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Excitement Builds for the Return of the Stellenbosch Harvest Parade

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Excitement Builds for the Return of the Stellenbosch Harvest Parade

The much-loved Stellenbosch Harvest Parade is set to return to the streets of South Africa’s wine capital on Saturday, 1 February 2025, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of the grape harvest season. This annual tradition promises a spectacular display of floats, music, and community spirit, all set against the historic and oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch.

A Celebration of Community and Heritage

The Stellenbosch Harvest Parade has been a cherished event for almost 50 years, embodying the town’s deep connection to its wine culture. Since 2013, the parade has followed its current format, uniting residents, visitors, and agricultural workers in a joyful expression of gratitude for the harvest.

This year, the procession will begin at 9:00 AM, departing from the Toy and Miniature Museum on Market Street. The route winds through Alexander, Bird, Church, and Plein Streets, culminating at the Stellenbosch Town Hall at 9:30 AM, where a blessing ceremony will take place to honour the harvest and those who make it possible.

Acknowledging the People Behind the Magic

The Harvest Parade is not just about wine and vineyards; it is a celebration of the people who dedicate their lives to cultivating the vines and producing world-class wines. According to Elmarie Rabe, manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, “The Harvest Parade is one of the most beautiful expressions of our wine culture and community spirit. It’s a day to celebrate not only the vineyards and the wines we are so proud of, but also the incredible people behind the scenes who bring the magic to life.”

Supported by Local and Regional Partners

The Stellenbosch Municipality, a steadfast patron of the event, has once again lent its support, recognizing the important role of agriculture and wine tourism in the region’s economy and heritage. The parade is further bolstered by the backing of the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Paul Roos Spar, and Aquasky Water.

A Historic Occasion

The Harvest Parade coincides with a significant date in South Africa’s wine history: 2  February, the official birthday of the local wine industry. On this day in 1659, the first wine was produced in the Cape, marking the beginning of a rich viticultural legacy that continues to flourish in Stellenbosch and beyond.

Details for Visitors

The procession will retrace its route after the blessing ceremony, returning to its starting point at the Toy and Miniature Museum. Visitors are encouraged to join the festivities and experience this unique blend of culture, history, and community.

For more information about the Stellenbosch Harvest Parade, visit www.wineroute.co.za or contact the Stellenbosch Wine Routes team at [email protected] or 021 886 4310.

South Africa’s Active Participation in the 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin

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South Africa’s Active Participation in the 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin

South Africa’s agricultural sector is in the spotlight as John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, leads a delegation comprising Minister Nyhontso, representatives from AgriSA, SAAI, and other key stakeholders to the 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin, Germany, from January 15 to 18, 2025. This prestigious international event presents an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its commitment to sustainable agriculture and explore avenues for expanding its agricultural exports.

Exploring Export Opportunities

A central focus of the South African delegation’s participation is identifying and securing export opportunities for the nation’s agricultural products. The GFFA’s 2025 theme, “Farming a Sustainable Bioeconomy,” aligns perfectly with South Africa’s goals to position its agricultural sector as a global player in sustainable biomass production and innovation. By engaging with international stakeholders, the delegation aims to establish partnerships that could bolster export potential for South African farmers and agribusinesses.

High-Level Engagements and Strategic Partnerships

Minister Steenhuisen, accompanied by co-delegate Minister Nyhontso, was warmly welcomed at the South African Embassy in Berlin by Ambassador Stone Sizani. The delegation is participating in key engagements, including meetings with Mr. Peter Schrum of SUNfarming Group and Ms. Wiebke Polomka from the German-African Business Association. These discussions highlight South Africa’s strategy to attract investment and secure new trade agreements, with a focus on unlocking access to European and global markets.

Promoting Sustainability Through Bioeconomy Discussions

The GFFA’s focus on a sustainable bioeconomy resonates strongly with South Africa’s priorities. This year’s theme emphasizes renewable agricultural resources, sustainable biomass production, and innovation. South Africa’s presence at the forum underscores its commitment to leveraging these principles to strengthen its agricultural sector, contributing to global food security while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The bioeconomy also offers opportunities for income generation and climate resilience, areas of vital importance for South Africa.

Key Themes Addressed at the Forum

South Africa’s delegation is actively engaging with the GFFA’s four central bioeconomy topics, which hold valuable insights for the country’s agricultural landscape:

  1. Sustainably Producing Biomass: Addressing conflicts of interest between food production and other uses.
  2. Sustainably Using Biomass: Exploring practices to ensure global food security.
  3. Strengthening Innovation: Promoting technological advancements and communication to modernize agriculture.
  4. Creating Fair Frameworks: Developing equitable policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and international trade.

Commitment to Food Security and Global Collaboration

The South African team’s participation in the GFFA demonstrates the nation’s dedication to addressing global agricultural challenges. By prioritizing food security, innovation, and sustainability, the delegation aims to position South Africa as a key contributor to international agricultural development. The forum provides a platform to forge partnerships, share knowledge, and advocate for fair global policies that benefit both South African farmers and the global community.

 Strengthening South Africa’s Global Agricultural Footprint

South Africa’s active involvement in the 17th GFFA highlights its resolve to enhance its agricultural sector through international collaboration. The delegation’s efforts to align with global trends in sustainability and innovation not only advance the country’s export potential but also contribute to addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and food security. Through strategic engagements and partnerships, South Africa is poised to strengthen its agricultural footprint and play a significant role in shaping the future of global agriculture.

 Anticipation Grows for Annual Wine Harvest Event

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 Anticipation Grows for Annual Wine Harvest Event

The South African wine industry is set to celebrate its 366th year in grand style at the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event on Thursday, 6 February 2025. Held at the historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate, the event honours South Africa’s rich wine heritage, beginning with the first Cape wine made on 2 February 1659, as documented in a diary entry. This annual gathering celebrates the industry’s achievements and sets the stage for a future of inclusivity and excellence.

Event Highlights and Honourees

The black-tie event will recognize exceptional contributions in categories such as Visionary Leadership, Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, and Viti- and Viniculture. For the first time, the event will honour vineyard and farm workers with the Wine Agri-Worker of the Year award, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Prestige Agri Awards. Jean Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia, describes the event as a celebration of centuries of dedication to quality wine production.

A Tribute to South Africa’s Wine Legacy

Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine, emphasizes the milestone: “This is more than the anniversary of wine; it is the celebration of an industry that reflects resilience, innovation, and diversity. Our wines have shaped South Africa’s agricultural identity and global presence.”

Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander highlights the Western Cape’s wine tourism success, which includes 20 wine routes and a vibrant sector that supports the regional economy. She notes, “The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event celebrates both our legacy and our world-renowned wine tourism offerings.”

An Evening of Elegance and Heritage

Guests will enjoy performances by the acclaimed Tygerberg Children’s Choir and a chance to revel in South Africa’s vibrant wine culture.

Raise a glass to 366 years of excellence and join the celebration that honours the past while looking ahead to a future of inclusivity and innovation. Cheers to South African wine!

Planting Seeds for 2025: Shaping South Africa’s Agricultural Future

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Planting Seeds for 2025: Shaping South Africa’s Agricultural Future

As South Africa’s agricultural sector enters 2025, the focus shifts toward innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth. The graduation of 189 Elsenburg students at the end of 2024, highlights the importance of education in equipping the workforce to meet the sector’s evolving needs.

Opportunities for Transformation

With the promise of La Niña rains, the 2024/25 agricultural season offers a strong foundation for growth. Improved infrastructure, governance reforms, and expanded export markets – particularly in BRICS countries – open new doors for the sector. These developments align with the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which prioritizes building a skilled workforce and fostering economic resilience.

Graduates from institutions like Elsenburg are uniquely positioned to address critical challenges, from food security to sustainable farming practices. Their fresh perspectives and advanced training will drive innovation in areas like renewable energy adoption, carbon management, and biosecurity.

Collaboration for a Thriving Future

Despite the optimism, challenges persist. Biosecurity threats, logistical inefficiencies, and financial constraints demand strategic solutions. Collaboration between government, agribusinesses, and research institutions will be essential in overcoming these hurdles.

The Elsenburg graduates are a vital part of this solution

Their skills will not only strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness, but also help address local issues, from rural job creation to improved resource management.

By planting the seeds of innovation and sustainability today, South Africa’s agricultural sector can reap the rewards of a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient future. Together, 2025 can be the year where hope turns into growth and opportunity.

Read more:

 

Elsenburg Celebrates the Future of Agriculture: 189 Students Graduate with Top Honours

De Zwartland Manor: A Retirement Lifestyle in the Heart of Malmesbury

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De Zwartland Manor: A Retirement Lifestyle in the Heart of Malmesbury

De Zwartland Manor, located on the northern edge of Malmesbury, offers retirees modern, convenient living in a peaceful setting. Part of the larger De Zwartland Werf development, it combines residential comfort with easy access to essential services and local amenities.

The estate features 90 one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for practicality and convenience.
These low-maintenance units are ideal for a lock-up-and-go lifestyle, making them perfect for retirees seeking more freedom and less upkeep.

One of De Zwartland Manor’s key advantages is its location next to the newly opened Crestcare Private Hospital.

This world-class facility ensures residents have access to excellent healthcare services right on their doorstep, providing peace of mind for both retirees and their families.

The broader De Zwartland Werf development includes the De Zwartland Markt, a retail center with 50 stores offering a wide variety of products and local goods. Additional features, like office spaces and other residential units, make this area a growing hub in Malmesbury.

The upgraded N7 highway has made Malmesbury more accessible, attracting those who appreciate its rural charm combined with modern conveniences.

“We invite you to visit us between 10:00 and 16:00 on our show days. Our agent, Juanita Blaauw, will walk you through the apartment plans and explain everything De Zwartland Manor offers.”
With apartments starting at R1,598,000, De Zwartland Manor is an excellent option for retirees looking to enjoy their next chapter in a secure, well-connected community.

Visit www.dezwartlandmanor.co.za or contact:
[email protected] | 082 438 1369

Meet the Next Generation of Rovic Syncrospray

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Meet the Next Generation of Rovic Syncrospray

Rovic is proud to introduce the next generation of locally produced trailed mist blowers, delivering significant advancements over the previous Syncrospray models. The earlier range consisted of three models with a limited selection of tank sizes. This limitation has been addressed by the Rovic Research and Development department, which has expanded the range to five base models.

Each model now offers various tank, fan, and pump sizes, extending the total range to nine different configurations. In light of rising input costs such as fuel, labour, and chemicals, modern farmers require equipment that is both precise and dependable to maximize crop yield and achieve optimal market prices.

With this in mind, the new generation of Rovic Syncrospray Trailed Mist Blowers incorporate over 100 design improvements. These enhancements include several registered trademarks aimed at reducing maintenance and downtime. This translates to significant cost savings by minimizing the need for technician assistance.

Before spraying, farmers must consider numerous factors, such as tree row volume, spray concentration, application speed, and nozzle selection. For example, applying too much air volume during spraying can result in over-spraying into adjacent rows, causing overdosing. Similarly, excessive air volume when applying translaminar or directed chemicals may cause leaves and branches to act as barriers, leading to uneven distribution. This issue can result in chemicals accumulating only on the outer leaves or their upper surfaces – areas with fewer stomata, where pests often do not reside. Excessive runoff may also occur, wasting costly chemicals unless they are systemic.

These complexities highlight the critical importance of selecting the right equipment for specific crop requirements. When observing a trailed mist blower in action, it is essential to recognize the extensive calculations and planning that precede its operation. Rovic remains steadfast in its commitment toward supporting farmers through this process. By consulting a local Rovic dealer, farmers can identify the perfect sprayer for their needs, whether for delicate berries, fully grown avocado orchards, or anything in between.

For more information visit www.rovic.com

Westfalia Expands European Presence with Syros Acquisition

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Westfalia Expands European Presence with Syros Acquisition

Westfalia Fruit, a leading South African avocado exporter, has solidified its position in Europe by acquiring Syros, a Belgian-based food processor and distributor. This move marks a significant step in Westfalia’s global growth strategy, enhancing its product range and logistical reach across the continent.

A Strategic Partnership Built on History

Syros, well-known for its private-label and branded avocado-based products such as guacamole, avocado oil, and meal kits, has been a longtime trading partner of Westfalia. The company has sourced frozen avocados from Westfalia for several years, building a foundation of trust and collaboration. Westfalia highlighted the strategic value of this acquisition, emphasizing how the integration would “enhance Westfalia’s presence in the European market while maintaining the standards both organizations are known for.”

Opportunities for Growth in the European Market

Hans Boyum, Westfalia’s commercial director for Africa, underscored the long-term potential of the acquisition. While no immediate increase in export volumes from South Africa is expected, Boyum anticipates additional opportunities in the future. “Syros is based in mainland Europe, with good logistical connections across the continent, and strengthens Westfalia’s presence and product range. We have ambitious plans for the future, and a steady supply of good-quality avocados is necessary to support those plans,” Boyum noted.

Expanding Frozen Avocado Exports from Southern Africa

Westfalia has been a pioneer in producing guacamole and smashed avocado products for years, utilizing lower-grade avocados for frozen products. With Syros now part of the group, the potential to increase frozen avocado exports from Southern Africa has grown. “Syros has been a customer of our frozen avocado products, and through our joint focus, we hope to increase our exports of frozen avocado products from Southern Africa,” Boyum explained. He also stressed the importance of maintaining high internal fruit quality, even for avocados designated for processing.

One of the key advantages of this acquisition is Syros’s strategic location in Belgium, offering strong logistical connections across Europe. Boyum confirmed that no significant additional investments in freight or logistics infrastructure would be required, as Westfalia’s existing European operations already benefit from robust local infrastructure.

Global Expansion Strategy

The Syros acquisition is part of Westfalia’s ongoing global expansion strategy, which spans operations in 17 countries across five continents. The company’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and responsible corporate citizenship remains central to its mission. In its statement, Westfalia emphasized that the acquisition would allow the company to better serve its European customers while strengthening its leadership in the global avocado industry.

With this acquisition, Westfalia is poised to not only enhance its European footprint but also explore new opportunities for Southern African exports. The integration with Syros aligns with the company’s vision of growth, quality, and sustainability, ensuring that it remains a global leader in the avocado market. This strategic partnership sets the stage for Westfalia’s continued success, both in Europe and beyond.

InteliGro: Koolhidraatbestuur in sagtevrugte

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InteliGro: Koolhidraatbestuur in sagtevrugte

Koolhidrate speel ‘n deurslaggewende rol in die fisiologie van vrugtebome, veral in die prosesse van groei, ontwikkeling en vrugteproduksie. Die biomolekules dien nie net as energiebronne nie, maar vorm ook strukturele komponente wat noodsaaklik is vir die vorming van vrugte en die algemene gesondheid van die boom. Daarbenewens is ‘n begrip van alternatiewe drag – waar vrugtebome sikliese variasies  in vrugteproduksie toon – van kardinale belang vir die optimalisering van opbrengste en die versekering van volhoubare landbou.

Alternatiewe dragpatroon van vrugtebome verwys na die neiging van sommige vrugtebome om in een jaar ‘n oorvloedige produksie van vrugte te hê, gevolg deur ‘n jaar van beperkte of geen produksie. Hierdie fenomeen kan lei tot onvoorspelbare marktoegang en uitdagings vir volhoubare landboupraktyke. Die alternatiewe dragpatrone kan veroorsaak word deur ongunstige omgewingstoestande soos rypskade. Dit kan  totale vrugteverlies in een jaar veroorsaak en dan die daaropvolgende jaar die boom weer ’n te swaar oes laat dra en die siklus van aan- en afjare induseer.

Sulke alternatiewe dragpatrone kan bestuur word deur boordpraktyke soos uitdun en snoei, asook voedings- bestuur van daardie boorde.

Deur hierdie faktore te verstaan en te bestuur, kan produsente meer voorspelbare en volhoubare opbrengste behaal, wat bydra tot die ekonomiese lewensvatbaarheid van boordstelsels en die algemene volhoubaarheid van landboupraktyke. Die bestuur van alternatiewe drag in vrugtebome is ‘n komplekse taak wat verskeie strategieë behels.

Sleutelpraktyke sluit die volgende in:

HORTOLOGIESE PRAKTYKE

Blomuitdunning:

Deur oortollige blomme te verwyder, kan die potensiële vruglading verminder word, wat die koolhidraattoewysing tussen die oorblywende blomme en vrugte help balanseer.

Vruguitdunning:

Die vroeë verwydering van oortollige jong vrugte in die seisoen verseker dat die oorblywende vrugte voldoende hulpbronne ontvang, wat die algemene gehalte en grootte van die vrugte kan verbeter.

Boorduitleg en opleistelsels:

Korrekte ryrigtings, plantspasiëring en opleistelsel dra by tot groei, effektiewe lighuishouding en dra-kapasiteit van plante, almal krities tot die skep van dra-posisies en volume vrugte wat geproduseer kan word per vierkante meter oppervlakte.

SNOEI

Gereelde snoei op kritiese tye help om die balans tussen vegetatiewe groei en vrugteproduksie te handhaaf. Dit moedig die ontwikkeling van nuwe lote en blomknoppe aan, terwyl ou of nie-produktiewe takke verwyder word, wat sodoende energie aan die boom se vrugteproduksie toewys. Snoei speel ‘n groot rol in sonligbestuur wat weer invloed het op vrugbaarheid en posisies van dra-eenhede in plante.

BESPROEIINGSBESTUUR

Konsekwente en voldoende watervoorsiening is krities, veral tydens belangrike groeistadiums soos blom, vrugset en vrugontwikkeling. Waterstres kan die siklusse van alternatiewe drag vererger, dus is dit belangrik om ‘n goeie besproeiings- strategie te implementeer.

SELEKSIE VAN PLANTMATERIAAL EN ONDERSTAMME

Seleksie van variëteite

Teling en seleksie van variëteite wat ‘n laer geneigdheid tot alternatiewe drag het, kan ‘n  langtermynoplossing bied. Selekteer vir variëteite wat minder neigings het tot alternatiewe dragpatrone. Keuses ten opsigte van kultivar- en onderstam- groeipatrone en vrugbaarheid kan ‘n beduidende impak hierop hê.

VOEDINGSBESTUUR

Die verskaffing van gebalanseerde voeding, met ‘n spesifieke fokus op stikstof, fosfor, kalium, kalsium magnesium en mikro-elemente, grond- asook blaar-toegedien in tye waar wortelopname voedingstowwe beperk, ondersteun konsekwente fotosintese  en vrugteproduksie. Voldoende bemesting help om voedingstofreserwes aan te vul wat tydens swaar vrugtejare uitgeput mag word.

Dit is belangrik om die plante te help ten tye van swaar drag op bome om te verseker dat genoegsame koolhidrate vir reserwes in bas en hout beskikbaar is vir voedingvoorsiening gedurende die blomperiode voor wortel voedingstof opname begin plaasvind tydens loot groei periode.

Die gebruik van biostimulante om plantvoeding-element gebruik te verbeter (NUE -Nutrient Use Efficiency), word al hoe belangriker om opbrengs per kg voedingstof toegedien te verhoog.

Die gebruik van grond-, blaar-, water-, sap- en koolhidraat- ontledings speel ‘n groot rol om’n  voedingsprogram effektief te bestuur deur die groeiseisoen.

PLANTGROEIREGULEERDERS

Biostimulante en groeireguleerders

Die toediening van plantekstrakte asook sintetiese groei- reguleerders kan help om blom- en  vrugteontwikkeling te reguleer, wat moontlik alternatiewe drag kan versag.

Deur hierdie benaderings te kombineer, kan produsente effektief alternatiewe drabestuur en die volhoubaarheid van boerderystelsels verbeter. InteliGro volg ’n holistiese strategie om koolhidrate optimaal te bestuur. Kontak gerus die InteliGro landboukundiges en Gewas Adviseurs vir meer inligting en ondersteuning.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.inteligro.co.za

Pinot Noir Oes Skop Af met Passie by Koelenbosch

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Pinot Noir Oes Skop Af met Passie by Koelenbosch

Vanoggend, 13 Januarie 2025, was daar opwinding en entoesiasme onder die werkers tussen die wingerde van Koelenbosch in Stellenbosch toe die langverwagte oesseisoen aangebreek het. Met dagbreek het Cobus Germishuys die toneel en die dinamiese aanvang van hierdie belangrike gebeurtenis in die wynmaak-kalender vasgevang. Teen 5-uur vanoggend was die wingerde gevul met die geesdrif van die werkers, almal gereed om hul rol te speel in die oes van die gesogte Pinot Noir-druiwe wat bestem is vir Villiera se premium Cap Classique.

Die aanvang van die oes is ’n rede om fees te vier, en die atmosfeer op die plaas het hierdie gevoel weerspieël. Met vreugdevolle glimlagte en gelag wat tussen die wingerde weerklink, het die werkers hul take met toewyding aangepak. Die Pinot Noir-druiwe, noukeurig gekies vir hul ideale rypheid, is met die hand gepluk. Die oggendson het ’n goue gloed oor die Stellenbosch Wynlande versprei, wat die skoonheid van die wingerd en sy omgewing beklemtoon het.

Koelenbosch

’n Viering van Tradisie en Uitmuntendheid

Oes in die Wynland is meer as net ’n taak; dit is ’n tradisie deurdrenk met betekenis. Die oesseisoen, wat vanaf Januarie tot April duur, verg ’n fyn balans tussen kuns en wetenskap. Elke druiwekorrel is die resultaat van maande se sorgvuldige versorging en geduld, en elke krat vol Pinot Noir bring die Wynlande ’n stap nader aan die produksie van hul bekende vonkelwyn – Cap Classique.

Die werkers se entoesiasme en dryfkrag was aansteeklik. Die proses het vereis dat elke druiwetros noukeurig gesnoei en versigtig van die wingerd verwyder word. Elke krat is deeglik gepak en met groot sorg na die verwerkingsarea vervoer. Hierdie toewyding het hulle passie en vakmanskap beklemtoon. Hierdie oomblikke, deurdrenk van spanwerk en trots, het die ware essensie van die oes vasgevang.

Die Wynlande

Die Kaapse Wynlande, insluitend Stellenbosch, word internasionaal gevier vir hul wynproduksie. Die Mediterreense klimaat, gekenmerk deur warm, droë somers en koel aande, skep ideale toestande vir die produksie van premium druiwe. Hierdie jaar se oes beloof om uitmuntende Pinot Noir te lewer, ryk aan geur en perfek vir die vervaardiging van Cap Classique vonkelwyn.

Pinot Noir-druiwe, bekend vir hul elegansie en veelsydigheid, word veral hoog aangeskryf in die produksie van Cap Classique. Vandag se oes merk die eerste stap in die transformasie van hierdie druiwe na Villiera se Cap Classique – ’n vonkelwyn wat die essensie van die streek en sy terroir vasvang.

Gemeenskapsgees

Buite die tegniese aspekte van druiwe-oes was die toneel by Koelenbosch een van eenheid en saamkuier. Die werkers, geklee in uniforms en toegerus met snoeiskêre, het hul kollektiewe poging na vore gebring. Tussen die noukeurige werk van pluk en sorteer, het oomblikke van lag en kameraderie die vreugde van deel wees van iets groter uitgelig – die skep van wyn wat ’n storie van die land en sy mense vertel.

Die oggend is gevul met ’n gevoel van prestasie, aangesien die eerste oes van Pinot Noir-druiwe suksesvol ingesamel is. Hierdie druiwe, gevul met potensiaal, begin nou hul reis om ’n kenmerkende Villiera Cap Classique te word, bestem om wynliefhebbers regoor die wêreld te betower.

Soos die oesseisoen voortduur, bly Koelenbosch en sy werkers toegewyd aan die produksie van wyn wat die passie, vaardigheid en skoonheid van die Kaapse Wynlande weerspieël. Met hierdie inspirerende begin, beloof die 2025-oes om een vir die boeke te wees!

 

Two-a-Day Becomes South Africa’s First Agribusiness Certified as a Top Employer

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Two-a-Day Becomes South Africa’s First Agribusiness Certified as a Top Employer

Tru-Cape’s shareholder Two-a-Day recently became the first agribusiness in South Africa to be certified as a Top Employer nationally by the Top Employers Institute, based in the Netherlands.

Companies must be at the forefront of people practices to achieve this status.

“We employ approximately 2000 people, each playing an integral role in our business. We are considered a big employer in our small community; therefore, it is important that our employees are happy at work and that our standards are world-class,” explains Dimitri Jacobs, group human resources director at Two-a-Day.

Two-a-Day in Grabouw is one of Africa’s leading fruit-growing, packing, and marketing companies. The group currently exports 7 million cartons of apples and pears annually, with another 2 million being sold locally. All fruit is marketed by Tru-Cape, in which they hold a 50% interest.

The decision was taken earlier this year to benchmark Two-a-Day’s HR practices and standards to determine whether their strategies to develop and train employees were on par with international levels.

“To be accredited, one should score at least 60% overall on the 255 areas that are evaluated. We achieved 66.76%, which is outstanding,” Dimitri says proudly.

“We always try our best, but the certification confirmed that were on the right track. As a business, we do a lot for the people in our community, and it is good to be recognised for it.”

While technology is of utmost importance for the company to remain globally competitive, Attie van Zyl, the managing director of Two-a-Day, says that people are still at the heart of their business.

“The accreditation highlights that agribusinesses in South Africa can compete equally well with other industries regarding employment opportunities and ethical standards. We have many initiatives in place, of which our factory workers’ shareholding in our solar and other projects is of great importance.”

Attracting new talent

Two-a-Day scored particularly well in the categories of leadership and strategy, unity, and engagement.  These domains considered values, ethics, diversity and equity, sustainability, employee well-being, and rewards and recognition, amongst others.

“We aim to create a fulfilling environment at Two-a-Day by supplying the appropriate tools and opportunities for training and growth. We offer bursaries to all our workers and benchmark salaries against the national average via Deloitte,” he says.

“At Two-a-Day, we have a big focus on employee wellness and sport. We also have a full-time doctor, social worker, and psychologist to assist employees in their needs.”

Through Ratelberg Solar, an initiative owned 100% by Two-a-Day’s workers, the company boasts one of the country’s largest solar installations on rooftops. Employees are also part of the Tru-Cape Trust, where they have the opportunity to earn an annual dividend.

Dimitri says the certification will be especially valuable to attract new talent.

“People considering working for us now know Two-a-Day is a good place of work. Also, Two-a-Day is in a growth phase, and the certification will help us to attract the right people, particularly in technical positions.”

Roelf Pienaar, the managing director of Tru-Cape, which is the fruit marketing division of Two-a-Day, congratulated them for achieving their new status.

“It is important to demonstrate to our 105 global markets that our premium apples and pears are produced ethically and packaged under fair labour conditions in a safe, inclusive environment that values ongoing learning. We are also excited about Two-a-Day’s potential to be seen as an employer of choice, which will help us attract talented individuals to achieve outstanding results together.”

Goals for 2025

Dimitri has set an ambitious goal for Two-a-Day to earn a place on the list of the top 20 employers in South Africa and join the ranks of companies such as Vodacom, Unilever, Absa, Chep, and Coca-Cola.

“In 2025, our focus will be to improve in all categories to achieve a score of 70%. It will require commitment, but it is important to us.”

To achieve this, they plan to focus on leadership development and implement changes in the digital environment to give employees and applicants the best experience possible. More marketing efforts will be aimed at Two-a-Day’s positive community and workplace initiatives.

“We hope this, and other projects, will contribute to Two-a-Day being a pleasant and preferred work place for many,” Dimitri concludes.

 

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