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Ilse Ruthford: Die Verhaal van Passie en Pionierskap in die Wynwêreld

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Ilse Anne Ruthford, ‘n uitsonderlike vrou diep gewortel in haar afkoms en ‘n onwrikbare gees, is ‘n inspirasie vir baie. Gebore en getoë in die idilliese dorpie Pniel, net buite Stellenbosch, het Ilse ‘n groot liefde vir haar gemeenskap, en die ryk kultuur waarmee sy grootgeword het.

Haar lewe is ‘n getuienis van veerkragtigheid, passie, en ‘n onblusbare strewe na uitnemendheid. Ilse word bygestaan deur ‘n ondersteunende eggenoot, Hilton Ruthford, wat sy van kleintyd af ken, en twee talentvolle dogters wat haar trots maak. Ilse se gesin vorm die fondament van haar sterkte en inspirasie, ‘n toevlug van liefde en ondersteuning deur alle seisoene van haar lewe.

Ilse se lewe was egter nie sonder sy uitdagings nie. “Vyf jaar gelede was ek gediagnoseer met borskanker. Ek het ‘n operasie ondergaan asook chemo-terapie en bestraling. My stryd teen kanker was nie maklik nie, maar ek het onsettend baie geleer. Ek was omring met soveel liefde, gebede en omgee van familie, vriende, kollegas en kennisse.”

“Jy besef dan hoe geseënd jy eintlik is ten spyte van die omstandigdhede. Dit dra jou deur sulke moeilike tye en inspireer jou om moed te hou,” vertel Ilse.

Ilse se liefde vir reënboë en skildpadbesies simboliseer haar hoop en geloof in die beloftes van môre, ‘n passie wat sy deel met ander regoor die wêreld deur haar versameling van reënboogfoto’s.
Sy is meer as net ‘n oorwinnaar; sy is ‘n bron van inspirasie, ‘n herinnering dat, ongeag die storms, daar altyd hoop is na die reën.

Wynbedryf

Nadat Ilse aan die Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof gematrikuleer het, het sy by Boland Kollege in Stellenbosch gestudeer, waarna sy die grondslag van haar 27 jaar lange loopbaan in die wynbedryf gelê het. Haar studierigting het nie net bemarking ingesluit nie, maar sy het ook dieper gedelf in die wêreld van wyn deur twee gespesialiseerde wynkursusse by die Kaapse Wynakademie te voltooi. Hierdie vroeë toewyding het ‘n basis geskep vir haar loopbaan, wat afgeskop het op ‘n Stellenbosch-wynplaas in 1997 en gelei het tot verskeie rolle oor die breë spektrum van wynproduksie, van proe-aanbiedings, wynstelsels administrasie, bemarking en uitvoere.

Nuwe Horisonne

Na vier jaar se betrokkenheid by ‘n wynverskepingsmaatskappy, het Ilse ‘n sterk begeerte gehad om na ‘n wynplaas terug te keer. In November 2006 het sy by Meerlust aangesluit en die rol van uitvoerkoördineerder vervul. Met die stigting van die Meerlust Bemagtigingstrust in 2009 het ‘n nuwe hoofstuk in haar lewe begin. “Die term swart ekonomiese bemagtiging was toe iets nuuts vir my, maar ek was bereid om te leer. Al wat ek toe geweet het, is dat daar ’n maatskappy gestig gaan word tot voordeel van die Meerlust werkers.”

Stigting van Compagniesdrift

Die Myburgh Familie Trust, eienaars van die bekende Meerlust Wynlandgoed in Stellenbosch, was die dryfkrag agter die stigting van Compagniesdrift om betekenisvolle en ekonomies lewensvatbare bemagtiging van hul werkers te verseker.

Op 1 Desember 2010 het die deure van Compagniesdrift oopgemaak. ’n Wynstoor fasiliteit wat stoorspasie bied vir wynprodusente, asook dienste soos etikettering en verpakking vir uitvoer en plaaslike verspreiding, verskaf.
Die Meerlust Werkers Trust besit Compagniesdrift sedert Julie 2019. Die maatskappy is aanvanklik begin in samewerking met die Myburgh Familie Trust, Standard Bank en die Departement van Grondsake deur sy Grondhervorming en Ontwikkelingsprogram. Die 72 begunstigdes het langstaande verhoudings met Meerlust, Vriesenhof en Ken Forrester wynkelders.
“Ek het by Compagniesdrift op 1 November 2012 aangesluit as Besturende Direkteur. Onseker wat op my wag, het ek die geleentheid met beide hande aangegryp. Ek was bereid om te leer en met my Mentors, Albie de Waal en Hannes Myburgh ’n pad te stap. Ek is dankbaar vir hul leiding en ondersteuning. Ons vertrou mekaar en hul ondersteun my en my span in alles wat ons aanpak. Ek wil hul trots maak en ek wil hul verseker dat ons suksesvol sal wees.”

Van Geloof tot Vervulling

Ilse Ruthford is oortuig dat sy op die regte tyd, op die regte plek was, en beskou Meerlust en Compagniesdrift as integrale dele van ‘n goddelike plan vir haar lewe. Met die geleenthede wat sy ontvang het, was haar begeerte nie net om persoonlik te groei nie, maar ook om dié geleenthede aan ander te bied.
“En ek is trots op wat ons die afgelope 13 jaar vermag het. Vroue wat woonagtig op die plaas was en vir ‘n tyd werkloos was, is vandag permanente werkers by Compagniesdrift. Sommige beklee senior posisies. Ek glo jy kan as jy wil.”

Werksgeleenthede

“Ek het ‘n geleentheid gekry tesame met 71 begunstigdes om eenhede in ons maatskappy te besit. Wat ‘n voorreg. Ek wil ook vir ander die geleentheid gee om dieselfde te doen. Jy hoef nie net in die werksplek jouself verbeter nie, maar ook op ‘n persoonlike vlak. As ek sien hoe my kollegas geleenthede aangryp en hulself verbeter dan weet ek, ons is op die regte pad,” sluit Ilse af.

Bernadette Brown se reis by Compagniesdrift het begin op die openingdag, toe sy, ondanks ‘n gebrek aan kennis in wynstoor en verwante stelsels, moedig die uitdaging aangepak het. Voorheen ‘n administratiewe klerk by Meerlust, het Bernadette die sprong na die onbekende logistieke sektor gewaag, gewapen met ‘n onwrikbare passie en ‘n drang om haarself te verbeter. Haar sukses spruit uit haar toewyding en liefde vir haar werk, gedryf deur ‘n sterk begeerte om sukses te behaal en by te dra tot die sukses van Compagniesdrift. In haar huidige rol as senior logistieke koördineerder, bestuur Bernadette die papierwerk van byna 40 kliënte en lewer sy onskatbare insette by die stoorafdeling, ‘n sleutelfiguur in die onderneming se voortdurende sukses.

Compagniesdrift Wyne

Compagniesdrift se wyne, wat beskikbaar is in plaaslike en internasionale kleinhandeluitlaatpunte sowel as in hul eie proelokaal, word vervaardig deur hul begaafde wynmaker, Altus Treurnicht – ook die wynmaker by die wêreldbekende Meerlust Wynlandgoed.

Compagniesdrift se wyne word gekies vir hul vruguitdrukking en suiwerheid van smaak, wat dit ‘n ideale kosmaat maak. Die seleksie van Compagniesdrift se wyne sluit in: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Chardonnay Pinot Noir, en Albertus.

Nog ’n toevoeging tot die besigheid is die groentetuin. Toe Ilse in 2014 as Top Vroulike Ondernemer vir Agri-verwerking deur die Nasionale Departement van Landbou, Bosbou en Visserye aangewys is, het sy ‘n deel van haar prysgeld geskenk om die groentetuin te vestig. Vandag produseer en verkoop hulle ‘n smaaklike reeks konfyte wat eenvoudig jou smaakkliere sal prikkel!

Toekomsplanne

Ilse wil graag die wynwinkel by Compagniesdrift uitbrei en aan hul huidige stoorkliënte, wat dikwels nie oor hul eie proefasiliteite beskik nie, die geleentheid bied om hul wyne in die winkel te verkoop.
Compagniesdrift se wyne is nog nie op die internasionale mark beskikbaar nie, maar daar is ’n begeerte by Ilse om in ‘n paar oorsese lande te vestig vir uitvoere. Alhoewel dit ‘n uitdagende proses is, is hulle geduldig en is Ilse oortuig dat die regte geleentheid op die perfekte tydstip sal aanbreek.

Toekenning

Ilse is vanjaar vereer met die ‘Growing Inclusivity’-toekenning by die ‘Wine Harvest Commemorative Event’, gehou op 1 Februarie 2024 by Groot Constantia. Hierdie erkenning is aan haar toegeken vir haar onwrikbare toewyding om deur haar passie en ervaring ‘n inspirasie te wees vir ander, en vir haar pogings om die ontwikkeling van plaaswerkers te bevorder. As mentor vir haar perso-neel dra sy by tot hul groei.
Verder speel Ilse ‘n sleutelrol in die gemeenskap as ‘n raadslid van die Stellenbosch Wynroete, waar sy ‘n voorloper in sosio-ekonomiese ontwikkeling is.

“Ek is onsettend dankbaar vir die erkenning. Dit is goed vir Compagniesdrift en vir myself. Hierdie toekenning is ook voordelig vir die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf wat poog om gelyke geleenthede vir almal te skep. Ek wil nie net ander inspireer nie, maar ook ander motiveer dat jy kan hoogtes bereik as jy hard werk en geleenthede wat na jou toe kom, aangryp.”

Waardes wat Sukses Dryf

Ilse Ruthford se verhaal is ‘n inspirerende toonbeeld van hoe passie, deursettingsvermoë en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid saam die fondament van sukses kan vorm. Van haar beskeie tot die leidende rol by Compagniesdrift, toon Ilse die krag van leierskap wat gewortel is in waardes en die strewe na uitnemendheid. Terwyl sy bly voortbou op hierdie nalatenskap, bly Ilse ‘n baken van hoop en inspirasie vir toekomstige generasies, en bewys dat ware sukses bereik word deur toewyding en die skep van geleenthede vir ander.

“Ons waardes sluit in eerlikheid, integriteit en toewyding; en deur ons passie vir mense te kombineer, verseker ons besigheidsukses,” – Ilse Ruthford, Besturende Direkteur.

Vir meer inligting 021 843 3913/902 e-pos [email protected], besoek www.compagniesdrift.com

The Future of AGOA: Implications for South Africa

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The Future of AGOA: Implications for South Africa

According to a recent Reuters report, a bipartisan initiative in the U.S. Senate proposes to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through 2041. AGOA, established in 2000, is a U.S. trade policy designed to promoting economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa by granting eligible countries duty-free access to American markets for a wide range of goods. It incentivizes African nations to pursue economic reforms and build stronger trade relations with the United States, benefiting industries such as textiles, automotive, and agriculture.

Initially, the proposed legislation included an immediate review requirement for South Africa’s eligibility based on its foreign policy stances. This requirement has been dropped, yet concerns about South Africa’s foreign policy remain a point of discussion among U.S. lawmakers. This legislative move, supported by figures such as Senators Chris Coons and James Risch, aims to strengthen economic ties and promote stability and growth in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant implications for South Africa.

Bipartisan Support and Strategic Extension

The extension of AGOA, endorsed by both Democratic and Republican senators, signals a strong commitment to fostering long-term economic relationships between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. The proposed 16-year extension aims to provide predictability and stability, essential for the economic planning and investment strategies of the nations involved.

Key Legislative Changes

Significant modifications in the legislation include extending the duration AGOA will remain effective, shifting eligibility reviews from annual to biennial, and allowing the U.S. president more flexibility in enforcement actions. This change reduces the administrative burden on participating countries and provides them with the opportunity to stabilize and grow their economies without the disruption of frequent policy reassessments.

Economic Impact and Enforcement Flexibility

The bill allows the president various options if a country is found ineligible, a shift from the current mandate of terminating benefits. Additionally, the criteria for graduating countries from the program have been adjusted; countries must now maintain high-income status for five consecutive years before they can graduate from AGOA, preventing penalties for temporary economic spikes.

Benefits and Concerns for South Africa

For South Africa, the extension of AGOA until 2041 is particularly beneficial. In 2022, South Africa exported about $3 billion worth of goods to the U.S. under the program, including key sectors like automotive, agriculture (fruits and wines), which significantly benefit from duty-free access to the U.S. market. This fosters job creation and economic diversity. The bill also aims to deepen trade relations and support economic development in alignment with broader U.S. goals to enhance economic ties and invest in African economies.

However, challenges remain, particularly in how South Africa’s foreign policy decisions might influence its eligibility under AGOA. Despite criticism of South Africa’s stances on international issues like Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas, the Biden administration maintained AGOA benefits for South Africa last year. This decision faced criticism, with calls for “course-corrective action” by members of Congress like Senator Risch.

Integration with AfCFTA

The proposed changes to AGOA aim to better integrate it with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) by modifying rules of origin. This modification allows inputs from North African AfCFTA members to count towards the requirement that 35% of a product’s value must originate in the region. This change is designed to reinforce AfCFTA’s goal to develop intra-African supply chains, though participation is contingent upon meeting AGOA’s strict eligibility requirements related to governance, human rights, and foreign policy.

The extension of AGOA and the removal of the immediate review requirement for South Africa illustrate a U.S. legislative strategy that harmonizes economic and diplomatic priorities. This approach provides South Africa a stable platform for ongoing economic partnership and growth, while emphasizing the importance of skillful navigation of international relations to fully leverage AGOA’s benefits.

 

 

A Journey Through the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival

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Begin a culinary and vinicultural adventure at the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival, scheduled for the 27 – 28 April 2024 at the Claremont Cricket Club in Constantia.

This gathering is set to be a paradise for food lovers and wine enthusiasts, featuring an extensive selection of award-winning wines alongside a variety of gourmet food choices.
As you wander through the festival, delve into the diverse tastes presented by around 50 leading wine estates. Whether you’re drawn to bold reds, refined whites, or the vibrant fizz of Cap Classique, there’s an array of options to delight every taste preference.

Food enthusiasts will delight in the Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market, which presents a diverse selection of dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. From classic fish and chips and vibrant salads to sophisticated sushi platters and indulgent cheese and charcuterie boards, every craving will be satisfied.

For a more laid-back experience, opt for a picnic bag filled with an assortment of gourmet treats and relax on the lush lawns, soaking in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Adding to the charm are the exclusive Pick n Pay Tasting Room sessions, where guests can dive deeper into the art of wine and food pairing. Led by celebrity chefs and esteemed winemakers, these intimate masterclasses are designed to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the delicate interplay between wine and cuisine.

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to celebrate the finer things in life at the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival in Cape Town. It’s an event that promises to engage all your senses and leave you with lasting memories.

Rovic Leers se Rewolusionêre SOLEM Besproeiingstegnologie: ‘n Nuwe Era in Landbou-effektiwiteit

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Rovic Leers se Rewolusionêre SOLEM Besproeiingstegnologie: ‘n Nuwe Era in Landbou-effektiwiteit

Rovic Leers, ‘n vooraanstaande vervaardiger van landboumasjinerie in Suid-Afrika, het ‘n reputasie opgebou vir die verskaffing van topgehalte landboutoerusting en implemente aan boere regoor die land. In hul strewe om die landbou-industrie met innoverende oplossings te bedien, staan Rovic Leers ook uit as die invoerders en verspreiders van SOLEM Besproeiingsbeheerprodukte in Afrika. Die SOLEM reeks maak gebruik van gevorderdec om 9 Volt bepsroeiingkrane oor ‘n lang afstand sonder die beslommernis van lang afstand koperdrade te beheer.

Die kern van SOLEM se produkreeks is die 9-volt beheerstelsels, wat ontwerp is om tussen een en ses krane te kan programmeer. Hierdie stelsels is toegerus met verskeie sensormeters wat outomaties aanpas by ‘n reeks omgewings omstandighede, soos temperatuur, reënval, windspoed, humiditeit, grondvog, en selfs die watervlakke in reservoirs. Hierdie aanpasbaarheid verseker dat jou besproeiingstelsel outomaties en doeltreffend op die natuurlike omgewing reageer.

SOLEM se produkte sluit ook vloeimeterlesings in, wat outomatisering en doeltreffendheid toevoeg deur presies te monitor hoeveel water gebruik word. Daarby waarsku die drukmeters jou onmiddellik as die druk van jou besproeiingstelsel buite voorafbepaalde grense val, wat jou in staat stel om proaktief op sulke kwessies te reageer.

Rovic Leers

Vir daaglikse gebruiksgemak, kan SOLEM se 9-volt kontroleerders deur Bluetooth-tegnologie op kort afstande gemonitor en beheer word. Die ware uitblinker is egter SOLEM se toepassing van LORA-tegnologie, wat draadlose kommunikasie oor afstande tot 800 meter met ‘n basisstasie moontlik maak, sonder enige fisiese verbindings. Hierdie basisstasie kan dan via Wi-Fi of 3G/4G aan die internet gekoppel word, wat gebruikers die buitengewone gerief bied om hul besproeiingstelsels vanaf enige plek in die wêreld, solank hulle internettoegang het, te monitor en te bestuur.

Die beheer van SOLEM se LORA-produkte geskied moeiteloos deur die MySOLEM-toep op jou slimfoon, wat jou onmiddellike toegang en beheer bied, waar jy ook al is. Vir diegene wat op soek is na ‘n meer diepgaande beheer en inligting, bied die MySOLEM-platform op jou rekenaar ‘n uitgebreide uitsig en beheer oor jou besproeiingstelsel, weereens toeganklik vanaf enige plek in die wêreld met ‘n internetverbinding.
SOLEM se benadering tot besproeiingsbeheer herdefinieer die manier waarop ons dink oor landbou- en tuinbouwaterbestuur, met ‘n klem op gemak, doeltreffendheid en tegnologiese vooruitgang.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.rovicleers.co.za

Boosting Dairy Profits through Science at Outeniqua Research Farm

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Boosting Dairy Profits through Science at Outeniqua Research Farm

Earlier today, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, visited the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s (WCDoA) Outeniqua Research Farm, outside George, which is known for its research on dairy production from planted pasture. Results on pasture and the concentrate component of the dairy feed provide guidelines to producers in the Southern Cape.

Minister Meyer said, “Agriculture is a science, and science must be backed by evidence-based research. Our research aims to help grow the agricultural sector and support producers in developing their businesses and creating jobs. By providing our producers with high-quality scientific support, we aim to work with our producers to find innovative solutions to ensure that the sector can flourish.”

Specialist dairy researcher at the Outeniqua Research Farm, Professor Robin Meeske highlighted that the profitability of milk production is under pressure due to increasing input costs. As a result, research projects at Outeniqua Research Farm focus on sustainable profitable dairy production from pastures.

Outeniqua Research Farm

“The main profit drivers are pasture production per hectare, cows per hectare and milk production per cow.  High-quality pasture is the greatest contributor to the cows’ daily nutrient requirements. To meet their energy requirements, high volumes of concentrates are fed to cows which are often three times more expensive than pasture.”

“Pasture research focuses on optimal pasture yields from known pasture species, especially the various ryegrass species. Animal research is conducted into the supplementary concentrate that is fed to the cows. We are looking into possible alternatives for some of the ingredients to make the cost per kilogram of feed lower without compromising milk yield or milk composition,” added Professor Meeske.

Researchers at Outeniqua are in contact with industry role-players, and this ensures that the research being conducted is relevant to the dairy producers.

“Research findings at Outeniqua Research Farm contribute to improving pasture quality and yield on farms. More efficient use of concentrates and adjusting concentrate composition and level of concentrate feeding is key to the profitability of milk production from pasture. The industry is kept up to date with our latest finding at the annual Farmers’ Days hosted by the research team at the Outeniqua Research Farm,” concluded Minister Meyer.

 

InteliGro announces the integration of a seed division

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InteliGro announces the integration of a seed division

Seed is the cornerstone of agriculture. Without it, no human or animal can eat.

InteliGro recently announced the further strengthening of its value proposition through the integration of seed supplier, InteliSeed, into the business, effective 1 April 2024. The sustainability and success of growers are at the heart of the InteliGro business, and to optimise and protect crops to deliver high-quality yields.

With this integration, InteliGro is in an even stronger position to meet the needs of growers. Through extensive research, and partnering with highly regarded local and international suppliers, the seed portfolios aim to deliver sustainable high yielding crops.

The InteliGro seed portfolios include vegetables, oilseeds (sunflowers, canola, and soy), maize, wheat, dry beans, cover crops and pastures, and are offered to growers through a countrywide network of Seed Specialists and selected Crop Advisors.

“As part of our drive to continuously make innovation part of InteliGro’s holistic approach to growers, we are excited to have a focused seed portfolio from now on as part of the solutions,” said Niel Kruger, Regional Director InteliGro South, “This offers the opportunity to optimally manage genetics through customised plant nutrition strategies, supported by well-researched crop protection and biological solutions, with on-farm technical support. Our focus is on high-quality crop production and sustainable return on the grower’s investment.”

The InteliGro value offering spans all aspects of crop production, ranging from soil conditioning, high-quality seeds, integrated crop protection, biological solutions, specialised plant nutrition, supportive technology, technical support, and a highly trained team of Crop Advisors. This places InteliGro in the best position to supply expert crop advice while keeping the focus on food safety and -security in South Africa.

Johan Nienaber, Regional Director InteliGro: North concluded, “The integration of seeds enables InteliGro to expand our integrated crop solutions by supplying high-quality vegetable, maize, and oilseeds to growers. The InteliGro seed division will be headed by Barry Erasmus as Commercial Manager: Seed, supported by Lenie Venter as Operational Manager: Seed. Our promise to our growers is that we continuously deliver high-quality seed that supports sustainable, high-yielding crops.”

“Our seed is your advantage!”

For more information visit www.inteligro.co.za

Western Cape Battles Severe Weather: An Update on the Province’s Response

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Western Cape Battles Severe Weather: An Update on the Province’s Response

The Western Cape Government, led by Premier Alan Winde, is actively responding to the severe weather conditions that have impacted large parts of the province over the last 72 hours. With conditions stabilizing in some areas and escalating in others, the focus is on immediate response and recovery efforts.

Stabilizing Western Regions and Intensified Efforts in the Garden Route

The western parts of the province are seeing conditions stabilize, allowing for a shift towards mop-up operations and humanitarian aid. However, the Garden Route district is currently facing heavy rainfall and rising water levels, particularly around the George area, which has received over 100mm of rain in the past 24 hours. The Premier emphasized the government’s top priority is protecting lives in these high-rainfall areas while aiding regions where the weather has passed.

Dams and Flooding: A Rising Concern

Dams in the Garden Route district are rapidly filling or already overflowing, especially those along the coast. This, combined with a spring tide and storm surges, heightens the risk of flooding, particularly at estuaries in Mossel Bay and Wilderness. Authorities are closely monitoring these conditions to manage the potential for downstream flooding effectively.

Weather Warnings Remain in Place

The South African Weather Services has issued a Level 4 warning for disruptive rain in the eastern parts of the province, with expectations of continued rainfall in the Garden Route District until Wednesday. This serves as a caution for residents and authorities to stay vigilant.

Road Closures and Power Outages: An Ongoing Challenge

Numerous roads in the Overberg, Cape Winelands, and Garden Route Districts have been impacted by the severe weather, with closures and clearing efforts being dynamically managed. Premier Winde has also expressed deep concern over ongoing power outages and has actively engaged with Eskom to ensure a swift restoration of services across the province.

Education Disrupted, Infrastructure Damaged

With 132 schools reporting damage ranging from minor to significant, the impact on education is substantial. The Western Cape Department of Education is assessing the need for further school closures in the coming days. Additionally, municipalities are grappling with the damage to homes and other structures, prompting a coordinated response to address these challenges and support affected residents.

Healthcare Amidst Adversity

Despite intermittent power outages, healthcare facilities across the affected regions remain largely operational. The resilience of these services ensures that essential healthcare needs are met even in the face of severe weather challenges.

A Unified Response

Premier Winde commended the tireless efforts of disaster management officials and emphasized that the province’s preparedness and rapid response have been crucial in managing the evolving situation. As the Western Cape continues to navigate this crisis, the collective effort of government, municipalities, NGOs, and the community remains pivotal in safeguarding lives and property.

For ongoing updates and emergency contact information, residents are urged to utilize the Western Cape Government’s communication resources and stay informed on the latest developments.

Tru-Cape Producers in Western Cape Evaluate Storm’s Impact on Apple Harvest

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Tru-Cape Producers in Western Cape Evaluate Storm’s Impact on Apple Harvest

In the orchards of Ceres and the EGVV area, situated within the heart of South Africa’s fruit belt, Tru-Cape’s pome (apple and pear) producers are grappling with the aftermath of a fierce weekend storm. Gale-force winds and persistent rains have prompted an urgent assessment of damages, though initial reports suggest that these areas may have been spared the worst.

Roelf Pienaar, the managing director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, conveyed a cautious optimism, indicating that the full extent of the damage would be clearer in the coming days. “While we count ourselves fortunate to have possibly avoided the severe impacts seen in the Helderberg and Stellenbosch areas, our teams are diligently evaluating the situation,” he noted.

The timing of the storm has been particularly critical, coinciding with the harvest period for prized apple varieties such as Pink Lady, Rosy Glow, Granny Smith, and Sundowner. With more inclement weather forecasted, producers are on edge, hoping for a reprieve that would allow them to salvage much of their season’s work.

Compounding the agricultural challenges, the port of Cape Town faced disruptions, having been rendered inoperative by the high winds since Thursday, as Chris Knoetze of Link Supply Chain Management highlighted. The port’s operations hinge on the capricious winds, causing intermittent delays in shipments.

Laastedrif Agri, no stranger to adversity after a hailstorm earlier in February, found itself again in the throes of nature’s fury. Rossouw Cillié, the farm’s proprietor, lamented the loss of apples and lambs, a testament to the unpredictable hardships of farming. Despite the setbacks, Cillié remained hopeful, buoyed by the fact that a significant portion of the crop had been harvested before the storm.

In the Witzenberg Valley, Sakkie Hanekom’s farm, Slagboom, also felt the storm’s wrath, albeit with limited damage. Hanekom anticipates that the true extent of the damage, particularly bruising to the fruit, will only be revealed at harvest. His brother, Hannes, from Welgemeen Farm, echoed this sentiment, grateful that the orientation of their orchards mitigated the wind’s impact.

Elsewhere, in the Elgin Valley, Arno Reuvers of Two-A-Day reported minimal losses, a “miracle” given the circumstances. His farm, Heideland, along with Ben van der Merwe’s Fortuin in the Vyeboom region, faced the storm with resilience, welcoming the cooler weather for its beneficial effects on apple colouration.

As the Western Cape’s fruit producers navigate this challenging period, their collective resolve and adaptability shine through. The cold, while delaying harvests, is essential for the quality of the crop, a silver lining in the tumultuous weather pattern. With an industry so attuned to the rhythms of nature, the recent events serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between cultivation and the whims of the environment.

Port of Cape Town Weathers Fierce Storm

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Port of Cape Town Weathers Fierce Storm

Fierce winds reaching speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour wreaked havoc at the Port of Cape Town over the weekend, significantly disrupting operations. The severe storm conditions forced the automatic shutdown of ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, essential for container movement, when one unit registered wind speeds of approximately 60 knots. This led to a complete halt in the hoisting and parallel movement of containers, deemed too perilous in the face of such high-speed winds.

The situation was exacerbated by swell surges, further complicating the already inclement conditions at the port. Contrary to some reports, the port remained operational, according to logistics utility Transnet, despite the significant loss of throughput at the container terminal.

The weekend’s storm was part of a series of violent squalls that caused widespread devastation across the Cape, damaging informal settlements, propelling corrugated iron sheets through the air, and escalating fires. One such fire destroyed the historic 300-year-old Blaauklippen manor house in Stellenbosch.

Cape Town International Airport was also affected, with flights suspended due to the adverse weather conditions. The storm, which began on Friday, led to an incident where a cruise liner, the Ambience, with 1,400 passengers on board, collided with a cargo vessel, the Grey Fox, due to a swell surge at the port.

Despite the challenges, marine services at the port have remained operational. While the provincial government had prepared for more extreme weather conditions on Monday, April 8, the situation seemed to improve, indicating that the worst of the storm may have subsided. This development offered a measure of relief following what was described as some of the most intense winds the region has experienced in recent history.

Latest Update: Western Cape in Emergency Mode, Schools Shut as Severe Weather Hits

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Latest Update: Western Cape in Emergency Mode, Schools Shut as Severe Weather Hits

Premier Alan Winde, members of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet, municipal officials and other stakeholders were given a briefing early this morning at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) on the severe weather conditions affecting numerous areas in the province. The Joint Operational Centre has been activated to coordinate the overall provincial disaster response.

Over the past weekend, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level 9 warning for an intense cut-off low that is currently lashing parts of the Western Cape. The Cape Winelands, Overberg, and West Coast districts have been the hardest hit by strong winds and heavy downpours. Parts of the Garden Route district are also expected to receive heavy rainfall later today and tomorrow.

The WCG and its partners have mobilised all necessary resources to manage this situation and are doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of this weather event.

“Our first priority as the provincial government is to ensure that we do everything we can to keep our residents safe during this severe storm. We appeal to everyone to please exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel,” said Premier Winde.

Disaster management and emergency services personnel across affected districts have been hard at work in both preparing for the weather system and responding to incidents. Other relevant role players remain on high alert. “The dedication and commitment of all our disaster management personnel, on the frontlines and behind the scenes, is remarkable. They have been working flat out to help residents. We are very grateful for all you have been doing in affected areas,” said Premier Winde.

The impact of the extreme weather so far is varied.

Schools

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) schools in the Overberg, Cape Winelands and Helderberg were closed for the day (8 April) as a precaution. The Premier and Provincial Minister of Education, David Maynier, reiterated that this decision was not taken lightly. Premier Winde said, “We want our children learning and at school, but in light of the level of the warnings, we felt it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Twenty-six schools have thus far reported damage from the weather in one way or another. Infrastructure maintenance teams were quick to respond with crews on site at various places of teaching and learning by yesterday afternoon already.

Roads

Authorities have been hard at work clearing roadways of debris. However, a number of roads have been affected and closed as a precaution.

For an updated list of roads impacted by the storm please visit the Western Cape Government website.

Provincial Traffic Services are on high alert and deployed in key areas to assist with traffic control and closures.

Power interruptions

The inclement weather has caused power outages in several towns in the West Coast district and in the Lourensford and Gordon’s Bay areas. Eskom has reported to the PDMC that it is attending to these faults and others as they arise.  “I am deeply concerned by the impact that the wind has had on electricity infrastructure. We saw the collapse of pylons in the Central Karoo in February which according to Eskom was as a result of high winds, and I remain concerned about the possible impact that the wind may still have,” said Premier Winde.

Health and Wellness

Healthcare services in affected areas remain operational. The storm may affect certain healthcare services such as HealthNet patient transport and mobile healthcare services. Please only visit healthcare facilities during this period if needed for essential healthcare needs.

Apart from the heavy rains, there were several major fires, both wildfires and informal settlement blazes, in numerous districts over the weekend that were fueled by gale force winds. At this stage, all fires have been contained, and the arrival of the rain on Sunday evening assisted in containing the fires. Unfortunately, many residents have been negatively affected and lost their homes. Officials from the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure are assessing the impact of the weather on several houses in the Cape Town and Winelands’ municipalities. The Department of Infrastructure together with the Stellenbosch municipality are on-site at the affected informal settlement area, in preparation for providing fire kits through the National Department of Human Settlements. The department is  also assessing the impact of the weather at Nomzamo in Strand.

Western Cape Department of Social Development services have been activated to offer assistance, particularly to affected and vulnerable residents. The Premier has expressed his deep gratitude to NGOs for stepping in to help. “Your ongoing assistance is critical. I would also like to appeal to all residents to reach out and help too, in whatever way you can. These kinds of incidents can bring out the best in our communities. Thank you to everyone who has helped someone in need.” he concluded.

To stay informed on the ongoing situation, kindly make use of the below communication resources:

Emergency numbers for the districts and City of Cape Town are as follows:

Cape Winelands:                               021-886-9244 / 021-8874446

Garden Route:                                   044 805 5071

Central Karoo:                                    023-449-8000

West Coast:                                        022 433 8700

Overberg:                                           028 4251690

City of Cape Town:                           107 landline or 021 480 7700    and   – 080-911-4357 (City of Cape Town Disaster Management Centre)

For information and latest updates about the impact of the storm on the Western Cape please:

 

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