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Grain Handlers all geared up for GOSA’S 39th Simposium

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The picturesque winelands of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape will set the scene for this year’s Grain Handling Organisation of Southern Africa (GOSA) symposium. This 39th annual symposium will be held on 18 – 19 March at the Protea Hotel Marriot in Stellenbosch.

With the symposium theme, “Stability in progress”, attendees will get the opportunity to enhance their outlook towards establishing ongoing stability in a quick changing grain value chain environment. Several sought-after speakers will zoom in on the effect of international macro events on availability of input products as well as logistical challenges regarding harbours and grain exports.

The symposium will also touch base on a political and economic forecast and the prevalent energy crisis. Confirmed speakers in the symposium programme include the following: Jan Oberholzer – Mulilo Energy Holdings, Dawie Roodt – Efficient Group, Dr Gustav Gous – Inspirational speaker, Executive coach; CEO: Short Walk Seminars, Dr Theo Venter – College of Business and Economics, UJ, Dawie Maree – FNB Agri Business, and Dr Richard van Wyk – Devotional speaker.

A total of three breakaway workshop sessions is also planned for Day 1 of the symposium.

The speakers at these workshops will be Prof Jan Havenga (University Stellenbosch), Japie Snyman (Olam Agri) and Johan van Rensburg (VKB Group). Adding to this, an exciting lady’s programme promises visits to scenic winelands venues and space for some retail therapy.

Networking

The grain industry is constantly confronted with new challenges throughout the supply chain and the symposium awards all the role players the opportunity to engage, contribute and interact with one another to identify and address new challenges and to seek solutions to prepare each other to face these challenges in the years to come.

The symposium is expected to attract more than 200 individuals, representing almost 60 companies who are actively involved in the production, handling and storage, processing, distribution, trading and financing of grains and oilseeds.

Suppliers of related equipment, products & services, as well as companies who are involved in training and research, will attend. It provides an excellent platform to expand your network and to meet new role players across all aspects of the grain value chain. An array of supplier exhibitions can also be visited at the venue.

For more information visit www.grainorgsa.co.za

ARC Conference Spotlights South Africa’s Agricultural Research

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ARC Conference Spotlights South Africa’s Agricultural Research

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) recently convened their inaugural joint conference at the ARC Roodeplaat campus. Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, underscored the event’s significance in celebrating and showcasing innovative agricultural research.

Under the theme “Science Transforming Food Systems for a Better Future,” Minister Didiza emphasized the pivotal role of science and research in enhancing food security, safety, nutrition, and production efficiency. Reflecting on global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, food waste, and emerging pests and diseases, Didiza stressed the imperative to revolutionize food systems worldwide towards sustainability and equity.

Acknowledging the current challenges faced by South African farmers, Minister Didiza highlighted recent outbreaks of animal diseases, including avian flu, which severely impacted the poultry industry. This led to increased prices for chicken and eggs due to low supply and high demand. Climate change, identified as a key factor contributing to the surge in animal diseases such as foot and mouth and avian flu, has added complexity to agricultural management.

Dipeneneng Serage, Chief Director of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, reassured attendees of the department’s proactive approach in addressing these challenges. Serage emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring an adequate vaccine supply to combat potential future outbreaks. He revealed that the department had invested over R100 million in the current financial year at the Agriculture Research Centre (ARC) to strengthen its capacity to respond effectively to future outbreaks. This substantial investment reflects the government’s dedication to safeguarding the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring readiness for any unforeseen challenges.

Minister Didiza’s address she commended the ARC’s Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Animal Improvement Scheme for empowering farmers to enhance their animals’ genetics, thereby improving resilience and sustainability in animal production systems.

As the agricultural sector confronts multifaceted challenges, such initiatives underscore the transformative potential of science in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for food systems globally.

Private sector participation at Port of Cape Town critical for economic growth

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Private sector participation at Port of Cape Town critical for economic growth

This week, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, together with officials from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, hosted the Western Cape Government’s fifth annual Port Stakeholder Engagement.

This year’s  engagement was clear on the need for the urgent action needed to turn performance around at the Container Terminal in the Port of Cape Town in the short-term, as well as the vital investments and technologies needed over the longer term for the port to reach its full potential as a critical economic node that facilitates exports to boost economic growth and job creation across South Africa.

In attendance were representatives from across the port logistics value chain, experts in logistics, exporters, freight forwarders, senior leadership of the National Logistics Crisis Committee as well as the senior leadership of Transnet, including Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, Acting Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Transnet Port Terminals, Jabu Mdaki,  Acting Chief Executive of Transnet National Ports Authority, Adv. Phyllis Difeto , and Acting Western Cape Region Managing Executive for Transnet Port Terminals, Oscar Borchards.

Speaking to the robust discussions at the dialogue, Minister Wenger, shared that “over 55% of the country’s primary agricultural products are exported through the Port of Cape Town. So, the proper functioning of this port is essential for the whole country.  Some good progress was shared by Transnet on the acquisition of critical equipment, as well as other intentions to untangle key sticking points which compromise efficiency.

“While we appreciate these good intentions and commitments to improve performance at the port, and we are cautiously optimistic that these interventions will lead to improvements in the short-term to stabilise operations. Significant improvements across key performance indicators like containers moved, truck and ship turn-around times, to enable our proudly South African produce to reach key markets on time and at their highest quality are imperative,” she continued.

Premier Alan Winde stressed that there is an urgent need to give the Western Cape Government and the private sector more control in how the Port of Cape Town (PoCT) is managed, for the sake of residents, the economy and job creation.

“We care deeply about creating more jobs because we understand that a job is the quickest route to a better future. The national government is holding back our job creation efforts in the Western Cape. It has mismanaged the province’s ports and harbours. Farmers, exporters, and companies that rely on imports are hardest hit. This drives up costs, reducing job creation. The Cape Town Container Terminal is currently operating at half the required volume. We have a significant economic enabler in the port, and so addressing the chronic inefficiencies that have been plaguing this critical logistics hub for far too long should receive the priority they deserve. Given the importance of agricultural exports, in particular, to the regional economy, an efficient PoCT is a vital component of our economic growth blueprint, the Growth For Jobs strategy. Simply put: an optimally functioning port translates into more jobs and meaningful growth. All of this, and more, is what we are trying to enable through the Powers Bill” said Premier Winde.

“The Western Cape Government is determined to work with all stakeholders and to hold them to account, to ensure that the Port of Cape Town fulfils its role in enabling economic growth that will create jobs. And so, we will continue to keep a very close eye on the performance of the container terminal at the port, helping where necessary and appropriate, and will gladly take up the offer of a direct and open channel of communication” said Minister Wenger.

“However, for the Port of Cape Town to truly reach its full potential, and perform at international best practice levels, the private sector’s participation must be brought on board formally. To boost economic growth that will enable the creation of many more jobs across the Western Cape, and this incredible and resilient country, this must be done sooner rather than later” concluded Minister Wenger.

A Call for Interest in Energy Resilience Workshops

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As South Africa grapples with consistent load shedding and escalating electricity costs, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has taken a proactive step towards addressing these challenges. In an effort to bolster energy resilience among agricultural producers in the Western Cape, the department is organizing a series of workshops aimed at raising awareness about sustainable energy practices.

Load shedding has cast a long shadow over the agricultural sector in the Western Cape, adversely affecting farm operations, food processing, and distribution. The mounting costs of electricity have also strained the financial sustainability of many agricultural businesses. In response to these challenges, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has designed these workshops to empower agricultural producers with knowledge and tools to navigate the energy landscape effectively.

Workshop Highlights

One of the workshops, scheduled to be held on 1 March 2024 in Stellenbosch, will serve as a platform for agricultural producers, processors, and packers to delve into various aspects of energy resilience. Attendees can expect insights into:

Understanding the Impact:

An exploration of how loadshedding affects the agricultural sector’s viability in the Western Cape. Energy Efficiency on Farms: Practical steps and common interventions for improving energy efficiency.

Exploring Renewable Energy:

An overview of renewable energy options, with a focus on solar PV systems. Backup Technologies:

Insights into backup energy solutions and the importance of levelized cost analysis. Energy Finance: Information on financial mechanisms, including support from commercial banks and ESCOs, as well as potential tax incentives. Real-world Examples: Case studies showcasing successful energy resilience strategies.

Agricultural producers, processors, and all stakeholders along the farming value chain are encouraged to attend this pivotal event at the Auditorium at Elsenburg, Stellenbosch. The workshop will run from 09h00 – 12h00, shedding light on the path towards energy resilience in the Western Cape.

To secure your place or for further information, please RSVP to Buhle Mrwebi at [email protected]

Wolfpack: Trading with hands tied behind their backs

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Wolfpack: Trading with hands tied behind their backs

In the picturesque orchards of Wolseley, South Africa, the early pear crop has been met with a series of challenges, amplified by the recent wave of wildfires ravaging the Western Cape. Despite the adversity, Christo Strydom, representing Wolfpack, commends the valiant efforts of firefighters and regional fire associations in containing the blaze, which threatened their Packham orchard. However, the region remains on high alert as the threat of wildfires looms large.

Remarkably, this year’s pear harvest has arrived ahead of schedule, aligning with the trend observed in early stonefruit yields. While the harvest hasn’t set any records, concerns linger over the impact of sunburn on fruit in key producing areas like Ceres and Wolseley, where temperatures have soared past 40°C in recent weeks.

On the market front, there’s reason for cautious optimism, as demand remains strong, partly fuelled by the overflow supply from Europe’s previous crop. Yet, despite favourable market conditions, industry players are grappling with logistical bottlenecks that hinder efficient trade.

One such challenge arises from the constraints imposed by state-run ports, which significantly impede the flow of exports. To bypass these obstacles, exporters are forced to redirect shipments to alternative ports like Gqeberha, a move that comes with its own set of logistical and financial burdens.

Moreover, the ripple effects of these port disruptions extend beyond mere inconvenience. The diversion of shipments adds substantial costs to transportation, with exporters bearing the brunt of exorbitant trucking fees. Compounding the issue is the shortage of empty containers, further complicating efforts to replenish stock and fulfil orders.

In the face of mounting challenges, industry insiders express frustration over the toll these logistical hurdles exact on their bottom line. As one shrewdly noted, every incremental cost incurred erodes profit margins, leaving exporters feeling increasingly restricted in their efforts to navigate an already complex global supply chain.

Exploring South Africa’s West Coast Way

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West Coast Way, under the visionary leadership of Carmen Lerm, has transformed Cape West Coast tourism in the past decade, presenting a unique road trip that encapsulates the diverse “Weskus” experiences. The initiative, dedicated to showcasing the region’s rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty, has evolved into a premium destination company, leaving an indelible mark on South Africa’s travel landscape.

The start of the journey

Carmen Lerm’s journey began with insights gained from her early work in her father’s fruit and vegetable shop, where dedication to excellence was instilled. Translating her commitment to quality from behind the counter to the boardroom, Lerm leveraged her extensive experience and travel industry connections to establish West Coast Way as an acclaimed national destination marketing company.

Planning a road trip on www.westcoastway.co.za is an exhilarating prospect – with 101 top attractions over six themed routes to guide you from Cape Town to Garies to Nieuwoudtville. Enthusiasts can explore the best in wine and craft beer tastings, olives, Rooibos tea tastings, farm stays, natural warm pools, cruises, game drives, and more.

West Coast Way – South Africa’s Road Trip with the most Twists

The core mission of West Coast Way is to make tourism accessible, connecting travelers with top attractions, activities, and accommodations. Carmen Lerm emphasizes the company’s success through the growth in tourism numbers and the enhancement of visitor experiences, illustrating the symbiotic relationship between these business growth factors.

Over the past decade, Carmen Lerm and West Coast Way have successfully marketed the Western Cape’s premium tourism brands, including Thali Thali Game Lodge, Darling Brew, The Lodge at Atlantic Beach, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Put tourism within your reach — contact Carmen Lerm on 0861 321 777 or [email protected]

visit https://www.westcoastway.co.za/

Transnet National Ports Authority Enhances Port Operations with New Mooring Units

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Transnet National Ports Authority Enhances Port Operations with New Mooring Units

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) announces the successful delivery and operationalization of the first batch of four hydraulic tension mooring units at the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura. These units are part of a larger procurement initiative by TNPA, totaling 52 units, aimed at bolstering port operations across South Africa.

The introduction of these mooring units is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiencies and mitigate shipping delays caused by adverse weather conditions. Hydraulic tension mooring units, positioned along the quayside, play a crucial role in ensuring vessel safety and minimizing the impact of long-wave effects during inclement weather. They provide stabilization for vessels alongside, particularly in the face of strong winds, adverse weather, and high swells, ultimately reducing downtime and enhancing safety during port operations.

“The delivery of these mooring units marks the commencement of a series of significant equipment installations at our commercial seaports this year,” stated Thecla Mneney, TNPA General Manager for Infrastructure. “We are committed to expediting key investments in port infrastructure to improve operational efficiencies and deliver quality service to the maritime industry.”

With the addition of these new mooring units, TNPA’s capacity to mitigate excessive surge motions of vessels alongside has been bolstered, bringing the total number of units to six at the Port of Cape Town and four at the Port of Ngqura.

TNPA’s procurement plan includes the allocation of 16 units for the Port of Cape Town, 14 for the Port of Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura, four for the Port of Saldanha, and four for the Port of Richards Bay. The phased delivery of the remaining units is scheduled for completion by early 2025.

Western Cape Government supporting Eskom to fix electricity outage in the Central Karoo

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Western Cape Government supporting Eskom to fix electricity outage in the Central Karoo

The Western Cape Government (WCG) is further ramping up its efforts to step in where Eskom needs ever more support to fix the electricity outage in the Central Karoo.

“Staff across the WCG have been assisting with all sorts of support that Eskom needs to expedite this issue, from procuring drilling equipment, to transporting and moving generators and equipment to the affected areas, they are working tirelessly. Thank you to all of our staff and partners. I want to reassure the residents of the Karoo that we are working flat out to help Eskom restore electricity to you”, said Premier Winde following the briefing.

Hard rock formations, faulty equipment, and stage 6 load shedding were some of the challenges mentioned during the daily update meeting between Eskom and Premier Alan Winde, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning as well as senior members of the Western Cape Government this morning.

Eskom reported that a hard rock formation on the site between Touws River and Laingsburg led to the breakdown of its rock drill, which is now preventing the completion of the last four 2.4m deep holes that are needed to anchor the remaining temporary poles to support the new electrical lines as part of the outage repair work underway in the Karoo.

Minister Bredell said that the WCG has already over the weekend reached out to equipment and transport contractors to assist Eskom in procuring another drilling rig as well as an additional 20-ton and 35-ton excavator. “The faulty rockdrill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Minister Bredell said.

The rapid acceleration of load shedding to level 6 has further compounded matters for the affected Karoo towns, as generator availability in the province is stretched to the limit. “Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt. I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Premier Winde.

“We are seeing loan generators being called back from the Karoo towns as they are needed by their owners to cope with the extended loadshedding. We must allocate generator capacity where it is being utilised optimally at this stage. As such, it was worrying to learn of a large 65kVA loan generator from the Garden Route District Municipality that broke down in Kannaland over the weekend. We will investigate the cause of the breakdown. “According to our engineers, we need at least four additional generators to provide power to critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert Road at this stage,” Minister Bredell said.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development is providing food relief to indigent households across the Central Karoo. The department has also enabled three old age facilities in Prince Albert, Laingsburg, and Ladismith, to buy diesel for generators as their diesel supplies have been running low.

Provincial Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, was in the different areas where food relief efforts was taking place over the weekend.

“DSD staff have been working around the clock on assessments and vetting processes to ensure food relief goes to the residents who needed it most. Hundreds of beneficiaries were assisted through this weekend’s efforts, in various towns, and the work continues. Thank you to the incredible staff on the ground, and to the municipalities and stakeholders for working with us to help our vulnerable residents for whom these power outages have been especially hard,” says Minister Fernandez.

Eskom has indicated the project is still scheduled for completion by Thursday, 15 February.

Western Cape Agriculture Department Leads Drone Innovation with SACAA Certification

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Western Cape Agriculture Department Leads Drone Innovation with SACAA Certification

The South African Civil Aviation Authority’s recent Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Systems Certification (UASOC) to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) positions the Department as a leader in leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for transformative technological practices in the agricultural sector.

“This is good news for the sector as it will benefit the agricultural sector”, said Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer.

Minister Meyer said: “The WCDoA is committed to embracing cutting-edge technology and propelling the agricultural sector into a new era. The certification ensures that our drone operations comply with aviation regulations. It will also elevate our research and engineering efforts and service delivery.”

“The Western Cape Government has taken up innovation and technology to improve service delivery to the citizens of the Western Cape. The latest aviation certification allows us to bring another innovative dimension to the agricultural sector and improve service delivery to our agricultural industries. Our SACAA accreditation aligns with our undertaking to embrace the 4th industrial revolution, ” said Minister Meyer.

In anticipation of the certification and the agricultural landscape’s evolving needs, the WCDoA has equipped itself with a diverse fleet of specialised drones, including spray, multispectral, LiDAR, and RTK drones.

“Our skilled drone pilots, having undergone specialised training, are adept at utilising the unique capabilities of each drone in our fleet. Their expertise ensures precision and efficiency in various applications, from precision agriculture to engineering endeavours”, remarked Minister Meyer.

Minister Meyer highlighted that integrating drones into our agricultural practices and related research aligns with the WCDoA’s commitment to sustainability.

“Drones, backed by technology-supported research, enable us to optimise resource usage, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to sustainable farming practices. This achievement underscores our commitment to service delivery, leveraging technology to address the challenges faced by our farmers and supporting the sector in its sustainability journey.”

“Innovation and technology are key focuses of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs strategy.  The WCDoA’s UASOC Certification is but another building block towards strengthening the agricultural sector’s ability to contribute to the growth of the Western Cape economy and create jobs”.

We will continue to invest in innovation in agriculture to ensure that the Western Cape remains the top agricultural region in South Africa”, concluded the Minister.

Gear Up for the Spectacular Horse Expo 2024

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Saddle up and mark your calendars because the highly anticipated Horse Expo 2024 is just around the corner! Set to take place on Saturday, 17 February 2024, at the stunning Mistico Equestrian Centre, near Paarl. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before. What makes this year even more special is the partnership between the Equinox Trust and the South African Lipizzaners, as the event now supports not one, but two non-profit organizations.

The Horse Expo 2024 boasts an exciting lineup that will leave horse enthusiasts and newcomers alike in awe. Highlights include the mesmerizing Dancing Lipizzaners, heart-pounding mounted archery displays, a breathtaking pas de deux performance by Dawn Newman and Lisa Stemmet, a stunning Lusitano display, and captivating presentations by Monte Cavalo Livery and Stud (performed by Monte Cavalo Stud Farm), the South African Quarter Horse Association, and Mounted Games by the Mounted Games Association of South Africa.

But that’s not all! The event has expanded its vendor capacity, welcoming not only equestrian-related products but also non-horsey items and services. It’s a shopper’s paradise, featuring a wide range of vendors to explore.

Foodies won’t be disappointed either, with an array of delectable options from food vendors. You can also gallop into Bit and Bridle Restaurant for a wide range of choices, from breakfast delights to light meals, platters, juicy burgers, and mouthwatering pizzas – they’ve got it all.

And for the true equestrian enthusiasts, don’t miss the all-day Farrier and Blacksmithing competition run by The Southern Africa Association of Professional Farriers. Horse Expo 2024 promises an unforgettable day of entertainment, shopping, and culinary delights.

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