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The Retirement Collection by Devmark Property Group

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From the West Coast to the South Coast – Where would you like to spend your golden years?

South Africa’s top retirement destination, the beautiful Western Cape, boasts nine Devmark estates designed to give you total peace of mind.

“Enjoy a secure and fulfilling retirement in our estates offered by the Retirement Collection, which includes: Launching soon – De Zwartland Manor, Malmesbury; Langebaan Manor, Langebaan; Helderberg Manor, Somerset West; Imhoff Manor, Kommetjie, and The Plettenberg Manor, Plettenberg Bay.”

With features including state-of-the-art security, clubhouse, library, gym and more, residents enjoy convenience and beautiful scenery in a vibrant retirement community.

The Retirement Collection offers different options from Assisted Living Suites, Luxury Apartments and Luxury Homes selling from R1 009 000.

Fall in love with your retirement and discover a life worth living!

For more information visit www.retirementcollection.co.za

NAMPO CAPE 2023 – The Future of Agriculture

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Mark your calendars for a captivating experience in Bredasdorp from 13 – 16 September 2023, as the annual NAMPO Cape Expo takes centre stage. Organized by Grain SA and Bredasdorp Park NPC, this event will unfold at Bredasdorp Park and is set to be a hub of agricultural innovation and discussion.

The NAMPO Cape Expo is renowned for its dynamic range of offerings, featuring the latest agricultural equipment, livestock showcases, cutting-edge technology, innovations, and comprehensive discussions on important agricultural matters. What truly sets this expo apart is its distinctive practical demonstrations of machinery and implements, providing an immersive and unparalleled experience for attendees.

Under the theme ‘Green Energy Revolution,’ NAMPO Cape 2023 will spotlight the advancements in the green energy sector. Visitors can expect an array of state-of-the-art technologies in the green energy field, presenting promising solutions to address energy challenges.

Exciting developments await this year, with Bredasdorp Park Chairman, Henk Aggenbach, announcing the addition of 60 new exhibition spaces. Additionally, a fresh food and coffee stall will be introduced in the Vloermol Hall, while breed exhibitions will transition from the Voermol Hall to the livestock tent. Notably, 10 new stands will accommodate outside exhibitors adjacent to the Shell Hall. The dining experience is also being improved, with new food stalls joining the existing options.

Nampo 2023 Programme

Irrespective of your background in agriculture – whether you’re a commercial farmer, a mega farmer, a small farmer, or simply someone interested by the agricultural sector – NAMPO Cape offers a platform for learning and growth. The event is a treasure trove of experiences, ranging from the Cape Schools Program, Nation in Conversation discussions, Food for Manzi discussions, Equestrian Shows, Breeding Exhibitions, and the Women’s program, to the Festival of Flowers, Honey Show, and much more.

Cape Schools Program | Daily | WC Department of Agriculture Tent

The NAMPO Cape Schools Program, launched in 2022, is a highlight, providing 300 learners from schools that offer agriculture as a subject the opportunity to learn in the classroom with practical experiences that supports the curriculum.

Nation in Conversation | 13 – 14 September | Santam Auditorium First Floor

The Nation in Conversation sessions, led by Theo Vorster and Anlie Hatting, will foster discussions on relevant agricultural subjects, spanning topics like trade relations, canola industry growth, power generation progress, and challenges within the sheep industry’s value chain.

Equestrian Shows | Daily | Fuchs Arena

Daily equestrian shows will grace the Fuchs Arena. A highlight will be the daily performances by the famous South African Lippizaners. These white stallions will mesmerize visitors with their breathtaking movements.

Other performances include the Horse Breed Parade, Fusion Horsemanship Demonstrations of horse training techniques.

Griffins Horse Archery will perform archery demonstrations. The Overberg Pony Club will also offer pony rides for the youth.

Food for Manzi | 13 September | WC Department of Agriculture Tent

Discover the insights and strategies that empower the next generation of farmers at the “Food for Manzi” discussions. These enlightening discussions will provide valuable knowledge and resources to pave the way for their success.

Breeding Exhibitions | 13 – 14 September | Land Bank Livestock Tent

Step into the world of livestock excellence where breeding exhibitions will captivate attendees. These exhibitions will showcase a diverse array of breeds, finishing with the Meat Merino Top 10 competition.

Women’s program | 13 – 15 September | Distinctive Choice Tent

The women’s program with Mynhardt Joubert, Willem Botha, and Jak de Priester promises to be a feast of tempting food, beauty secrets, and charming music.

The NAMPO Cape walk-in beauty salon was a big hit in 2022 and will once again offer an opportunity where women can relax and enjoy the treatment of their choice, while the men enjoy the latest agricultural technology.

Festival of flowers & Honey Show | Neptun Hall

This year’s theme is “Where two oceans meet in the octopus’s garden depicting marine life with flowers. Visitors can enjoy the Overberg fynbos, displayed in a natural way.

The Honey Show will focus on the Cape honeybee including photograpy, honey, competitions and honey & honeywine tastings.

Museum tent

Another new attraction at NAMPO Cape is a dedicated museum tent where 19 of the Western Cape museums will have exhibitions. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience demonstrations of activities from the “Days Gone By,” such as bread baking and many more.

Children

While you engage in interesting discussions and activities, rest assured that your children aged 3-12 will have a fantastic time under the supervision of dedicated staff at the Khula Corner in the Play Park Area, featuring the following activities: jungle gym, face paint, sand art, arts and crafts, entertainment and more. The Overberg Pony Club will also offer pony rides for the youth.

The NAMPO Cape Expo 2023 promises an unparalleled experience for attendees, bridging the gap between cutting-edge agricultural innovations and insightful discussions.

From empowering new-era farmers to showcasing livestock excellence, this event encourages growth, knowledge, and connections within the dynamic world of agriculture.

Other exciting attractions include the Overberg Regional Youth Show and the Water Wise Centre for Hydroponic/Aquaponic farming insights.

NAMPO Cape 2023 App

To stay informed and organized, don’t miss out on the NAMPO Cape 2023 App, available for both Android on the Play Store and iOS on the App Store. This app empowers attendees to curate their own event schedules, ensuring they make the most of every performance, demonstration, and discussion.

Tickets available via www.ticketpros.co.za

For more information visit www.grainsa.co.za

Sri Lanka – Pearl of the Indian Ocean

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“This paradise invites you to uncover its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. From its tropical coasts, adorned with ivory beaches and lush greenery, to the cool highlands featuring rolling hills, tea estates and forests.

The island boasts a proud Buddhist heritage interwoven into modern life and relics from antiquity. Ancient sites like Pollonaruwa, once a capital city, showcase grand stupas and monumental Buddhas that reflect a history spanning over 3,000 years.

The mystique of Sigiriya unveils a citadel atop Lion Rock, adorned with 1,500-year-old paintings of alluring Cloud Maidens and a polished Mirror Wall.

From the painted cave temples of Dambulla we journey to the highlands around Kandy, a scenic city in the mountains and the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic.

A picturesque train ride offers panoramic views as you wind through tea plantations and forests, reaching Nuwara Eliya, or “Little England” with English-style cottages and gardens.

Yala National Park on the southern coast blends forests, savannah, and lagoons kissed by the Indian Ocean. Notably, its history is tied to South Africa through its founder-warden, Henry Engelbrecht, an Anglo-Boer War POW.

Galle, on the southwestern shores, harmonizes history with beauty through the magnificent Galle Fort, representing Sri Lanka’s colonial past, enriched by Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence.

Sri Lanka, once known as Serendip and then Ceylon, offers surprises beyond imagination, captivating even seasoned travellers. Join TE Tours in January 2024 for this enchanting journey… serendipity indeed.”

For more information visit Club Travel (AA) Tyger Valley Centre

Tel: 021 914 2265 [email protected]

or visit www.smallgrouptours.co.za

Windaba 2023 – Powering Hope and Progress for South Africa’s Energy Future

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In the midst of a severe energy crisis marked by loadshedding, a beacon of hope emerges on the horizon – Windaba 2023. Organizers of this important event are sounding the alarm for immediate action. Scheduled from October 3rd to 5th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Windaba 2023 is set to convene local experts and global authorities with the aim to outline a viable course towards a sustainable energy supply for South Africa.

Backed by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and endorsed by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Windaba stands as a strategic pivot, refocusing attention on the remarkable potential of wind power to alleviate the staggering toll of loadshedding.

Delegates will dive deep into the theme, ‘Beyond the Turbines’. The goal is to harness wind energy’s full potential in addressing the trio of crises currently troubling South Africa: energy scarcity, climate concerns, and societal consequences.

Addressing the urgency, Niveshen Govender, CEO of SAWEA, states, “ The energy crisis we find ourselves in has been 15 years in the making, but we do not have 15 years to resolve the energy issues facing the country, to combat loadshedding and meet our climate obligations.”

In a recent revelation, SAWEA disclosed findings from the Renewable Energy Grid Survey.

This comprehensive survey outlines an impressive pipeline of nearly 30GW of wind projects in development. If materialized, these projects have the potential to significantly alleviate the ongoing energy crisis.

Govender’s ambition is clear: “Our ambition is for South Africa’s wind power industry to thrive as we pursue a common goal of harnessing the natural resource in a bid to deliver secure energy for South Africa. This will only be achieved through innovative thinking, a spirit of collaboration – across the renewables industry, government and private sector.” Together through the Windaba Conference, attendees will gain first-hand access to experts and industry leaders who will share their thoughts on how wind will play a central role in delivering energy security to South Africa.

As the energy crisis looms, Windaba 2023 emerges as a lighthouse of hope, illuminating a path towards a sustainable energy future.

Your Ford deserves nothing but the best at Kelfords Ford Somerset West

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Nestled within the picturesque Helderberg basin lies Kelfords Ford Somerset West – an esteemed, family-owned Ford dealership that specialises hundred percent in FORD products.

With their commitment to delivering top-notch Ford products, genuine parts, and elevated servicing, Kelfords has cemented itself as a distinctive player in the motor industry.

At the heart of Kelfords Ford’s success is their exceptional service team. Their dedication lies in not only satisfying customers, but in creating an experience that remains unparalleled elsewhere. Kelfords Ford goes above and beyond to ensure client retention, making each interaction a testament to their commitment to excellence.

When you choose Kelfords Ford Somerset West for your servicing needs, you’re in for a treat. Their comprehensive range of services includes the convenient express lane option, Saturday servicing, hassle-free tire and battery replacements, Ford License renewal, and the added luxury of an in-house barrister coffee shop with free Wi-Fi.

Embracing innovation, Kelfords has adopted a paperless approach, contributing to a sustainable and efficient service experience. And as you step into their establishment, you’ll be greeted by a multitude of smiling faces, eager to make your experience unforgettable.

Join a team that not only understands your needs, but genuinely cares for both you and your beloved Ford vehicle.

For more information visit www.kelfords.co.za

Triumph and Unity The Resounding Success of the 2023 George Agricultural Show

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The George Agricultural Show, which took place from 24 – 26 August 2023 in George, was a celebration of agriculture, community, and entertainment.

The event featured a diverse and high-quality program, comprising world-class competitions, a wide range of attractions, and captivating performances.

The primary objective of the show was to promote agriculture and to serve the local community of George. However, the George Agricultural Show isn’t confined to merely farming; it represents a celebration of community spirit and cultural diversity.

A standout highlight of this year’s show was the much-anticipated Tent Pegging World Cup. Skilled equestrians from across the globe gathered to showcase their expertise in this exhilarating sport. The Tent Pegging World Cup not only significantly boosted George’s sports tourism sector, but also generated a substantial economic impact in the area.

The event prominently featured three prestigious National Dairy Championships – focusing on the Jersey, Holstein Friesian, and Ayrshire breeds. These championships provided breeders and enthusiasts a platform to exhibit their finest dairy cattle. Remarkably, this was the first instance in 10 years when all three SA Dairy Championships were held at the same time. Additionally, a successful Jersey Genetics Auction also took place.

George Agricultural Show

Visitors commended the impressive displays of poultry, sheep, goats, and livestock. Notably, Boerbokke (a specific breed of goat) made their debut at the show, drawing considerable attention.   The Youth Show and Young Auctioneer Competition weren’t just sources of entertainment; they also served to inspire the upcoming generation of agricultural leaders.

The event showcased industrial exhibits, with over 140 stalls offering a diverse array of products and services. The sports festival, featuring activities such as Boxing, Kick Boxing, Tug of War, Padel Tennis, and Tent Pegging, catered to sports enthusiasts. The entertainment lineup included performances by well-known artists, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The George Agricultural Show is affiliated with Agri Expo, a key partner and sponsor of the event, alongside George Municipality, George Tourism, the Department of Agriculture and numerous others. Their unwavering support of the sponsors reflects their commitment to advancing agriculture and promoting community connections within the region.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Corne Botha, President of the George Agricultural Show, expressed, “It was a significant show, and our Executive Committee takes immense pride in the 2023 edition we’ve organised.”

Young Farmers Gain Valuable Insights at Woolworths Waterstone

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Sixteen aspiring young farmer interns from the Living Soils Community Learning farm in Lynedoch, Stellenbosch, recently took a break from their farming studies to immerse themselves in the world of retail. This unique opportunity saw the interns spending a week at Woolworths’ flagship Waterstone store, where they delved into the intricacies of the food supply chain and customer service.

Each intern was paired with a dedicated mentor from the Woolworths team, who guided them through the various aspects of a successful retail operation. This comprehensive experience covered customer service, understanding food chain disciplines, and the importance of stock availability.

“The purpose of this immersive week at our store was to expose young farmers to the retail side of the food supply chain, complementing their overall learning experience at the Living Soils Community Learning Farm,” explained Ismail Arnold, Store Manager at Woolworths Waterstone. “Recognising that not all young farmers may choose a career solely in primary agriculture, we wanted to offer them an alternative pathway by inviting them to step into some aspects of the food value chain and our ‘retail world’”.

The Living Soils Community Learning Farm, a partnership project between Woolworths, Spier and the Sustainability Institute, aims to address food security, climate change, soil and biodiversity loss, poverty and unemployment, and agriculture inclusivity in South Africa.  The project forms part of Woolworths’ Inclusive Justice Initiative, one of the pillars of the company’s Good Business Journey and commitment to care for the environment, people, and communities.

Each year, a new group of young farmers, who are completing their diplomas in agriculture, join the farm as interns where they gain hands-on experience in regenerative agricultural practices as well as participate in a skills development plan, which tackles work readiness skills, problem solving, and people management to help equip them for potential employment in array of opportunities in the agricultural value chain.  By bridging the gap between farming and retail, the collaboration provides invaluable insights and potential career opportunities for young farmers. With a comprehensive understanding of the entire food supply chain, these interns are equipped to make informed choices about their future endeavours, be it in farming or the retail industry.

Wellington Wines Claims Top Honours at the 2023 SA Young Wine Show

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A wooded Cabernet Sauvignon from Wellington Wines secures the General Smuts Trophy as the top SA Champion Wine of 2023, also claiming the title of the country’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon at the SA Young Wine Show. Wellington Wines previously captured the General Smuts Trophy in 2018 with a wooded Pinotage, achieving a remarkable feat this year by also earning the Pietman Hugo Trophy.

This annual show for wines of the current vintage year is presented by the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) in collaboration with Agri-Expo.  On 25 August 2023, the competition unveiled its impressive array of trophies during a prestigious dinner held in Paarl, hosted by the Paarl Young Wine Show. A total of 44 wines achieved Class Winner status, and 79 received Gold Medals. Despite the challenges posed by rainy weather in the latter stages of the harvest, the judges were particularly impressed by the quality of the 2023 wines.

In terms of overall results, Wellington Wines achieved an additional significant milestone by securing four Champion Red Wine titles in addition to the General Smuts and Pietman Hugo Trophies. Van Loveren Family Vineyards stands as the sole cellar to win two champion wines.

Paarl emerged as the leading wine region with seven National Trophies, followed by Robertson with four, Klein Karoo and Stellenbosch with two each, and Breedekloof and Orange River with one each. Two of Wellington Wines’ winemakers, recipients of the General Smuts and Pietman Hugo Trophies, are set to enjoy a sponsored six-day overseas trip.

The trip includes visits to a renowned fermentation company and filtration plant in Germany, along with several local wine cellars.

Transforming South African Wool Industry through Innovation and Collaboration

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The inaugural WoolCycle event, organized by Cape Wools SA, took place earlier this year in Cape Town. It brought together key stakeholders from across South Africa to engage in discussions about the challenges and opportunities within the wool value chain. The purpose of these discussions was to explore the potential of establishing a strong wool industry in South Africa that promotes sustainability, inclusivity, ethical practices, and meets the demands of responsible consumers.

Leading the discussions was Jackie May, the founder of the online platform Twyg. Through this platform, she focuses on sustainable living and creates content, exhibitions, campaigns, storytelling projects, and events aimed at inspiring positive change. The roster of speakers featured established designers, buyers/processors, spinners, weavers, retailers, and vertical brands.

During the event, a diverse range of topics were covered, such as exploring strategies to tackle issues in the South African wool value chain, promoting the creation of sustainable and circular South African products, amplifying the value of South African designers by showcasing the unique, traceable, and eco-friendly attributes of South African wool, broadening the reach of South African consumers, and creating a supportive environment for local designers and manufacturers by commercial spinners.

In terms of future direction, the goal is to revolutionize the South African natural fibre industries by nurturing innovation, encouraging creativity, and promoting seamless collaboration across the entire wool value chain.

Regenerative farming and sustainability the heart of Stellenzicht’s farming philosophy

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Stellenzicht is situated on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain, just outside of Stellenbosch. The property came under private ownership in 2017 which saw a young and dynamic team take over the reins under the lead of wine-maker, L’Ré Hughes and viticulturist, Nico Nortje. The team wants to protect the farm’s natural resources through regenerative farming practices. This journey started by working closely with industry leaders to establish an extensive replanting program to establish the correct varieties and rootstocks for the various soils and terroir on the property. The property’s focus immediately changed to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cinsault and Chardonnay.

Regenerative farming practices which were put in place included an extensive compost program to reduce the use of artificial fertilizers, decreasing tillage of soils to promote a healthy soil biome, especially in the young blocks where fine root development is essential as well as improving the water requirements in the vineyard. Another important piece of the puzzle was planting cover crops as a natural weed suppressant as well as selecting the right cover crop for each vineyard to address any nutrient requirements. “We focus on encouraging a self-regulating ecosystem of natural predators for vineyard prey and pests by establishing fynbos corridors between vineyard blocks.”

All the attention to detail paid off and within the first 4 years the team started reaping the rewards of their efforts. Natural fauna and flora returned to the property in abundance and the quality of the grapes increased exponentially with each passing year. Nortje commented: “We truly believe that regenerative farming is the way forward, and the past 5 years have been proof that you can farm a premium product, while taking care of nature.”

The winery was also updated with the latest equipment and technology to ensure that the harvested grapes could be nurtured during the winemaking process, but according the winemaker, L’Ré Hughes, the biggest focused stays in the vineyards.  “All great wines start in the vineyards, and to us it was super important to understand these vineyards, apply the best practices to achieve exceptional quality grapes, all while being very aware of our impact on mother nature.”

As a member of the Porto Protocol, they are very aware of their carbon footprint. The installation of their solar farm in 2022 was the natural next step in securing alternative energy sources, while lowering their demand on the traditional grid.

This ongoing effort and drive towards balance and excellence is embodied in the brand’s logo consisting of a dragonfly intertwined with the SZ of Stellenzicht. Dragonflies are a great bioindicator of health in an ecosystem. The team notes that the logo is their constant reminder of where they are heading. Creating balanced wines from nature in balance. A consistent pursuit of balance.

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