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Vergelegen Wine Estate Expands Heritage Herd with Striking New Stud Bull, Bullet

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Vergelegen Wine Estate Expands Heritage Herd with Striking New Stud Bull, Bullet

Vergelegen wine estate has welcomed a magnificent stud bull – two-year-old Bullet –  the latest edition to its thriving herd of 320 Nguni cattle.

Born on a small estate in Raithby between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, Bullet has striking black and white markings, and will be a valuable addition to the Vergelegen breeding herd, which is focused on colour and temperament.

Management decided to introduce Nguni cattle to the 324-year-old wine estate in 2001, and purchased original stock from a local stud in the Malmesbury district and also from the Eastern Cape. The estate registered the Vergelegen Nguni Stud in August 2010.

Nguni cattle are favoured for their multi-coloured hides and as a hardy breed for optimal beef production under harsh African conditions. They are both grazers and browsers, require little maintenance, and calve easily. The Vergelegen Nguni graze on a kikuyu and clover mix, under the watchful eye of stockman Sivuyile Mthiya.

Vergelegen is now home to a total of six Nguni stud bulls: Bullet, Ox and Victor (named after rugby heroes Ox Nché and Victor Matfield), Brutus junior, and two unnamed bulls.

The herd is clearly thriving, as 120 of the 180 cows are expected to calve between June and August this year.

Vergelegen MD Wayne Coetzer, who was raised on a KwaZulu-Natal farm and is a fluent Zulu speaker, says: “Nguni cattle have great aesthetic, cultural and spiritual significance. We are extremely proud to be custodians of this heritage herd.

“I welcome Bullet with great expectations and with a promise of lush meadows, cool clear waters and love. I wish him a future of peace and comfort, enhanced by amenable bovine company.”

 

Ontdek ‘n energieryke ervaring by KragDag 2024

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Die jaarlikse KragDag Wes-Kaap en Sentraal, wat vanaf 21 – 23 Maart 2024 op die Môreson Plaas, net buite Malmesbury, aangebied word, beloof ‘n opwindende gebeurtenis te wees. Die tema van KragDag sluit in: “Selfstandig, volhoubaar, tegnologies, groen, innoverend, kreatief, entrepreneuries, en hernubaar.”

Een van die sentrale aspekte van hierdie geleentheid is die verkrywing van hernubare en alternatiewe energiebronne, wat ‘n groot impak op die toekomstige energielandskap kan hê.

‘n Besoek aan die KragDag sal ‘n interaktiewe ervaring wees, waar besoekers nie net toeskouers is nie, maar ook deelnemers wat aktief betrokke is by die ontdekking van oplossings wat ‘n verskil in hul lewens kan maak. Die uitstallings sal ‘n wye spektrum van onderwerpe dek, insluitend sonkragoplossings, waterbestuur, elektriese voertuie, voedselproduksie, en nog vele meer.

KragDag Ateljee sal gratis lesings en paneelbesprekings deur bekendes en kundiges aanbied, wat ‘n platform sal bied vir die uitruil van idees en kennis.

‘n Ander opwindende aspek van die KragDag-ervaring sal die arena-program wees wat vertonings van perde, vee-ras tentoonstellings en hommeltuig demonstrasies sal insluit. Hierdie aktiwiteite sal ‘n toegevoegde dimensie van vermaak bied vir die hele gesin.

KragDag het die potensiaal om ‘n groot sukses te wees en om ‘n blywende impak te maak op die mense wat dit bywoon. Dit is ‘n uitsonderlike geleentheid om kennis op te doen oor volhoubare en selfstandigheidsoploggings (Doen dit Self), en om nuwe idees en oplossings te ontdek.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.kragdag.co.za

Olive Your Health The Wondrous Benefits of EVOO and Table Olives

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and table olives, widely recognized for their rich nutritional profiles, offer a plethora of health benefits. Integrating them into one’s diet is remarkably easy. Whether it’s adding olives to a pizza before baking, generously drizzling EVOO over a salad, or frying a steak in EVOO, these ingredients are versatile and health-promoting.

EVOO stands out as a key contributor to heart, digestive, and bone health. Its monounsaturated fat composition has been linked in studies to reduced heart disease risk, improved cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure. In the digestive sphere, EVOO acts as a mild laxative, enhancing digestive health and preventing constipation. It’s also beneficial for weight management, as its inclusion in diets contributes to satiety.

Moreover, EVOO is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E, which neutralize free radicals, thus protecting cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to these antioxidants, play a crucial role in reducing chronic inflammation, a factor in heart disease and cancer. Table olives, like EVOO, contribute significantly to heart and digestive health.

They are a rich source of antioxidants, combating oxidative stress. Research indicates that these antioxidants in table olives might protect against certain cancers by preventing DNA damage and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Additionally, table olives are beneficial for bone health, containing minerals like calcium and magnesium crucial for preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.

As 2024 unfolds, there’s an opportunity to focus on healthier eating. Whether planning weekly meals or experimenting with new recipes, incorporating EVOO and table olives can make a significant difference. However, moderation remains essential, even with these healthful options. When shopping for EVOO, it’s important to select products bearing the “SA Olive Commitment to Compliance” (CTC) seal. This seal guarantees that the EVOO is authentic, high quality, and 100% produced in South Africa. This practice ensures not only a delightful culinary experience, but also the health benefits associated with genuine EVOO.

Riversdale to Become First Load-Shedding-Free Town in Western Cape

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Riversdale to Become First Load-Shedding-Free Town in Western Cape

The Western Cape Government and the Hessequa Municipality are collaborating to make Riversdale a load-shedding-free zone.

Premier Alan Winde highlighted the economic impact of load shedding in his State of the Province Address, noting that the Western Cape has suffered a significant GDP loss attributed to power outages, with estimates ranging from R49 billion to R61 billion since the onset of load shedding. In 2022 alone, the estimated GDP loss was R8.2 billion, with stage 4 load shedding costing around R43 million per day.

To counteract this, the province plans to invest nearly R7 billion over the next three years to enhance energy resilience. This investment includes contributions from the province, the City of Cape Town, and other municipalities, totalling over R1 billion, R3.9 billion, and R1.9 billion, respectively. These funds aim to support the private sector and households in meeting their energy needs.

A pivotal project in this endeavour is the R210 million solar PV initiative in Hessequa Municipality, specifically targeting Riversdale to exempt it from load shedding. This project positions Riversdale as a pioneering load-shedding-free town in the province, benefiting its 22,000 residents and setting a precedent for energy independence.

The push for energy resilience extends beyond Riversdale, with twenty-five other municipalities experiencing a surge in embedded generation installations. Winde also referenced additional renewable energy projects, including three 75MW solar farms near Touws River, a substantial solar venture by Atlantis Foundries and Energy Partners, and a solar initiative by Prescient Investment Management and H1 Holdings projected to power up to 100,000 homes.

This movement towards self-sufficiency in energy generation is not confined to the Western Cape; other regions and cities across South Africa are investing in alternative energy sources to mitigate the effects of Eskom’s load shedding. The small Free State town of Clarens, for example, has become the country’s first “smart town,” employing technology to manage energy consumption and load curtailment collectively. Despite regulatory challenges faced by towns like Frankfort in their pursuit of energy autonomy, the trend towards localized energy solutions continues to gain momentum.

Alarming Conditions on Al Kuwait Vessel Prompt Urgent Calls for Reform

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Alarming Conditions on Al Kuwait Vessel Prompt Urgent Calls for Reform

On 19 February 2024, Cape Town Harbour witnessed the docking of the Al Kuwait, a Kuwaiti-flagged livestock vessel carrying 19,000 cattle. This event has sparked significant concern over animal welfare and environmental health issues due to the distressing conditions observed onboard and the pervasive foul smell that permeated parts of Cape Town, including Green Point, the Waterfront, Woodstock, and Observatory.

Veterinary Intervention Highlights Severe Animal Welfare Issues at Sea

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), along with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, conducted a thorough inspection of the ship, revealing alarming conditions. The interior scenes were described as abhorrent, with animals forced to lie in their own excrement due to an extreme build-up of faeces and urine. The inspection also uncovered compromised animals, including those that were diseased and injured, leading to the humane euthanisation of eight cows and the discovery of others that had already perished.

   

Dr Bryce Marock, an NSPCA Veterinary Consultant, provided veterinary treatment for the affected animals. This incident underscores the grim reality of live animal export by sea, highlighting the severe suffering and high mortality rates animals endure during such voyages. The NSPCA has criticized this method as gruesome and outdated, calling for urgent legislative reform and global awareness to end this cruelty.

The organization expressed gratitude towards the South African government for allowing the ship to dock to load essential feed for the cattle, emphasizing the dire consequences of depriving the animals of sustenance during their journey. However, the NSPCA firmly believes that no country can ensure adequate animal welfare standards on livestock vessels and is advocating for a complete ban on live animal exports by sea.

Western Cape Authorities Step Up Following Outcry Over Livestock Export Practices

In light of these distressing findings, local authorities are taking steps to address the underlying issues and prevent future incidents. The Western Cape’s response, led by Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer, illustrates a proactive approach towards enhancing animal welfare and regulatory oversight in maritime livestock transport.

Expressing his concern about the conditions of cattle aboard the ship and the possible remedy to avoid similar occurrences in the future, Dr Meyer, said that the draft Western Cape Powers Bill, underpinned by the Growth for Jobs strategy is focused on trade and exports.

Minister Meyer commented, “The Western Cape Powers Bill calls for the Western Cape Government to get greater control over the management of the port and trade. Should the Western Cape Powers Bill be approved, it will empower the Western Cape Government to intervene in similar situations and safeguard animal and public health, defend animal welfare and advance biosecurity”.

“It is for this reason that I have made submissions to the Ad hoc Committee on the Powers Bill in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament for the inclusion of veterinary services in the Bill “, added the Minister.

“We envisage that the framework created by the Powers Bill will provide legal and regulatory instruments to ensure free, safe, healthy trade and export relations. In the interim, we will continue to support the relevant authorities in addressing concerns related to veterinary care, public health, and biosecurity”, concluded the Minister.

Türkiye: A Journey through Time, Culture, and Contrasts

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“Türkiye stands at the crossroads of civilizations, where East and West, Europe and Asia meet, and antiquity seamlessly intertwines with the contemporary. Join our small group tour for a captivating and enriching experience of this delightful country.

We begin our adventure in Istanbul, the Constantinople of old, a city steeped in cultural richness and the former capital of bygone empires. As we traverse the iconic Bosphorus, we witness the meeting point of Europe and Asia, a symbolic continental divide that emphasises the confluence of contrasts found in Türkiye.

Next, we venture to fairy-tale-landscapes of Cappadocia where rock hewn churches tell the tales of long ago when marauding hordes literally forced the inhabitants and their religion underground. We traverse the Anatolian highlands to Konya – in the footsteps of the wise Rumi, and down to the Mediterranean coast and vibrant Antalya. Along the way we witness the wonders of antiquity: the wonderfully preserved Roman theatre of Aspendos, the ancient cities of Pergammon and Troy, biblical Ephesus, the solemnity of Cannakale, and Hierapolis. We have time to rejuvenate in the thermal waters of Pamukkale with its striking calcareous terraces, and also watch whirling Dervishes going round and round.

Experience the emotional weight of Gallipoli’s WWI history as we cross the Dardanelle Strait – the mythical Hellespont. Turkey beckons with a curious mix of ancient and modern, east and west, secular and pious. A single trip is seldom enough to unravel the layers of this enchanting country, so make a start and join our small group tour for an enriching and fascinating experience.”

Contact TE Tours at Cub Travel Tyger Valley, at 021 914 2265, www.smallgrouptours.co.za or [email protected]

New African Swine Fever Outbreak Hits George’s Outskirts

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New African Swine Fever Outbreak Hits George’s Outskirts

Last week, 7 February, a new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George. This is the fourth outbreak of this disease in the Garden Route area since 2022. Previously there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023 which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022 which remains a concern.

It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far with about 250 pigs remaining in the area. The area has been placed under quarantine and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent further spread of the disease.

ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease. Good biosecurity measures remain the best way to protect the pig industry.

The following measures are critical to minimising the spread:

  • All carcasses should be disposed of safely;
  • Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease;
  • Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig, so people do not spread the virus between animals;
  • Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs; and
  • Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.

ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals. The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption.

Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs. Still, in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite. Occasionally the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease-control/.

The department calls on all pig owners to implement strict biosecurity to protect their livestock from this disease and to call their nearest State Veterinary Office should farmers have any concerns.

 

 

Boosting Wind Energy Grid Capacity in South Africa’s Cape Region

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Eskom, South Africa’s main electricity supplier, has made a significant move to help wind power projects in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces by releasing an important document called the “curtailment addendum” as part of its Generation Connection Capacity Assessment for 2025.

This document, which is now available on Eskom’s website and has been approved by the country’s energy regulator, outlines a plan to make room on the electricity grid for more wind energy. By agreeing to occasionally reduce their energy output by up to 10%, wind farms can add 3,470 megawatts of power to the grid, with most of it in the Western Cape.

This strategy, known as “curtailment,” involves deliberately lowering the amount of electricity generated by wind farms when the grid can’t handle any more power, preventing overloads. This approach allows for more wind farms to be connected without causing issues in the electricity network.

Previously, Eskom had stated there was no more room for new wind projects in these regions, which was a problem for South Africa’s plans to increase renewable energy. However, this new plan changes that, making it possible to add more wind power, especially important given South Africa’s ongoing electricity shortages and efforts to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

This development is particularly timely as South Africa is in the process of selecting projects for new renewable energy, including wind and solar power. The success of this new approach could influence future decisions on how renewable energy projects are chosen and connected to the grid.

In short, Eskom’s new policy is a crucial step towards using more renewable energy in South Africa, offering a practical solution to grid limitations and supporting the growth of wind energy in regions that are well-suited for it due to their high wind potential.

Empowering SAFarmers with a Groundbreaking Hemp Cultivation Training Initiative

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Empowering SAFarmers with a Groundbreaking Hemp Cultivation Training Initiative

Training Force, in collaboration with Cheeba Cannabis Training has embarked on a ground-breaking initiative to train a diverse group of 100 local farmers in the cultivation and value chain surrounding the production of industrial hemp. The training, which took place at the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute in Middledrift just north of King Williams Town, was funded by the Eastern Cape Rural Development Association and delivered in partnership by Training Force and Cheeba Cannabis Training.

The comprehensive course covered the agricultural element of hemp cultivation, including the various industrial applications of hemp and how to harvest and process the plants. It also incorporated areas such as the legal framework of the hemp industry, how to produce a number of products from the hemp plant, taking the products to market, and various other elements in the hemp supply chain.

“Hemp has so many different applications, from textiles, paper and food to construction, cosmetics, energy production in the form of biofuels, and more. It also supports efforts to decarbonise, as it can even be utilised as a biodegradable plastic alternative and has multiple environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, prevention of soil erosion and improvement of biodiversity. However, growing hemp is only part of getting this burgeoning industry off the ground in South Africa,” says Linda Siboto Director and Co-Founder of Cheeba Cannabis Training.

“Together with Training Force, we developed and delivered a comprehensive programme that included a significant practical component. This covered how to plant hemp seed and manage fields as well as low tech applications for the hemp plant, such as hemp bricks, cosmetics, hemp milk and manual decortication to make things like basic fibres like rope. The course also included a module aligned to the AgriSETA National Certificate in Plant Production. This unique programme is a first in the country and will empower the farmers to develop both the value and supply chain around industrial hemp production,” he adds.

South Africa has an ideal climate for hemp cultivation, and the industry represents a significant opportunity for economic growth, rural development, community upliftment and carbon reduction. Globally, it has been identified as a massive growth sector, and it aligns with numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. While agriculture is a catalyst for hemp production, it spreads to so many different industries and could provide significant employment opportunities across the value chain.

“We have worked in partnership with Cheeba Cannabis Training for the past year, combining our industry training knowledge with their expertise in hemp, to leverage opportunities across the country where we have resources to uplift the agricultural sector. This strategic endeavour not only elevates the prospects for local farmers but also contributes to the diversification and sustainability of South Africa’s agricultural landscape. It empowers local farmers with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this young and growing industry,” concludes Daniel Orelowitz, MD at Training Force.

Cape Town Container Terminal Sets Record with Highest Refrigerated Container Load

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Cape Town Container Terminal Sets Record with Highest Refrigerated Container Load

In a sea of recent news surrounding the Port of Cape Town, a beacon of positivity shines through as the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) celebrates a remarkable achievement. The terminal proudly recorded its highest-ever number of refrigerated containers loaded onto a single vessel, with the Vessel Santa Rita embarking on a journey to Europe carrying South Africa’s prized deciduous fruit exports.

A total of 1,726 refrigerated containers were expertly loaded onto the Santa Rita, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 with 1,711 containers. This monumental feat stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and collective efforts of all involved.

Oscar Borchards, the acting managing executive of Transnet Port Terminals Western Cape, expressed his delight, stating, “This milestone is a combination of all our efforts and confirmation that our ramp-up plans are heading in the right direction.” He further emphasized the importance of efficiency and season requirements, highlighting the terminal’s proactive approach in developing a recovery plan.

Amidst the peak of the deciduous fruit season, which culminates at the end of March, CTCT remains a hive of activity. Currently, the terminal accommodates three vessels on berth, with an additional two at anchor, anticipating volumes of 16,115 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) planned for loading this week alone.

Borchards underscored the collaborative spirit driving the terminal’s success, stating, “Communication with all our stakeholders remains at the core of what we do with captains of industry.” It’s evident that concerted efforts and open dialogue are key in overcoming challenges and driving positive change within the port.

As Cape Town’s maritime landscape continues to evolve, CTCT’s record-breaking achievement serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and determination of all involved.

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