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Transnet Unveils Major Upgrade with 47 New RTGs at Cape Town Container Terminal

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Transnet Unveils Major Upgrade with 47 New RTGs at Cape Town Container Terminal
The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), operated by Transnet Port Terminals, is undergoing a significant transformation with the arrival of the first batch of 28 state-of-the-art rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs). This development marks a pivotal step in the terminal’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and meet the growing demands of South Africa’s maritime trade sector as of 8 April 2025.
First Batch of Advanced RTGs Arrives
The initial consignment of 28 RTGs, supplied by Liebherr, a globally recognized leader in port equipment manufacturing, has been successfully offloaded at the terminal. These new machines come equipped with advanced features designed to improve performance and resilience. Notably, the RTGs boast anti-sway technology, which ensures greater precision during cargo handling, and can withstand wind speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour—a critical capability given Cape Town’s often blustery conditions. Liebherr, as the original equipment manufacturer, is overseeing the delivery, with the assembly and commissioning process now underway. Transnet estimates that this phase will take up to five months, after which the RTGs will be fully integrated into the terminal’s operations.
Phased Delivery to Enhance Capacity
This upgrade is part of a broader equipment rollout for the CTCT. An additional nine RTGs are slated to arrive in August 2025, followed by a final batch of 10 in November 2025. Once complete, the terminal will have a total of 47 new RTGs, significantly bolstering its capacity to handle container traffic. This phased delivery schedule reflects Transnet’s strategic approach to minimising disruptions while progressively modernising the facility.
Addressing Past Challenges
The introduction of these RTGs comes at a crucial time for the Cape Town Container Terminal, which has faced challenges related to operational inefficiencies and equipment reliability in recent years. Transnet’s investment in cutting-edge machinery aligns with its broader recovery plan, which aims to revitalize South Africa’s port infrastructure and restore its competitiveness in global trade networks. The CTCT, a key gateway for exports and imports in the Western Cape, is expected to see improved turnaround times and increased throughput as a result of this upgrade.
Liebherr’s Role in Modernization
Liebherr’s involvement underscores the project’s scale and ambition. Known for its high-quality cranes and port equipment, the manufacturer’s partnership with Transnet signals confidence in the terminal’s future. The collaboration highlights a targeted effort to enhance container stacking and movement efficiency—critical components of port productivity.
Looking Ahead
As assembly progresses over the coming months, stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sectors will be watching closely to see how these improvements translate into real-world performance. The full deployment of the RTGs by late 2025 is poised to position the Cape Town Container Terminal as a more reliable and efficient hub, supporting economic growth in the region and beyond. For now, Transnet’s commitment to modernisation is clear, and the arrival of the first RTGs marks a promising milestone in the port’s evolution.

South Africa’s Agricultural Sector Adapts as U.S. Tariffs Challenge Exports and Jobs

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South Africa’s Agricultural Sector Adapts as U.S. Tariffs Challenge Exports and Jobs
South Africa’s agricultural community is grappling with new trade hurdles after the United States imposed tariffs following President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2, 2025. With a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and an additional 30% “reciprocal” tariff targeting South Africa, the duty-free benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have been dismantled. Stakeholders, including the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Southern Africa, are voicing concerns and pushing for solutions as the industry faces economic strain and seeks new markets to sustain its vital export sector.
IFPA Southern Africa’s Reaction:
Jane Strijdom, IFPA Southern Africa Country Manager, described the 30% tariff as a “major setback” for the fresh produce industry in South Africa. She highlighted that South African producers are already grappling with economic and logistical challenges, and the additional tariff will hinder their ability to compete fairly in the global market. Strijdom urged urgent negotiations between the South African and U.S. governments to find a workable solution for fresh produce supply chains, emphasising the sector’s vulnerability to these trade barriers.
Economic Impact and Competitiveness Concerns:
Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), noted that the U.S. accounted for 4% of South Africa’s $13.7 billion agricultural exports in 2024, with key products like citrus, wine, grapes, fruit juices, and nuts benefiting from AGOA’s duty-free access. He warned that the 30% tariff disadvantages South Africa compared to competitors like Chile, Australia, and Brazil, which face only a 10% tariff, potentially reducing market penetration in the U.S. Sihlobo advocated for redirecting efforts toward alternative markets such as the Middle East and Asia.
Industry-Specific Reactions:
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa emphasized that their exports complement rather than compete with U.S. production, meeting demand during off-season periods. They argued that the tariffs will raise costs for U.S. consumers without protecting local growers, underscoring the role of South African citrus in supporting American diets.
Government Response:
The South African Presidency condemned the tariffs as “punitive,” highlighting their threat to trade and prosperity. Trade Minister Parks Tau stressed the need for a new bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. and emphasised diversifying trade within the Southern African Customs Union and other regions to mitigate the impact.
Broader Economic Fallout:
AgriSA’s Johann Kotze cautioned that the tariffs could shrink South Africa’s agricultural trade surplus with the U.S., estimating significant job losses, particularly in export-heavy regions like the Western Cape. The region’s citrus and wine industries are at risk, with potential losses exceeding 30,000 jobs due to diminished competitiveness.
Calls for Diversification:
Both Sihlobo and IFPA Southern Africa underscored the need to pivot to markets like China, which imported $200 billion in agricultural goods in 2023 (with South Africa holding just a 0.4% share), and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where markets remain unsaturated. This shift is seen as critical to offset losses in the U.S. market.
Conclusion:
These reactions collectively reflect alarm at the immediate economic pressures, frustration with the perceived inequity of the tariffs, and a strategic push to adapt by diversifying export destinations. IFPA Southern Africa’s call for urgent government action aligns with broader industry efforts to protect the livelihoods dependent on agricultural exports amidst this challenging trade landscape.

Wesgro Supports Agri-Exporters Amid Changing Global Tariffs

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Wesgro Supports Agri-Exporters Amid Changing Global Tariffs

As global trade continues to evolve and tariffs remain a key focus for many exporters, Wesgro is committed to supporting exporters amid tariff changes.

Wesgro recognises the essential role that exporters play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating jobs in our province across a diverse range of sectors.

Sub-heading 1: Strengthening Trade Ties and Market Access

Exports to the US from the Western Cape totalled R16.2bn in 2024, 8% of total Western Cape exports. The US is the second biggest export market for the Western Cape. Products that are exported include citrus, flat-rolled iron and related products, wine, fruit juices, vehicle and space components to mention a few.

As the provincial Agency responsible for Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion & Facilitation, we want to ensure our stakeholders are well-supported in adapting to new tariffs.

Our focus is to ensure that businesses can navigate these challenges with confidence and support. The ongoing adjustments to international tariffs and trade regulations present both hurdles and opportunities for exporters around the world. In light of these complexities, it is more important than ever for businesses to feel empowered and equipped in uncertainty.

Sub-heading 2: Helping Exporters Navigate Tariff Changes

We have unpacked the latest developments and have prepared a succinct resource to help exporters understand the trade landscape and how to navigate the changes.

The Wesgro business FAQ covers the following trade-related topics:
• Understanding how reciprocal tariffs will be implemented
• Understanding how reciprocal tariffs will impact your product’s tariffs in the U.S.
• Understanding which products and situations are exempt from reciprocal tariffs

Click here to access the full FAQ: https://www.wesgro.co.za/export/resources/faq-navigating-united-states-tariffs

Wesgro will continue to generate tariff guidance and resources over the coming weeks.
We will provide clear, updated resources on current tariff structures, including detailed explanations of applicable rates and exemptions. Exporters can access this information from Wesgro’s social media and website. Please do not hesitate to direct your queries to [email protected].

Wesgro is focusing on unlocking access to new markets and new buyers—China, ASEAN, India, Brazil & Middle East—while maintaining a continued focus on established markets: EU, UK, USA, Africa.

Honeybush Innovation Brings Growth to Garden Route Farmers

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Honeybush Innovation Brings Growth to Garden Route Farmers

In the misty mountains and rolling fields of the Garden Route, a new chapter is unfolding for small-scale honeybush farmers and wild harvesters. A successful demonstration of a cutting-edge honeybush processing unit has opened doors for economic growth, sustainability, and inclusion in the broader agricultural value chain. This milestone signals a turning point for the region’s honeybush industry, long celebrated for its fragrant, antioxidant-rich tea.

Bringing Technology to the People

The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), the Department of Agriculture (DOA), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) have collaborated to introduce an innovative honeybush processing unit. Recently demonstrated at the ARC Infruitec/Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch, this technology has the potential to be scaled up and rolled out across the agriculture sector, unlocking economic opportunities for local communities.

“This project is a shining example of how government entities can work together to deliver meaningful change,” said Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning. “By strengthening the honeybush value chain, we are not only supporting small-scale farmers but also enhancing the economic resilience of the Garden Route.”

Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Communities

With R1 million in funding sourced by the Garden Route District Municipality as part of a total project cost of R4 million—jointly funded by the DLG and DOA, the initiative is a crucial step in expanding honeybush production and processing. Prof. Bongani Ndimba, Research Director at ARC, emphasised the long-standing efforts to develop the honeybush industry, tracing back to 1992. “This is more than just a project—it is a commitment to supporting agro-processing and food security in the region,” he stated.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, highlighted the economic significance of this development. “The honeybush processing plant empowers smallholder farmers and wild harvesters by providing access to the value chain—from cultivation to packaging and marketing. This initiative is a key part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth from Jobs Strategy, ensuring that SMMEs contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”

A Future Built on Sustainability and Inclusion

The honeybush initiative aligns with broader regional strategies, including the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan and the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy. Garden Route District Municipality Mayor Andrew Stroebel affirmed its potential, stating, “By expanding agro-processing capabilities, we are fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient honeybush industry that benefits everyone.”

With a total project cost of R4 million—jointly funded by the DLG and DOA—implementation is set to unfold in three phases. Phase one saw the successful design and construction of the honeybush processing unit. Phase two will establish an agro-processing hub near Oudtshoorn, providing much-needed infrastructure for farmers. The final phase envisions a dynamic future, incorporating agritourism and training for aspiring tea sommeliers.

As the Western Cape continues to navigate the intersection of conservation and agriculture, the honeybush industry stands as a model for sustainable development. This initiative proves that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not opposing forces but essential partners in securing a thriving, inclusive agricultural future.

Jong Kampioene Steel die Kollig by Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe

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Jong Kampioene Steel die Kollig by Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe

Die Hoër Landbouskool Boland in die Paarl het van 3 – 5 April 2025 gasheer gespeel vir die eerste Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe wat hier aangebied is.

Dié gesogte geleentheid het sowat 200 jongmense van regoor die provinsie byeengebring om hul vaardighede in 17 afdelings, insluitend vleisbeeste, perde, pluimvee, wolskape, konyne en afslaers, ten toon te stel. Met die ondersteuning van Agri Expo, die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou en borge soos Hollard, het die kampioenskappe ’n platform gebied om jeugtalent te vier en die Wes-Kaapse span vir die nasionale jeugskou later vanjaar te kies.

’n Platform vir Vaardighede en Passie

Die Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe het ’n unieke ruimte geskep waar kinders in drie ouderdomsgroepe hul liefde vir landbou en diere kon uitleef. Van die beheer van groot diere tot die fyner kuns van vertoon, het deelnemers hul selfvertroue en volwassenheid gewys.

Dr.Ivan Meyer, Wes-Kaapse Minister van Landbou, het die impak beklemtoon: “Die Wes-Kaap lewer 20% van Suid-Afrika se landbou en 11% van die bruto nasionale produk. Hierdie Jeugskou-kampioenskappe berei kinders voor om passievolle leiers in dié sektor te word.” Die geleentheid het nie net hulle  vaardighede getoets nie, maar ook die band tussen jongmense en diere versterk, wat ’n diep passie vir landbou aangewakker het.

Agri Expo se Onmisbare Rol

Agri Expo, onder leiding van uitvoerende hoof Breyton Milford, was die dryfveer agter die sukses van die kampioenskappe. Hulle befondsing en bemarkingsondersteuning het die geleentheid onvergeetlik gemaak. “Baie dankie aan Hoër Landbouskool Boland en ons borge,” het Milford gesê. “Sonder julle sou hierdie viering van jeugtalent nie moontlik gewees het nie.” Agri Expo se verbintenis tot jeugskoue bou die landbousektor se toekoms deur jongmense te inspireer en op te lei. Die 2025 Wes-Kaap Jeugskou-kampioenskappe was ’n bewys van hul visie: ’n lewendige landbougemeenskap wat op passie en mense gefokus is.

Clanwilliam Expo 2025: Tradisie en Talent in die Hart van die Cederberg

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Clanwilliam Expo 2025: Tradisie en Talent in die Hart van die Cederberg

Die Clanwilliam Expo vind van 10 – 12 April 2025 plaas en beloof om ’n spoggeleentheid in die hartjie van die Cederberg te wees. Hierdie jaar verwelkom die Expo ‘n rekordgetal van 73 uitstallers, waar 152 perdestalle alreeds vol bespreek is – ’n sterk bewys van die ekspo se groeiende gewildheid.

Vanjaar se Clanwilliam Expo is die 95ste wat in die dorp aangebied word. Onder leiding van president Nico Louw en ’n toegewyde bestuurspan van 15 lede, is die ekspo met groot sukses georganiseer.

Volgens Nico Louw, president van die Clanwilliam Expo, is die 2025-ekspo die tweede in ’n nuwe era van sukses. “Elke lid van ons span het hul alles gegee,” sê hy, “en ons is opreg dankbaar vir die ondersteuning van borge en die gemeenskap.”

Die program is propvol aktiwiteite – van die Santam Damesoggend en potjiekoskompetisie tot die Boerbok-, Melkbok- en Dorperskou, asook hoogtepunte soos die Skoukoningin-kompetisie en die gewilde Vlaamperd Streekskou.

Jeugskou: Die Toekoms van Landbou

Een van die trots van die Clanwilliam Expo is die Jeugskou, wat vir baie jong deelnemers hul eerste smaak van landboukompetisie bied. Die Jeugskou het aktiwiteite op al drie hoofdae van die ekspo – met beginners en junior deelnemers op Donderdag, en junior & senior kampioenskappe wat later op die program plaasvind. Kinders van verskillende skole neem deel en skou diere soos boerbokke, melkbokke, vleisskape, Angora bokke en selfs pluimvee. Die Jeugskou leer kinders nie net oor dieresorg en boerderypraktyke nie, maar ook oor dissipline, verantwoordelikheid en spanwerk – kernwaardes vir volhoubare landbou in die toekoms.

Gemeenskap, Vermaak en Ekonomiese Impak

Die Expo bied iets vir almal – van die plaaslike gemeenskap tot besoekers van reg oor die streek. Vrydagaand sluit af met ‘Skoudans en Kuier met Appel’, en Saterdag spog met ’n vol konsertprogram in die kuiertent met kunstenaars soos Brandan Miles, Mirandi, Tamlyn Wessels, Brendan Peyper en Snotkop. Intussen is die Arena besig met perdevertonings, Rieldansers en die gewilde Wa-spanne van agt Vlaamperde.

Agri-Expo, die oudste landbougenootskap in Suid-Afrika, ondersteun hierdie inisiatief as deel van hul volhoubare landboustrategie. Die Clanwilliam Expo is ’n belangrike landbou- en gemeenskapsbate in die streek, wat ontwikkeling, opvoeding en plaaslike ekonomie bevorder.

Vergelegen Photo Contest Showcases Agricultural Estate’s Natural Splendour and Community Spirit

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Vergelegen Photo Contest Showcases Agricultural Estate’s Natural Splendour and Community Spirit

Vergelegen Wine Estate’s natural beauty inspires both professional and amateur photographers to capture its charm – and this year, the third edition of the popular Essence of Vergelegen photographic contest attracted over 500 entries.

The winners were announced on Thursday, 27 March, at a celebration attended by 25 finalists and their families. Their photographs were displayed at the estate’s Stables restaurant.

Prizes included photographic equipment sponsored by Orms Direct photographic store, plus Vergelegen restaurant vouchers, wine, and experiences. There were several categories, judged by both Vergelegen and Orms Direct staff.

  • Camera class (taken on any camera, with or without lenses);
  • Smartphone class (taken on a cellphone or mobile device);
  • Junior class (16 years and under, image taken on any device); and
  • People’s choice, voted for by guests at the finalists’ function.
Vergelegen
Photo credit: Zachari Davies

Camera class

Winner Michelle Becker, who lives in Muizenberg, visits Vergelegen frequently as her parents live in Somerset West.

“I first entered the contest two years ago, and was struck by finalists’ photographs that included people,” said Michelle. “I wanted to capture someone interacting with Vergelegen, so portrayed my sister Heidi du Toit admiring the estate’s flowers when she was in South Africa, from Rwanda.”

“Everyone loved and resonated with that photograph,” added Vergelegen MD Wayne Coetzer.

Second prize went to Shanté Hutton, and third place to Jean-Luc Lamarque.

Smartphone class

Stu Summerfield, a Somerset West resident and frequent Vergelegen visitor, captured a winning photograph of the Lourens River, which flows through the estate.

Second place went to Roger Molyneux, and third place to Shannon Lynn.

Junior class

Thirteen-year-old Zachari Davies, a grade seven learner at Applewood Preparatory School in Grabouw, lives near Vergelegen and visits the estate frequently with his family. His winning photograph of the farm’s entrance gates, with a striking sunset illuminating clouds and mountains in the background, was taken the evening before his birthday.

Second place went to Rachel Dillon, and third prize jointly to Isaiah Adriaans and Calista Mitchell.

People’s choice

Freelance photographer Christiaan Cloete lives in Stellenbosch, but is a regular visitor to Vergelegen. “I always admire reflections – if you get very close to the water, you can see the detail,” he said of his black and white photograph capturing water lilies in a pond.

MD Wayner Coetzer thanked everyone who entered the contest.  “It’s just unbelievable to see some of the photos – we realise afresh what a gem we have here, to be enjoyed by locals and visitors from further afield.”

Marketing manager Caroline van Schalkwyk thanked Orms Direct for their generous sponsorship, and for overseeing the judging process. “Orms will soon be opening a branch in Waterstone Village shopping centre, and we encourage you to support them.”

Vergelegen is open daily to the public, 08h30-17h00 (last entry at 16h00). See https://vergelegen.co.za/

Food Prices Show Signs of Relief, but Competition Watchdog Urges Continued Monitoring

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Food Prices Show Signs of Relief, but Competition Watchdog Urges Continued Monitoring

The latest Essential Food Pricing Monitoring (EFPM) Report, released by the Competition Commission on 27 March 2025, reveals that while some food prices are beginning to decline, the changes remain modest. The Commission stresses the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure that when input costs decrease, those savings are fairly and promptly passed along the value chain to retailers and ultimately, consumers.

The EFPM report tracks prices across various essential food items, including sunflower oil, brown bread, canned pilchards, eggs, and individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken. A key focus is the spread between producer and retail prices, helping to identify where pricing gaps are expanding or narrowing. This analysis, based on publicly available data, is not aimed at identifying anti-competitive conduct but rather assessing how pricing changes move through the value chain.

Notable Product Trends

Sunflower oil remains under scrutiny, as the producer-to-retail price spread has reached its highest point since 2021. Although price responsiveness has improved, the elevated spread suggests consumers are still not seeing full relief at the till.

Canned pilchards, on the other hand, present a more encouraging picture. The spread between producer and retail prices has been decreasing over the past six months, indicating continued restraint in pricing practices by both producers and retailers.

Egg prices have also shown improvement. Producer prices are now lower than they were in November 2023, suggesting that the egg sector is recovering. This rebound is attributed to a combination of private and public efforts, including enhanced biosecurity protocols, fertilised egg imports, and tariff rebates.

Meanwhile, the average retail price of brown bread has declined, providing some financial relief on a key staple for South African households.

White Maize Market Faces Climatic Challenges

The EFPM report also explores the challenges in the South African white maize market during the 2024/25 maize marketing season. The region experienced significant midsummer dryness in February and March 2024, a crucial time for crop development. This weather disruption led to a surge in demand for South African white maize, both locally and in key export markets.

As a result, white maize prices have risen above import parity levels—a notable shift from the norm during strong harvest seasons when prices typically fall below export parity levels. However, these higher prices have not yet fully reached the producer and retail levels for maize meal. Factors such as price transmission delays, strong opening stock levels, and increased downstream supply are helping buffer consumers for now.

The Importance of Transparency

The Commission’s ongoing monitoring efforts play a critical role in promoting transparency and ensuring fairness in the food value chain. This report highlights not only the impacts of climate and market forces on pricing but also the need for timely information to keep both consumers and regulators informed.

Simultaneous Apple Arrivals Disrupt Global Markets

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Simultaneous Apple Arrivals Disrupt Global Markets

South African apple exporters are facing serious challenges after weeks of weather-related disruption at the Cape Town Container Terminal resulted in widespread shipping delays. Apple shipments intended to arrive in overseas markets over two weeks instead landed simultaneously, causing price fluctuations, logistical bottlenecks, and increased pressure on the supply chain.

Ripple Effects Across the Supply Chain

Roelf Pienaar, Managing Director of  Tru-Cape, one of the country’s leading apple and pear exporters, said the delays in cargo handling have created a ripple effect throughout the logistics network. “It’s impacting container availability, trucking operations, and ultimately, our ability to get produce to market,” he explained.

Extreme Weather Brings Terminal to a Standstill

The setbacks followed extreme winds between late February and early March, with gusts reaching 100–120 km/h, forcing port operations to a near standstill. Over 200 operational hours were lost, and twelve vessels were left waiting at anchor. The sudden influx of product into global markets has disrupted planned sales cycles and hurt prices.

Depots and Trucking Networks Overwhelmed

Depots are struggling to manage the backlog, and the scarcity of empty containers is compounding the problem. Trucking operations have also been affected, as delayed pickups and deliveries create a domino effect across the supply chain. Exporters are being forced to reschedule shipments, often missing key market windows that can’t be recovered.

Costly Alternatives Not Feasible

Pienaar emphasised that for Western Cape-based companies, rerouting shipments to Durban or Gqeberha isn’t feasible due to high costs—up to $3 (R55) extra per carton, which cannot be absorbed by the market. He expressed concern that operational performance remains far below international standards. “Gross crane moves per hour, a key metric, averages around 15. Globally, we should be seeing 26 to 30. In 2012, this port operated at 33.”

Industry Calls for Urgent Reform

While welcoming new port management and added equipment, Pienaar believes the core issues are still unresolved. He advocates for urgent interventions and long-term strategies, including private sector involvement, to stabilize logistics and support future growth. “Export volumes are only going to increase as young orchards come into production. We must act now to avoid long-term damage to the industry.”

Piet Lotz herskryf die rekordboeke by die Groot Pampoenfees

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Piet Lotz herskryf die rekordboeke by die Groot Pampoenfees

Wanneer ‘n pampoen die skaal op 1120 kg laat kreun – swaarder as ‘n volwasse bees – weet jy jy’s nie by ‘n gewone fees nie. Dis die Groot Pampoenfees in Heidelberg, waar landbou, rekordhouers en gemeenskapsgees mekaar elke jaar ontmoet.

Die fees het vanjaar van 27 tot 29 Maart 2025 plaasgevind, en soos elke jaar het dit honderde besoekers van regoor die land gelok vir ’n naweek vol boerepret en pampoenprestasie.

’n Nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse pampoenrekord

Die hoogtepunt van die naweek het op Saterdag, 29 Maart afgespeel, toe Piet Lotz van Riversdal nie net een nie, maar twee reusepampoene ingeskryf het – albei swaarder as die bestaande Suid-Afrikaanse rekord.

Sy eerste pampoen het 1062 kg geweeg, maar dit was die tweede een wat geskiedenis gemaak het: 1120 kg – ’n nuwe SA rekord.

Groot Pampoenfees

Lotz is daarmee as die SA Pampoenkampioen gekroon. André du Plessis het tweede geëindig met ’n pampoen van 954 kg, en Pieter Conradie, die vorige rekordhouer, het derde geëindig met 737 kg.

Lotz het ’n kontantprys van R20 000 gewen, plus ’n bonus van R30 000 vir die rekordbrekende pampoen. Sy vrou Elizna en hul tweelingseuns was aan sy sy om dié spesiale oomblik te vier.

Feespret vir oud en jonk

Die Groot Pampoenfees het afgeskop met ’n gholfdag by die Heidelberg Gholfklub, gevolg deur drie dae van vermaak, sport en plaaslewe. Van die gewildste aktiwiteite was die 4×4-kompetisie naby Witsand, ’n rolbalkompetisie, en talle kos- en handwerkstalletjies wat die strate van Heidelberg met geur en kleur vul. Musiekliefhebbers is ook bederf met optredes deur bekende kunstenaars soos Die Heuwels Fantasties, Sunset Sweatshop en ander plaaslike talent wat op die verhoog gesorg het vir ware Suid-Afrikaanse gees en atmosfeer.

Van jong kinders wat hul gesigte laat verf het, tot boere wat met bewondering na die reusepampoene gestaan en kyk het – die fees het iets vir almal gebied.

Meer as net ’n pampoenfees

Wat hierdie fees só uniek maak, is nie net die enorme groente nie, maar die samehorigheid van die gemeenskap, die viering van landbou, en die trots waarmee produsente soos Lotz hul harde werk wys.

Die Groot Pampoenfees is nie net ’n kompetisie nie – dis ’n viering van innovasie, volharding en die buitengewone moontlikhede van plaaslewe.

In 2025 het Heidelberg weer gewys: op Suid-Kaapse grond groei daar nie net pampoene nie – daar groei legendes.

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