Annelie Coleman about this announcement and the possibility of fracking in the area.

South Africa’s Employment Equity and Skills Development acts lay the foundation for an inclusive workplace that is prepared for future growth, writes Anton Visser, Group COO of SA Business School.

A ground-breaking programme is addressing gender-based violence in South Africa’s rural communities and empowering young men to fight harmful stereotypes.

South Africa is hindered by insufficient and incoherent policies regarding disaster relief for farmers, say Dr Theo de Jager and Francois Rossouw of Saai. A solid policy on disaster relief is needed to support farmers, including those recently been affected by the devastating fires that swept across several provinces.

The Fairtrade movement was one of the first to focus on social and ethical trading. Paul Colditz, commercial director at Fairtrade Africa, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the opportunities and challenges Fairtrade faces.