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Simonsberg Wine Festival 2025: A Celebration of South Africa’s Finest Wines

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Simonsberg Wine Festival 2025: A Celebration of South Africa’s Finest Wines

Sponsored by RMB, the Simonsberg Wine Festival will take place from  28 to 30 March 2025 at the Plaisir Wine Estate, and is set to be a standout occasion, showcasing the stature and prestige of the Simonsberg and the opportunity to taste over 40 superlative wines from 12 of the best wineries in South Africa.

On Friday, March 28, a maximum of 300 guests will be treated to unlimited wine tastings as well as a food offerings from a sumptuous harvest table. Each producer will present four of their wines at the festival as well as a fifth flagship wine that will only be available for guests at the Friday session.

The wines include:

  • From Thelema: Thelema Sauvignon Blanc 2024; Thelema Chardonnay 2022; Thelema Shiraz 2020; The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. The Friday flagship wine is their Thelema Rabelais 2021.
  • From Quoin Rock: Festive Series Cap Classique; Knorhoek Chenin Blanc; Black Series Chardonnay; White Series Simonsberg Red Blend and their exclusive Friday offering being their Black Series Red Blend 2017.
  • From Tokara: Director’s Reserve Red; Director’s Reserve White; Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon; Premium Collection Cabernet Sauvignon. Flagship wine for the Friday evening session is their Tokara’s Simonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • From Muratie: Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon; Alberta Annemarie Merlot; Laurens Campher Chenin Blanc; Melck’s Blended Red with the Friday flagship wine being their Ansela van de Caab Bordeaux Blend.
  • From McFarlane Wines: Capitoline Wolf White; Capitoline Wolf Rosé; Capitoline Wolf Red; Monday’s Child Chenin Blanc; Tuesday’s Child Cinsault. And their flagship wine  for Friday – Saturday’s Child Pinotage 2023.
  • From Marianne: Desirade 2020, Germinal 2019, Silhouette 2020 and the Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 with the Floreal 2020 chosen by their winemaker to pour on Friday evening.

Other producers who will be showcasing their wines include Anura, Bartinney, Glen Carlou, Neil Joubert, Plaisir and Vuurberg.

The festival will also feature a Bubbly & Gin Garden, a Beer Tent, delicious food offerings (including Zuney wagyu beef burgers, sushi, oysters, pizza and cheese & charcuterie picnic boxes) and live music from top DJ and performer Shen FM.

Tickets available from Webtickets

De Zwartland Manor Premier Retirement Living in Malmesbury

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De Zwartland Manor Premier Retirement Living in Malmesbury

De Zwartland Manor offers an exceptional retirement lifestyle on the northern edge of Malmesbury, with views of the scenic Groot Winterhoek Mountains. Upon completion, the development will feature 90 one- and two-bedroom apartments, designed for comfort and ease with high-quality finishes, perfect for a lock-up-and-go lifestyle.

Part of the larger De Zwartland Werf development, the estate provides convenient access to a retail center, office spaces, residential units, a motor showroom, and a private hospital. Residents can enjoy a modern country lifestyle with everything they need just steps away.

Healthcare is a core feature of De Zwartland Manor, with Crestcare Hospital, operated in partnership with Summit Africa, located within the development. This ensures that residents have access to top-tier medical services, including consultations with specialists, promoting peace of mind and overall well-being.

Priced from R1,673,000, De Zwartland Manor offers a secure, comfortable retirement in a community designed to meet all your needs.

For more information, visit www.dezwartlandmanor.co.za or contact:

Juanita Blaauw | [email protected] | 082 438 1369 

 

Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025 Set for CTICC

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Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025 Set for CTICC

The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 28-30 March 2025, building on the success of last year’s event. With over 923 trade registrations already confirmed, participation is expected to exceed expectations.

Strong Industry Response

“The response has been remarkable,” says Warren Hickinbotham, Head of Sponsorship and Partnerships. Several exhibitors, including China Herb, Pegasus, and Go Bamboo, are returning after experiencing significant business growth. A large-scale digital marketing campaign, social media promotions, and industry partnerships have driven strong engagement. A radio campaign on Smile FM and outdoor advertising in February and March will further boost visitor interest.

International Presence & Expanding Categories

The 2025 edition will welcome exhibitors from Cameroon, the UAE, the UK, Kenya, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Germany, Congo, Namibia, Russia, and the Czech Republic, reinforcing its global significance.

Notable product categories include organic textiles such as Turkish textiles, organic cotton, and mohair, as well as green nutrition and acupuncture. These will be featured alongside established categories such as health, home, beauty, food and beverages, lifestyle, and baby and kids’ products.

Empowering SMEs

The SME Showcase Pavilion, supported by Standard Bank, will provide small and medium-sized enterprises a valuable platform to introduce their innovative products to trade buyers and consumers. To make participation more accessible for emerging brands, a subsidised trading table concept (R4,250 excl. VAT) has been introduced, generating strong interest. Standard Bank continues to expand its support for SMEs, and other corporates are encouraged to set up their own SME pavilions.

Industry & Government Support

The expo receives strong backing from key industry organisations, including the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition, the Industry and Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, the South African Organic Sector Organisation, Organic Wines South Africa, and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development, among others. Their continued support underscores the growing importance of the organic and natural products sector.

Conference & Networking Opportunities

A structured conference program will provide insights for both businesses and consumers. Topics will include export strategies, financing for organic businesses, and supply chain challenges, while consumer-focused discussions will cover organic nutrition trends, natural skincare benefits, and sustainable living practices. Attendees can also look forward to interactive demonstrations, expert talks, and networking sessions with industry leaders.

Visitors can explore a wide range of organic and natural products, from health and wellness solutions to sustainable textiles, beauty, and food products.

For more information visit Organic & Natural Products Expo Website

CGA 2025 Summit: Citrus Industry Gears Up for Growth Amid Global Challenges

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CGA 2025 Summit: Citrus Industry Gears Up for Growth Amid Global Challenges

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Citrus Summit in Gqeberha on  12–13 March 2025, bringing together over 700 industry leaders, growers, policymakers, and logistics experts to discuss the future of South Africa’s most valuable agricultural export. Under the theme “Tough times don’t last, tough people do,” the summit tackled economic, political, and logistical challenges, while focusing on opportunities for growth in global citrus markets. This year’s summit was particularly significant as it marked the final Congress for long-serving CEO Justin Chadwick, who will retire at the end of March 2025 after 25 years of transformative leadership. Chadwick, regarded as a driving force behind South Africa’s rise as a global citrus powerhouse, was honoured throughout the event for his visionary leadership and relentless industry advocacy. His legacy shaped much of the discussion—a testament to his profound impact on the industry.

Political and Economic Realities

The summit opened with Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, praising citrus as a pillar of rural development and job creation, but warning of risks if the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which facilitates exports to the U.S., is not renewed. Steenhuisen emphasised the need for urgent diplomatic efforts and expanding into new markets in Asia, the Middle East, and India. Frans Cronje addressed South Africa’s prospects to 2029, warning of internal challenges like energy constraints and governance issues, and urging the citrus industry to prepare for global geopolitical shifts that could disrupt trade. Economist Dawie Roodt offered a sobering view of economic headwinds, including currency volatility and inflation, calling for financial resilience and pragmatic planning for the industry to remain competitive.

Market Diversification and Logistics Bottlenecks

Marcos Fava Neves, a leading international agribusiness expert, urged the industry to diversify beyond traditional markets like the EU and USA, highlighting Asia and the Middle East as key growth areas. Eric Imbert (CIRAD) reinforced this need, citing increasing global competition from countries like Egypt and Morocco. Logistics remains a major concern. Michelle Phillips, CEO of Transnet, outlined R3.4 billion in terminal upgrades and the opening of rail networks to private operators, with another R4 billion in investments planned. Thomas Eskesen, a global logistics expert, warned that port inefficiencies cost the citrus sector over R5 billion annually, calling for bold reforms and stronger private-public cooperation.

Technology and Innovation

Anya Jaworski from SAFRESCO demonstrated how AI and predictive modelling can enhance citrus supply chain management, especially in meeting European market demands amid seasonal fluctuations. She stressed the importance of technology in future-proofing South Africa’s citrus competitiveness.

A Vision for Growth

Incoming CGA CEO Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele presented a bold growth strategy, targeting an increase in production from 95 million to 260 million cartons and the creation of 100,000 new jobs by 2032, supported by initiatives like Vision 260 to ensure greater participation of black farmers.

 A Legacy and a Future

The CGA 2025 Summit was a pivotal moment for South Africa’s citrus industry, showcasing resilience and determination to face future challenges. While navigating serious headwinds, the industry is ready to embrace innovation, build partnerships, and secure new markets. As the summit concluded, Justin Chadwick’s name remained central, not just for his farewell, but for a legacy that continues to guide the industry forward.

GSA 2025 Congress: Uncertainty Concludes, Action Takes Root for Grain Producers

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GSA 2025 Congress: Uncertainty Concludes, Action Takes Root for Grain Producers

The Grain SA (GSA) 2025 Congress, held on 12-13 March 2025  at NAMPO Park near Bothaville, concluded, marking the end of two days of heartfelt reflection, critical debate, and strategic planning for South Africa’s grain industry. As producers, policymakers, and stakeholders convened under the banner “From Surviving to Thriving,” several pivotal matters reached their conclusion—through resolution, recognition, or redirection. Here’s what wrapped up at this landmark event.

A Resilient Era Concluded with Celebration and Vision

The congress opened on Day 1 with a prayer and a moment of silence for farmers lost over the past year, setting an emotional tone before Derek Mathews, Grain SA Chairperson, took the stage. His 2020-2025 report, streamed live from NAMPO Park, celebrated 2024’s record grain yields despite drought and recounted a 2022 victory—securing tariff relief amid doubled fertiliser costs. Mathews shared a personal tale of his farm’s flood recovery, concluding a resilient era with a bold 2030 goal: doubling smallholder farmer participation in grain markets. A mid-day panel raised carbon taxes as a rising profitability threat, while Minister John Steenhuisen’s Q&A concluded ambiguity on policy, pledging fixes for water infrastructure and a 50% spike in grain export delays due to port bottlenecks, alongside land expropriation assurances.

Industry Insights 

Day 2 dawned with the launch of the Grain SA Report, a cornerstone moment that concluded months of anticipation. Presented to a packed hall, the report projected a 10% rise in maize production costs for 2025, driven by fuel and fertiliser prices, and flagged climate variability as a looming risk. Producers left armed with data to navigate these challenges, marking the end of speculation and the start of informed action. The report’s unveiling underscored the congress’s shift from survival to strategic thriving, a theme echoed across the day’s sessions.

Commodity Challenges with Practical Steps

Breakaway sessions brought closure to pressing commodity debates. The Winter Grain Session saw wheat producers’ struggles—low yields, tariff disputes, and white wheat retention—conclude as mere grievances, evolving into actionable talks on recalibration and advocacy. The Maize Breakout Session tackled logistics head-on, concluding abstract woes with approvals for 51-ton grain trucks and calls to privatise rail lines and expand ports. These outcomes, grounded in real solutions, bridged the gap between complaint and progress, reflecting the industry’s maturing resolve.

A Gathering  with Recognition and Renewal

The GSA 2025 Congress itself concluded as a vital, fleeting platform, wrapping up with more than just talk. Delegates witnessed the re-election of Derek Mathews as Chairperson, joined by two new vice-chairpersons—including a woman from the Free State—ensuring leadership continuity and fresh voices. An awards ceremony honoured three standout farmers with “Producer of the Year” titles for maize, wheat, and soybeans, celebrating innovation amid adversity. While issues like land policy and infrastructure linger, their airing at NAMPO Park concluded a phase of silence, thrusting them into focus for future action.

As NAMPO Park emptied yesterday, what concluded was not just two days of dialogue but a period of uncertainty, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. From Mathews’ vision to the report’s warnings, from policy pledges to producer accolades, the GSA 2025 Congress closed one chapter and opened another—challenging South Africa’s grain industry to turn conclusions into thriving realities in the year ahead.

Inspired Path Showcases Wesland Boerdery’s Sustainability Efforts

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Inspired Path Showcases Wesland Boerdery’s Sustainability Efforts

In the picturesque farming town of Porterville, a transformation is taking place—one that blends tradition with innovation. Inspired Path, a dynamic video production company known for its storytelling excellence, recently visited Wesland Boerdery to capture the essence of modern farming. Their mission? To showcase the farm’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency, particularly in the face of South Africa’s ongoing energy challenges.

A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Wesland Boerdery, renowned for its multi-generational expertise in table grape farming, has taken a bold step towards energy independence. In collaboration with Electro Africa, a leader in renewable energy solutions, the farm has implemented a state-of-the-art solar power system. Inspired Path’s cameras followed this journey, capturing the impact of renewable energy across key farm operations, from vineyards and packhouses to storage facilities designed to withstand load shedding.

Electro Africa’s cutting-edge energy solutions, including solar panels and high-capacity battery storage, ensure that Wesland Boerdery can operate seamlessly without reliance on an unstable power grid. This transition has not only reduced operational costs, but also enhanced producti-vity by eliminating downtime—critical for maintaining the quality of produce destined for both local and international markets.

The Power of Visual Storytelling

Inspired Path’s visit to Wesland Boerdery goes beyond documenting infrastructure—it tells the story of resilience, adaptation, and progress. The production team captured breathtaking footage of the farm’s lush vineyards, the meticulous sorting process in the packhouse, and the innovative technology powering the facilities. Through interviews with, Wessel van Niekerk (Owner), Benno van Niekerk (Packhouse 3 Manager), and Sakkie Malherbe (Packhouse 1 Manager), as well as energy specialist Anvin Africa, the video highlights the tangible benefits of sustainable farming and the role of clean energy in securing South Africa’s agricultural future.

The Video is Now Live!

This collaboration between Inspired Path, Wesland Boerdery, and Electro Africa exemplifies how technology and storytelling can drive positive change. The final video has now been released, offering an inspiring look at how farms can embrace renewable energy, while maintaining top-tier agricultural standards.

Watch the full video and experience the story, visit  https://youtu.be/sQLLVoPnHEI?si=WN5paXqfadr9GcuT.

 

South Africa Wine Raises Concern Over New Tax Hike on Industry

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South Africa Wine Raises Concern Over New Tax Hike on Industry

South Africa Wine has expressed deep disappointment following the government’s latest budget announcement, describing the new excise tax increase as a damaging blow to one of the country’s most vital agricultural sectors.

Despite “months of intense engagement with the National Treasury,” the organisation says the government has chosen to ignore repeated warnings about the serious consequences of excessive excise hikes. Minister of Finance Enoch Gondwana announced in his national budget speech that excise duties on all alcoholic beverages will increase by 6.75%, a move South Africa Wine says will devastate wine producers, cost jobs, and weaken rural economies.

“This is an irresponsible and short-sighted decision,” South Africa Wine said in a statement. “The government has ignored economic realities and stifled investment, growth, and employment in one of South Africa’s most vital agricultural sectors.”

A Blow to Producers, Jobs, and Competitiveness

The impact on the wine industry is expected to be far-reaching. Small-scale farmers and businesses, many already struggling to survive, now face even greater pressure to keep their doors open. The sector, which supports over 270,000 jobs, will likely experience increased unemployment as producers are forced to cut costs or shut down operations altogether.

South Africa Wine also warns that South African producers are becoming less competitive in international markets. “South African wine is taxed out of the market while competitor nations benefit from more favourable policies,” the organisation said, highlighting concerns that the tax hikes make it harder to compete globally.

In addition, the group predicts that higher excise rates will fuel the growth of illicit trade, as consumers seek cheaper alternatives in the unregulated market. This shift, they argue, will ultimately reduce government revenue, rather than boost it as intended.

Industry Vows to Continue Engagement

South Africa Wine has made it clear that they do not intend to accept the excise increases without response. “We will continue to fight against this unfair tax burden,” they said, vowing to rally industry stakeholders to challenge the government’s policy and advocate for a more balanced and sustainable approach.

The organisation stressed that it will “not back down in ensuring that the wine industry’s contributions to the economy and employment are recognised and protected.”

In a more hopeful note, South Africa Wine welcomed the opportunity to engage with the National Treasury on the proposed taxation of alcoholic beverages, as mentioned during the budget speech. “Your voice matters, and we will continue to fight for it,” they assured industry members and supporters.

South African Table Grapes Get Green Light for Philippines

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South African Table Grapes Get Green Light for Philippines

South Africa’s agricultural sector has achieved a significant milestone with the approval to export fresh table grapes to the Philippines. This breakthrough follows nearly a decade of negotiations, marking an important step in expanding the country’s fruit export markets.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that the Philippine market was officially opened on 26 February 2025, allowing South African producers to begin exporting table grapes to this new destination.

This expansion is crucial for South Africa’s position as a leading global exporter of table grapes, helping to reduce the industry’s reliance on traditional markets. Currently, 55% of South Africa’s table grape exports are sent to the European Union (EU), while 20% go to the United Kingdom (UK). Diversifying into the growing Asian market is expected to strengthen the country’s export resilience and create new commercial opportunities for growers and exporters.

Economic and Employment Boost for the Agricultural Sector

The table grape industry plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and rural economic development. According to industry data, 86,870 seasonal workers and nearly 15,000 permanent employees are supported by the table grape sector.

Steenhuisen highlighted that opening new markets like the Philippines will drive production growth, boost export volumes, and increase the agricultural sector’s contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP). The agriculture sector was a key driver behind South Africa’s 0.6% economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with improved performance in fruits, field crops, and livestock.

The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), which represents growers and exporters, welcomed the announcement as a major achievement for the industry. SATI CEO Mecia Petersen said, “The Philippines presents exciting new opportunities for South African table grape producers. This market access is the result of years of hard work and collaboration between government and the industry.”

Strict Compliance Required for Successful Exports

Although the opening of the Philippine market presents exciting prospects, South African exporters must meet strict phytosanitary and food safety standards to ensure sustained access. Steenhuisen emphasized that all production units and packhouses intending to export must register with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DALRRD) to obtain the necessary compliance codes.

“Producers must follow good agricultural practices, including orchard sanitation, pest management, and strict adherence to phytosanitary requirements, to ensure that South African grapes meet the Philippines’ import standards,” he said.

With South Africa expected to produce over 76 million cartons of table grapes this season, gaining access to the Philippines will help absorb growing supply and expand the industry’s global reach.

This achievement reflects South Africa’s growing reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality fresh produce and underscores the strategic importance of pursuing new markets to support the ongoing growth and sustainability of the country’s agricultural exports.

New MoU with French Region Brings Major Boost for Western Cape Agriculture

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New MoU with French Region Brings Major Boost for Western Cape Agriculture

On 10 March 2025, Premier Alan Winde signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Western Cape Government and France’s Regional Council of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, extending a partnership that has flourished since 2002. This renewed agreement promises significant opportunities for agriculture and other sectors, focusing on economic growth, innovation, and climate resilience.

Agriculture at the Core

From the outset, agriculture has been central to the relationship between the Western Cape and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Both regions share strong agricultural economies, with a focus on wine, fruit, dairy, and livestock production. The renewed MoU reinforces cooperation in agricultural innovation, sustainable farming, and export development, offering Western Cape farmers access to French expertise in climate-smart agriculture and value-added production.

Premier Winde highlighted the importance of such partnerships in uncertain global times, saying, “The Western Cape remains committed to deepening relations with regions that share our priorities. This MoU provides stability and focuses on growing our economy to create jobs.”

Focus on Climate Resilience

A key feature of the MoU is addressing climate change, with a focus on water resilience — a critical concern for Western Cape farmers facing prolonged droughts and shifting weather patterns.

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, emphasised this, saying, “Our relationship has grown beyond agriculture to include critical issues like climate change and water resilience. We aim to implement tangible projects to better manage these challenges.”

Through shared projects and knowledge exchange, farmers stand to benefit from advanced approaches in sustainable water use, renewable energy in farming, and climate adaptation strategies.

A Step Forward for Western Cape Farmers

For the Western Cape’s agricultural sector, this agreement offers practical benefits: learning from an experienced European region, exploring new export markets, and adopting climate-resilient practices to sustain farms for future generations.

Premier Winde concluded, “We value this partnership as part of our broader relationship with France – a nation that shares our vision for strong international cooperation focused on economic growth and the well-being of our people.”

Beyond Agriculture: Economic and Innovation Opportunities

While agriculture remains a priority, the MoU also opens doors in economic development, innovation, public health, and climate action. Vice-President of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Patrick Molinoz, noted, “These partnerships are key to creating employment and stimulating economic growth in both regions.”

The agreement encourages business collaboration, skills development, and technology sharing, aiming to grow sectors that support agricultural value chains and broaden economic opportunities for both regions.

Vergelegen: A Conservation Triumph for Wildlife

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Vergelegen: A Conservation Triumph for Wildlife

On World Wildlife Day, celebrated on 3 March, Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West marked the remarkable growth of its diverse wildlife population. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, rare Rau quagga, eland, black wildebeest, bontebok, and indigenous Nguni cattle are thriving in the estate’s 1900-hectare private nature reserve. The reserve holds the same conservation status as the renowned Kruger National Park, providing a safe haven for various species.

A Flourishing Wildlife Sanctuary

Vergelegen’s conservation efforts have led to a flourishing ecosystem where various species are thriving. The estate’s Rau quagga, a species selectively bred to resemble the extinct quagga, has seen the birth of four foals, marking significant progress in this ambitious project. The eland population, introduced through the Gantouw Project in 2020, has also expanded, with three calves now thriving after the arrival of a stud bull in 2023. Black wildebeest, introduced last year, have adapted well, with a new calf born in the spring.

Bontebok, once on the brink of extinction, have flourished at Vergelegen, growing from an initial population of 13 to an estimated 90-100 individuals today. The latest breeding season has been particularly successful, with 15 new arrivals. Indigenous Nguni cattle, prized for their resilience and striking hides, also contribute to the estate’s biodiversity, with approximately 100 calves born in the 2024/2025 season.

Vergelegen’s commitment to conservation is evident in its successful alien vegetation clearing project (2004-2018), which restored natural habitats and unlocked vital water resources. Visitors can explore this thriving ecosystem through guided environmental tours, including game drives and wine tastings, offering a unique opportunity to experience the estate’s remarkable biodiversity up close.

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