AGRICULTURE’S Q2 2023 GDP PERFORMANCE IS GREAT NEWS FOR THE WESTERN CAPE
Casidra2023-09-11T09:59:57+02:00According to Statistics South Africa’s (StatsSA) recently announced GDP figures South Africa’s economic performance in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 0.6% and was driven by growth in nine of the ten industries. Nationally, agriculture (incl. Forestry and Fisheries) increased by 4.2 %, contributing 0.1% to the gross domestic product (GDP). As highlighted by Agbiz Chief Economist, Wandile Sihlobo, the performance is based on the production conditions of various field...
MANDELA DAY 2023 DONATIONS BRING MORE SMILES!
Casidra2023-07-20T19:03:54+02:00Caption: Beneficiary Recipients from AHOS, MOSAICSA, The HAVEN NIGHT SHELTER AND PEBBLES PROJECT Casidra joined the National mass by giving back to three community Non-profit organisations in Paarl as part of the Mandela Day Celebration on 18 July 2023. We managed to hand over a variety of items (stationery, dry food and duvets/blankets) to Mosaic Paarl, the Athlone House of Strength and the Haven Night Shelter in Paarl who were extremely grateful...
The Baviaans River Flood Project
Casidra2023-07-11T15:15:50+02:00Protecting our River Systems
With the impact of climate change already being felt in the Western Cape, it is going to be critical for Casidra to participate in future river work projects in the Province. In order to combat these losses and to preserve the future of our water systems, Casidra continues to be involved in a couple of large projects to protect river catchment areas by removing alien vegetation and...
The GRDM source R1 million for Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project
Casidra2023-07-04T11:51:10+02:00CAPTION: Representatives from GRDM and the WCG Department of Agriculture with experienced facilitators from Elsenburg during the fact-finding mission. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has been able to source R1 million funding, after a project proposal was submitted for an Agri-processing project. This initiative forms part of the GRDM’s Joint District and Metro Approach (JDMA). As part of the JDMA approach, a growth and development strategy was developed, which requires specific...
LET’S MOVE MOUNTAINS TO ADDRESS THE ENERGY CHALLENGE IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Casidra2023-07-07T11:37:07+02:00Photo: Dr Ivan Meyer and Dr Kandass Cloete with a copy of the BFAP Study Report on the Impact of the Energy Crisis on Agriculture in the Western Cape. Earlier today the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture opened the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Energy Summit in Rawsonville, Western Cape. Addressing farmers, producers, energy experts, officials and representatives from the financial industry, Western Cape Minister Meyer called on those present to “move...
Casidra2023-06-12T09:03:36+02:00Casidra joined various Departments of the Western Cape Government, Witzenberg Municipality and other organisations including commercial banks during the Entrepreneur Day hosted by the Perdekraal East Wind Farm on the 8th of June 2023 in the Bella Vista community hall. The aim of this session was to empower local entrepreneurs on how to access business information and funding opportunities in order to grow their small businesses. According to Gwynne-Lee Borcherds,...
CASIDRA ENTERED INTO THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE GARDEN ROUTE MUNICIPALITY
Casidra2023-05-10T09:39:17+02:00Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen (right), and CEO of Casidra, Dr Keith du Plessis (left), during and after signing a Partnership Agreement that signifies a long term collaborative partnership between GRDM and Casidra towards the implementation of the Garden Route Growth & Development Strategy.
TRI TOAD FARMING PROJECT BUILDING TOWARDS SUCCESS
Casidra2023-05-12T07:00:28+02:00Tri Toad is a female-owned smallholder farming project that specialises in vegetables, herbs and flower seedlings. Tri Toad’s project beneficiary, Ms Sheena Paulus, leases an undercover tunnel production space from a commercial vegetable seedlings producer in Schaapkraal at Philippi. Sheena said, “At Tri Toad, we are most grateful to Casidra, especially Gerrit van Schalkwyk, senior project manager, and the WCDoA’s extension officer, Jacob Modise, for implementing our project successfully. ...
WESTERN CAPE LAUNCHES THE 2023 WESTERN CAPE PRESTIGE AGRI-WORKER COMPETITION.
Casidra2023-05-09T15:29:52+02:00Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, has launched the 2023 Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker Competition in Hermanus in the Overberg District. The regional leg of the competition, which will be held across 16 regions within the Western Cape, kicks off in June 2023. Participants will compete across 11 categories: general worker, driver, irrigation specialist, technical operator, animal production, administrative staff, social development, agri-processing, foreman, junior management and middle management. Regional winners...
WESTERN CAPE UNVEILS CANNABIS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR AGRICULTURE
Casidra2023-03-30T12:57:11+02:00Yesterday, 29 March 2023, the Western Cape Western Cape Minister of Agriculture unveiled the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's Western Cape Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan (CanPlan). The CanPlan provides guidelines for establishing cannabis (medicinal cannabis) and hemp in the Western Cape. Minister Meyer said: "The CanPlan, which is aligned with the key objectives of the National Cannabis Master Plan, should contribute to economic development, job creation, rural development and poverty alleviation." According...
WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE BUDGET ADDRESS 2023 – A BUDGET TO INSPIRE HOPE THROUGH GROWTH AND JOBS
Casidra2023-03-29T12:00:10+02:00Today I tabled the Western Cape Agriculture Budget 2023 in the Provincial Parliament. I announced a total budget of R960.165 million. The Budget 2023 is guided by the Western Cape Government's three strategic objectives: Growth for Jobs, safety, and dignity and well-being. Furthermore, the focus is provided by my five ministerial priorities: structured education, training and research, farmer support and development, rural safety, and market access and climate change. Budget 2023 acknowledges and facilitates the agriculture sector's critical role in driving the...
SUPPORT FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS MUST TRANSLATE INTO GREATER MARKET ACCESS
Casidra2023-03-17T14:19:00+02:00The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer handed a support package to the Small-Scale Farmers Association in Barrydale on 16 March 2023. The support package includes the following: Tractor for the planting, sowing and harvesting of lucerne. Hammer mill to assist farmers in making their animal feed. Extension and advisory services to enable farmers in the production of fodder. The introduction of genetically superior animals into cattle and pig herds. One of Minister Meyer’s...
CHIEF EXECUTIVES MEET FOR POSSIBLE BUSINESS COLLABORATIONS
Casidra2023-01-19T10:06:54+02:00Our CEO, Keith Du Plessis (in the middle), had a fruitful meeting with Transnet National Port Authority's CEO, Pepi Silinga (on the right) and CFO, Lionel Billings (on the left) to discuss possible collaborations and partnerships with future projects.
Fertiliser spreader delivered to Shera farming
Casidra2022-12-20T15:35:09+02:00Shera Farming situated in St Helena Bay, West Coast is one our projects implemented by Casidra with Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme Funding from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. This project was established in 2017 by Yusuf Patel who is a passionate and committed social entrepreneur. The farm specialises in the breeding, rearing and selling of wholesome Halaal Merino lamb, mutton and related products to retailers, wholesalers, butcheries and restaurants. Our Project Implementer,...
Achieving food security through private investment
Casidra2022-12-20T15:31:33+02:00Casidra was amongst more than 800 attendees from 30+ countries at the 5th African Agri Investment Indaba held at the CTICC from 14-16 November 2022 where we exhibited our services and interacted with many international stakeholders within the Agricultural sector. The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, delivered the keynote address and emphasised that, the African Union recognises the critical role industrialisation can play in promoting sustainable and inclusive...
Great teamwork leads to excellent results
Casidra2022-12-20T15:36:14+02:00Casidra’s Operational Project Management teams set a target to complete more than 20 projects by the end of November 2022. We are proud to say that this was exceeded and that the team did an exceptional job, as we always strive for delivering project management excellence in serving our communities. Well done to everyone involved for their brilliant teamwork in delivering fantastic results!
Season’s Greetings
Casidra2022-12-21T10:07:55+02:00We have come through a year filled with challenges and victories. With the holiday season approaching, we want to take the opportunity to thank you for contributing to the success of Casidra. We appreciate your continued support immensely throughout 2022. It has been reassuring to know that we can count on all our key stakeholders to change the lives of the impoverished communities in the Western Cape. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to...
WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL LABORATORY TO UNDERGO R23 MILLION RENOVATION
Casidra2022-12-01T10:51:58+02:00Photo: Front (from left to right). Dr Ivan Meyer (Min. Agriculture), Mr. Hassan Asmal (ACG Architects, Contract Manager), Mr. Fiesel Dramat (Construction supervisor) “Once the renovations are completed, the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory will provide an enhanced service to our clients,” said Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Ivan Meyer during the recent handover of the building site to the contractor. Meyer said: “The Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory provides a veterinary...
MEDIA RELEASE BY MINISTER IVAN MEYER: WESTERN CAPE VETS VACCINATE 18 000 DOGS DURING RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
Casidra2022-10-27T17:26:54+02:00State veterinarians and animal technicians attached to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture vaccinated almost 18 000 dogs last month as part of the annual rabies campaign. Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer said that his department provides rabies vaccines for animals in informal and indigent communities across the province. Meyer said: "Veterinary officials engaged in 170 activities, visited schools and communities across the province and participated in nationally-coordinated social...
ACCOLADE FOR CASIDRA’S 33RD UNQUALIFIED AUDIT FOR 2021/22
Casidra2022-09-22T10:47:18+02:00The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, congratulated Casidra for achieving its 33rd unqualified audit in a row during the Company’s Annual General Meeting held in Paarl on 7 September 2022. “You continue to make the Western Cape Government proud by maintaining your good governance record. I must emphasise that no other single entity in the country has managed to achieve this milestone besides Casidra. Casidra continuously fulfilled...
AGRICULTURE FEEDS THE NATION
Casidra2022-09-12T12:04:15+02:00On Friday, 9 September 2022 the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, visited the Melkbosstrand Private School situated in the neighbouring farm just outside Melkbosstrand. He addressed the teachers and learners, and shared greater insight into all the efforts that his Department and Casidra are doing to continue to ensure that there is food on the table for every household in the Province and beyond. “I am proud of all...
WESTERN CAPE TRADE VISIT TO MAPUTO SEES “MISSION ACHIEVED” FOR AFRICAN AGRI STRATEGY.
Casidra2022-09-06T11:40:44+02:00Today, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer returned from Maputo, Mozambique, where he led a Western Cape trade mission to the 57th FACIM trade exhibition. FACIM is a trade fair which attracts more than 2,500 exhibitors from 20 countries and 50,000 visitors. Meyer commented that FACIM allowed exhibitors and visitors to interact through thematic seminars and meetings in the B2B format. Meyer: "The Western Cape's African Agricultural Strategy aims to support...
WESTERN CAPE PRESTIGE AGRI WORKER FORUM
Casidra2022-08-16T09:03:16+02:00On the 12 August 2022, our CEO, Dr Keith du Plessis had an engagement with the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer and the Western Cape Agri worker forum at Drakenstein Municipality. Du Plessis emphasised that Casidra will continue to play a pivotal role in creating jobs and economic opportunities for people in the rural communities.
Thank you to the donor sponsors for the pebbles project 2022
Casidra2022-07-22T12:34:57+02:00Thank you for your contributions towards our successful Mandela Day initiative for the Pebbles Project. Without your support, this would not have been possible.
Extra special Mandela Day Commemoration
Casidra2022-07-19T12:32:06+02:00This year’s Mandela Day was celebrated in an extra special way when Casidra’s Public Relations Team handed over donations of 180 packs of school stationery to the value R40 000 to the Pebbles Project for their Grade R learners on Monday, 18 July 2022 at the Pebbles Project in Kraaifontein. Rachel Ward da Costa, Fundraiser for the Pebbles Project, was overjoyed and expressed her appreciation for the care, love and support...
INTEGRATION OF SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES IS NOW THE FOCUS AS THE NUMBER OF ACCREDITED FARM AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHES CONTINUE TO GROW
Casidra2022-07-13T16:27:47+02:00Last week 6 July 2022, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, chaired the Western Cape Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) quarterly meeting on Rural Safety at Elsenburg, Stellenbosch. The committee received progress reports on integrating systems to optimise technology, support and recognition for neighbourhood and farm watch use. In addition, I welcomed the news of the partnership and collaborative nature in which SAPS, the Western Cape Government and community structures are...
INCREASING AGRI-PROCESSING CAPACITY CAN SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CREATE JOBS
Casidra2022-06-28T13:16:14+02:00The United Nations General Assembly has designated 27 June as Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day (MSMEs). Referred to as Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, the day raises public awareness of the SMMEs' contribution to sustainable development and the global economy. SMMEs are the backbone of economies. Against the backdrop of the high unemployment rates in the rural economies, it is crucial to recognize that SMMEs account for...
WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE USE AND MANAGEMENT
Casidra2022-06-27T11:02:02+02:00This year, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture commemorates World Environment Day (WED) by encouraging the agricultural sector to adopt sustainable resource use and management practices. Climate change poses a threat to food and job security in the agricultural sector. For this reason, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is committed to managing its resources more sustainably. I am proud that the agricultural sector in the Western Cape has adopted sustainable resource...
Humble beginning of first 100% Black-owned Boutique Wine Farm – Klein Goederust in Franschhoek
Casidra2022-06-27T10:51:59+02:00There’s a feeling of exhilaration of victory around the newly transformed Klein Goederust boutique winery in Franschhoek owned by Paul Siguqa and his wife, which opened its doors in December 2021 and is already making its mark in the tourism industry. In the wake of acquiring the land in 2019, renovating and restoring the 116 year old vineyard and its historic buildings, Siguqa is now the first black man to own...
Seed of Hope for Naomi Herbs Project
Casidra2022-06-27T10:54:44+02:00Naomi Herbs, situated in the Stellenbosch area, is best known for their high quality herbs and vegetables. This farming project was established by Naomi Linders as a sole-beneficiary who takes pride in growing fresh and excellent quality herbs and vegetables. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture supported the project financially through their Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP). Casidra used the CASP funding to implement the project by procuring garden tools,...
GOOD NEWS NATURAL PRODUCE EMPOWERED FOR BETTER
Casidra2022-06-27T11:00:12+02:00The Good News Natural Produce project situated in Atlantis aspires to produce the best quality chillies with no adverse impact on the environment. Casidra procured infield irrigation, fencing, implements and production inputs within three months after the project received funding from the WCDoA’s Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme. According to our Project Manager, Yandisa Ndongeni, Casidra’s role was to ensure that high quality items are procured, excellent project management advice is applied...
WESTERN CAPE LAUNCHES AGRI-PROCESSING ON WHEELS INITIATIVE IN OVERBERG
Casidra2022-05-20T10:57:56+02:00 The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer, accompanied by the Executive Mayor of the Overberg District Municipality, Alderman Sakkie Franken, launched the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's mobile Agri-Processing on Wheels Initiative in Bredasdorp. The Agri-processing On Wheels Initiative will enable officials to develop the agri-processing capacity in the Western Cape by offering workshops to interested groups across the Western Cape Cape. Speaking at the launch Minister Meyer highlighted that...
WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF FOOD GARDEN COMPETITION
Casidra2022-05-12T14:57:05+02:00On Monday, 9 May 2022, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer announced the Food Garden Competition winners in the Overberg District. Winners are: Youth category: Bradlene Baadtjies-Callacher Household category: Nobekile Duba School Garden category: De Rust Futura High School Winners received trophies, certificates, vouchers and cash prizes. The competition aligns with Minister Meyer's One Home, One Garden Campaign response to the increased threat of food insecurity aggravated by the Covid 19 pandemic. Meyer: "The One...
WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE EXTENDS MOU WITH COMMODITY ORGANISATIONS
Casidra2022-06-24T14:46:21+02:00Officials from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and Commodity partners met last week to extend their Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for another three years. This sets the platform for commodity organisations to continue to support new farmers with advice, mentorship, training, inputs, market access, and mutual in-kind contributions. Agreements were signed with the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA), Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust (DFPT), Vinpro (Wine), South African Table Grape...
Casidra Welcomes its New CEO – Dr Keith du Plessis
Casidra2022-04-28T11:53:52+02:00Casidra is pleased to announce Dr Keith du Plessis as its incoming CEO, effective 1 June 2022. Du Plessis’ experience spans more than 19 years in the Agriculture value-chain in various capacities ranging from Research and Development (R&D) to Investment and Trade Promotion. He spent more than nine years in the Agricultural R&D space at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Stellenbosch and more than ten years as Head of the...
Casidra executing specialised alien plant clearing in rivers and dams
Casidra2022-04-26T09:30:40+02:00Casidra’s Environmental Sustainability team is on a mission to save precious water resources by eradicating invasive alien plants. The programme is aimed at removing intrusive alien plants which use much more water than our indigenous vegetation. Invasive plants damage the ecological integrity of our natural systems and also create problems for planting of crops. People depend on these natural systems for their livelihoods and our country cannot do without food...
LOCUST SWARMS IN THE WESTERN CAPE ARE DIMINISHING IN SIZE AND NUMBER, BUT THE THREAT REMAINS
Casidra2022-04-06T12:55:25+02:00Following my announcement two weeks ago that the Western Cape Government has allocated R5 million rand towards combating the locust infestation in Central Karoo and Garden Route Districts, indications confirm that the size and occurrence of locust swarms are decreasing in the Western Cape. The threat of re-occurrence, however, remains. No further sightings of locust swarms were reported the past week in Laingsburg. In addition, the number and size of swarms...
ELSENBURG HOSTS GRADUATION CEREMONY AT VOORBERG CORRECTIONAL CENTRE
Casidra2022-04-06T12:53:12+02:00On Monday, 4 April 2022, forty-seven offenders from the Department of Correctional Services Voorberg Centre outside Porterville graduated from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. The Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute has been providing skills development at this facility since 2019. Thirteen participants received a National Qualification in Plant and Animal Production NQF4, and fourteen received a skills competency certificate. A further twenty received attendance certificates for various courses...
WESTERN CAPE COMMITS R5M TO COMBAT LOCUST INFESTATION IN THE KAROO
Casidra2022-03-17T13:35:19+02:00The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has made R5 million immediately available to provide support in personal protective equipment, sprayer pumps and aerial spraying support to teams combatting the outbreak of locust swarms in the Western Cape. Casidra is part of the joint operation team to ensure that the combatting of locust infestation is successfully operated, as this is critical for food security and rural livelihoods. The locust infestation levels, including...
CASIDRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VISIT TO PROJECTS
Casidra2021-12-15T14:17:12+02:00Casidra’s Executive Committee took the Board of Directors on a one-day project tour with the aim of inducting our newly appointed Directors to the type of projects that our company is involved with on a daily basis. Four projects were visited, namely the Alien fuel factory, Holsloot, Bamboo Innovations and African Roots Wine Farm/Seven Sisters Vineyards. The Alien Fuel factory takes the biomass of cut alien vegetation and manufactures compressed wooden...
WESTERN CAPE HOSTS 2ND DRONE USERS CONFERENCE: AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION
Casidra2021-12-02T08:05:23+02:00Yesterday, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer welcomed delegates to the 2nd Drone Users Conference: Agriculture and Conservation at Elsenburg. Hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), the United Nations Development Programme-GEF5 Sustainable Land Management Project, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Department of Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, the three-day hybrid conference attracted 200 attendees. Speakers on the first day of the conference included Western Cape Head of...
WESTERN CAPE COMMEMORATES WORLD FOOD DAY
Casidra2022-04-04T11:28:45+02:00On the 16th of October 2021, the Western Cape will join the rest of the world in commemorating World Food Day. In the lead up to World Food Day 2021, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) supported by its implementing company, Casidra recently hosted an event in the Witzenberg area. The occasion provided the Department and its partners with the opportunity to support the local community, household and school food...
MINISTER MEYER WELCOMES SCA FINDINGS IN FAVOUR OF WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE
Casidra2021-10-05T15:15:42+02:00I welcome the news that the Supreme Court of Appeal(SCA) yesterday handed down judgement in favour of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture regarding the Auditor-General's appeal against the Western Cape High Court ruling in favour of the Department. The SCA judgement confirms the earlier decision handed down by the Western Cape Division of the High Court to set aside the Auditor General's qualified audit reports on the Western Cape Department...
MINISTER IVAN MEYER HANDSOVER R50m MEERLUSTKLOOF AND MEUL RIVER PROJECTS
Casidra2021-09-22T13:04:03+02:00On Tuesday, 22 September 2021, the Western Cape Minister for Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, officially handed over the Meerlustkloof and Meul Project near Genadendal in the Overberg Region to the Zonderend Water User Association. Speaking at the handover of the R 50 million projects, Minister Meyer congratulated the project team consisting of officials of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), Ruwacon Engineering and Martin & East for the construction and...
Happy retirement
Casidra2021-09-20T09:50:22+02:00Casidra is bidding farewell to one of its stalwarts, Johan Bronkhorst, Regional Manager at our George Office who is retiring at the end of September 2021 after 31 years of uninterrupted service. Johan was one of the first employees of Lanok in 1990 now Casidra. He leaves behind a great legacy both within Casidra and amongst our various stakeholders with whom he worked for many years. Johan provided excellent support...
CASIDRA BID FAREWELL TO 4 OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS
Casidra2021-08-31T10:35:08+02:00Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, thanked all outgoing Board Members for their sterling work and valuable contributions during their tenure with Casidra. “You demonstrated your full commitment to the vision of boosting agricultural and economic development opportunities in rural communities and I thank you for that”, says Minister Meyer. Ainsley Moos and Gerard Martin served for 8 years, Prof. Estian Calitz served for 10 years and Gugu Ntuli...
Casidra’s Newfound Strategy Points to a More Relevant Future
Casidra2021-08-19T16:29:28+02:00The Board of Directors recently appointed Stuart Symington as the new Chief Executive Officer at Casidra. His skills make him ideally suited to the current challenges facing South Africa, where strategic insight, diplomacy, and the ability to execute successfully will be highly prized by the company. Finding innovative solutions to tough challenges underpins everything Stuart does. So it is for good reason that the Board and the management team look...