CEEDEE

AGREEMENT WITH SU SCHOOL FOR CLIMATE STUDIES BOLSTERS WESTERN CAPE CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE

Back – L-R: Anton Bredell (Western Cape Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning); Prof Sibusiso Moyo (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies): Minister Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Front – L-R) Gerhard Gerber (Head of Department, Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning); Prof Louise Warnich, (Dean, Science) Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Head of Department, Department of Agriculture) In a ground-breaking development, and as part of the ongoing commitment of the Western Cape Government to bolster and ensure...

2023-11-07By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

THE WESTERN CAPE PRESTIGE AGRI AWARDS 2023 – ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROVINCIAL WINNERS

PHOTO:  Pieter van Zyl (General Manager Procurement: Shoprite Freshmark); Dr Mogale Sebopetsa (Western Cape Head of Agriculture); Vivian Jakobs (Winner Prestige Agri-Worker 2023); Dr Ivan Meyer (Western Cape Minister of Agriculture) On 04 November 2023, Vivian Jakobs from Crispy Farming, Du Toit Group, Witzenberg was announced as the 2023 Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards winner. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s annual Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards (WCPAA) Gala ceremony was held on Saturday, 4 November 2023, at the Protea Hotel Marriot Techno...

2023-11-06By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

NO NEW CASES OF AVIAN FLU IN THE WESTERN CAPE – PRODUCERS URGED TO REMAIN VIGILANT

Following the recent detection of the H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo provinces, Western Cape poultry owners are encouraged to be proactive in the prevention of the spread of HPAI to the Western Cape. At the same time, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, warns that the H5N1 HPAI virus that caused seven outbreaks in the Western Cape from April to June 2023, is still a threat from wild birds. Minister Meyer:...

2023-10-04By CEEDEERead more...

WORLD RABIES DAY – ALL FOR 1, ONE HEALTH FOR ALL

Main Photo: Minister Meyer and Dr Msiza Today, 28 September 2023 is World Rabies Day, a global health observance started in 2007 to raise awareness about the world's deadliest infectious disease and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide. According to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Rabies Day aims to raise awareness and advocate for the elimination of rabies globally. It is an event designed to be inclusive, uniting people, organizations, and stakeholders across all sectors against rabies...

2023-09-29By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

KHAYELITSHA YOUTH TAKE ON THE ISSUE OF FOOD INSECURITY

“Hunger and household food insecurity is real. I am therefore excited that the youth are taking on the issue of food security in our communities, as well as creating economic opportunities for themselves”, said the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer. The minister was speaking during his recent visit to the Feed the Khaltsha Community Garden based at the premises of Sibongile Day and Night Care Centre in Khayelitsha. According to Minister Meyer, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture,...

2023-09-20By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

The Baviaans River Flood Project

Protecting 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 replacing it with indigenous material; building weirs and groynes; and...

2023-07-11By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...
Michelle de Bruyn, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Minister Ivan Meyer and Dr Ilse Trautmann

WESTERN CAPE UNVEILS CANNABIS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR AGRICULTURE

Yesterday, 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 to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's Head, Dr Mogale...

2023-03-30By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE BUDGET ADDRESS 2023 – A BUDGET TO INSPIRE HOPE THROUGH GROWTH AND JOBS

Today 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 economy, creating jobs and responding to the urgency of now...

2023-03-29By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

SUPPORT FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS MUST TRANSLATE INTO GREATER MARKET ACCESS

The 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 priorities is developing and supporting farmers. Meyer said: “Support via the...

2023-03-17By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

Fertiliser spreader delivered to Shera farming

Shera 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, Mulalo Nemutudi, procured a fertiliser spreader for the farm to...

2022-12-20By CEEDEERead more...

Achieving food security through private investment

Casidra 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 economic growth. “Developing regional industrial value chains can create employment...

2022-12-20By CEEDEERead more...

Great teamwork leads to excellent results

Casidra’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!

2022-12-20By CEEDEERead more...

Season’s Greetings

We 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 Casidra’s Board of Directors for their leadership our Executive Authority,...

2022-12-20By CEEDEERead more...

ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS GRADUATE

Media Release by Ivan Meyer, Provincial Minister of Agriculture Release: Immediate Date: 5 December 2022   "Today, you become members of that illustrious group of students who can call themselves alumni of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute", said the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, during the recent graduation ceremony held on 3 December 2022 in Stellenbosch. One hundred and seventy-seven students graduated with qualifications ranging from Certificates and Diplomas to the Baccalaureus in Agriculture degree. Mathys Bester, Micaela Dale and Anja Kotze were...

2022-12-08By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL LABORATORY TO UNDERGO R23 MILLION RENOVATION

Photo: 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 diagnostic and veterinary public health testing service. Our clients are...

2022-12-01By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

MEDIA RELEASE BY MINISTER IVAN MEYER: WESTERN CAPE VETS VACCINATE 18 000 DOGS DURING RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.

State 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 media campaigns. The campaign reached an estimated 32 573 people...

2022-10-27By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

ACCOLADE FOR CASIDRA’S 33RD UNQUALIFIED AUDIT FOR 2021/22

The 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 its role in rural community development, and did so without...

2022-09-22By CEEDEERead more...

AGRICULTURE FEEDS THE NATION

On 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 the learners who chose to take Agriculture as their main...

2022-09-12By CEEDEERead more...

WESTERN CAPE PRESTIGE AGRI WORKER FORUM

On 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.

2022-08-16By CEEDEERead more...

INCREASING AGRI-PROCESSING CAPACITY CAN SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CREATE JOBS

The 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 90% of all businesses worldwide and 50% of employment. Formal...

2022-06-27By CEEDEERead more...

WESTERN CAPE ALLOCATES R55M TO ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Tomorrow, 17 June 2022, is commemorated as World  Desertification and Drought Day. This year's theme is healthy land equals healthy people. This focus is on transforming degraded land into healthy land to promote community and ecosystem resilience while improving human life, particularly in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. Avoiding slowing and reversing the loss of productive land and natural ecosystems are essential for a swift recovery from the pandemic and guaranteeing the long-term survival of people and the planet. The Western Cape...

2022-06-17By CEEDEERead more...

WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE USE AND MANAGEMENT

This 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 use and management practices. Both research and recorded incidents have shown...

2022-06-06By CEEDEERead more...

Humble beginning of first 100% Black-owned Boutique Wine Farm – Klein Goederust in Franschhoek

There’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 a boutique wine farm in Franschhoek. He describes the first...

2022-06-02By CEEDEERead more...

Seed of Hope for Naomi Herbs Project

Naomi 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, boreholes, electronic equipment, greenhouses and production inputs. A delighted Naomi expressing...

2022-06-02By CEEDEERead more...

GOOD NEWS NATURAL PRODUCE EMPOWERED FOR BETTER

The 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 and the project is completed within a specific timeframe. “I...

2022-06-02By CEEDEERead more...

Casidra Welcomes its New CEO – Dr Keith du Plessis

Casidra 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 Agro-processing sector at the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) in Gqeberha...

2022-04-26By CEEDEERead more...

Casidra executing specialised alien plant clearing in rivers and dams

Casidra’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 production. The job creation for local communities is key for this...

2022-04-08By CEEDEERead more...

LOCUST SWARMS IN THE WESTERN CAPE ARE DIMINISHING IN SIZE AND NUMBER, BUT THE THREAT REMAINS

Following 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 in Murraysburg, the Garden Route District and Beaufort West have...

2022-04-06By CEEDEERead more...

ELSENBURG HOSTS GRADUATION CEREMONY AT VOORBERG CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

On 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 completed. This partnership was confirmed on 22 October 2022 with an...

2022-04-06By CEEDEERead more...

WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE TABLES A BUDGET OF R969.2 MILLION FOR 22/23

On the 30th of March 2022, the Minister of Agriculture in the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, tabled his budget of R969.2 million for 2022/23. In his speech, Minister Meyer confirmed that the Western Cape will not be returning to our pre-COVID days and that we will continue to lead the economic recovery of the Western Cape, create jobs and push forward. The budget of R969. 218 million for 2022/2023 includes earmarked allocations for: Ecological Infrastructure – R37 million River Protection Works (Keurbooms...

2022-04-01By CEEDEERead more...

CASIDRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VISIT TO PROJECTS

Casidra’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 pellets. These pellets are fed into patented burner-boiler systems that...

2021-12-15By CEEDEERead more...

WESTERN CAPE HOSTS 2ND DRONE USERS CONFERENCE: AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION

Yesterday, 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 Agriculture, Dr Mogael Sebopetsa; Dr Janice Golding, UNDP; Prof Serge...

2021-12-02By CEEDEERead more...

WESTERN CAPE COMMEMORATES WORLD FOOD DAY

On 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 security projects. This year, 179 households and 12 diverse community projects...

2021-10-15By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

MINISTER MEYER WELCOMES SCA FINDINGS IN FAVOUR OF WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE

I 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 of Agriculture for the financial years ending 31 March 2017...

2021-10-05By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...

MINISTER IVAN MEYER HANDSOVER R50m MEERLUSTKLOOF AND MEUL RIVER PROJECTS

On 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 CASIDRA for the construction project management. Meyer: "We are celebrating the...

2021-09-22By CEEDEERead more...

Happy retirement

Casidra 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 to the various farms, i.e. Henkries, Jackalskraal, Anhalt, Amalienstein and...

2021-09-20By CEEDEERead more...

CASIDRA IS STRIVING FOR A WINNING CULTURE AND SELLING TRUST

The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, congratulated Casidra for achieving their 32nd clean audit in a row during the Company’s Annual General Meeting held at its head office in Paarl.  “This is a very good record to add to your accolade and no other single entity in the country has managed to achieved this milestone besides Casidra. Casidra has continued to fulfil its role in rural community development, and did so without placing its proud financial governance...

2021-08-31By CEEDEERead more...

CASIDRA BID FAREWELL TO 4 OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS

Western 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 served for 13 years on Casidra’s Board.  We are truly...

2021-08-31By CEEDEERead more...

Casidra’s Newfound Strategy Points to a More Relevant Future

The 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 forward to his leadership at the helm of the company. At...

2021-08-18By CEEDEERead more...

AGRICULTURAL WORKERS GET THEIR JAB

Today, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s research farm, Elsenburg, hosted a vaccination outreach to agri-workers on the farm and from surrounding areas. The Cape Winelands District Health initiative resulted in 328 agri-workers and 94 qualifying staff members lining up for their Covid-19 vaccination. Commenting on the outreach, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer said: “Today’s outreach is primarily targeted at our agri-workers, farmers and producers.” Dr Meyer said it was vital that we encourage people to vaccinate against the virus. “I...

2021-08-03By CEEDEERead more...

MANDELA DAY 2021

Casidra identified a non-profitable organisation, the Pebbles Project, as part of its social responsibility initiative for Mandela Day. Celebrations were concluded by handing over school stationery and rainwater tanks to the Pebbles Project on Monday, 19 July 2021, at Casidra Head Office. We extended a request to our Staff and Service Providers for either school stationery or a financial donation towards the Pebbles Project’s Back-to-School Stationery campaign.  Casidrans managed to raise money for two rainwater tanks and stationery packs to assist...

2021-07-19By CEEDEERead more...

Garden Route Municipality SMME Support handover ceremony

Casidra was commended for the sterling work of rolling out the SMME Support Project during the virtual Garden Route Municipality handover ceremony on the 6th of July 2021. The Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, emphasised that partnerships between government and the private sectors can yield positive results.  “To grow our economy, we must start at the grassroots level by helping SMMEs in our jurisdiction to grow and create jobs as well as put food on their table”, said Alderman Booysen. 19 SMME...

2021-07-09By CEEDEERead more...

GARLIC PROJECT CREATES JOBS IN MURRAYSBURG

Following the financial support of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), a small-scale garlic project in Murraysburg is playing a role in creating much-needed jobs in the Central Karoo town of Murraysburg. Murraysburg Garlic (Pty) Ltd was the brainchild of the grandfather of brothers Craig and Ryan Newborn. He was determined to secure the future of employees who had been employed on the family farm for a long time. "We then decided to create an opportunity for staff, who have been...

2021-06-25By CEEDEERead more...

THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RECEIVES SILVER AWARD FOR ‘ONE HOME ONE GARDEN’ CAMPAIGN

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) received a silver award during the Premier’s Award ceremony for their outstanding performance in successfully rolling out their ‘One Home One Garden’ campaign. This follows after the WCDoA encouraged every household to have a food garden to enable them to contribute towards their families’ food security as part of the COVID-19 response in 2020. Food production units, in the form of vegetable gardens or a chicken house, were delivered and set up by Casidra,...

2021-06-25By CEEDEERead more...

MINISTER IVAN MEYER OFFICIALLY OPENS R78 MILLION HOLSLOOT WEIR IN RAWSONVILLE

On Thursday, 27 May 2021, the Western Cape Minister for Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, officially opened the Holsloot Weir near Rawsonville and handed it over to the Holsloot Water User Association to operate. Speaking at the official opening and handover of the R78 million project, Minister Meyer congratulated the project team consisting of officials of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), Stellenbosch University, Ingerop Consulting Engineers, JVC Construction and implemented by Casidra. Meyer: "We are today celebrating the completion of a...

2021-05-31By CEEDEERead more...

Holsloot Project – Rawsonville

Jacques Swanepoel, Senior Project Manager: Technical, is proud to showcase the successful completion of the Holsloot Project in the Rawsonville area. This is an exemplary state-of-the-art multi-million Rand project that demonstrates Casidra’s project management excellence!

2021-04-15By CEEDEERead more...

TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY SET FOR RECORD YEAR

The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomes the news that the South African Table Grape Industry reached a total intake for the 2020/2021 season of 73 million cartons. This is significantly more than the 66.15 million cartons recorded last year. Meyer: "This is great news for the Western Cape. The current pandemic has led to an increased demand for healthy foods worldwide, causing further increased demands for fresh fruit and vegetables. Greater market access and an increase in...

2021-04-13By CEEDEERead more...

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW CEO

Stuart has acted in the capacity of MD, CEO and non-executive director in the perishable FMCG sector over the last twenty years. More specifically, he has led organizations in the public and private sectors, both in South Africa and Europe that were involved in very complex, fresh fruit export value chains. In the private sector, Stuart has helped turn around multi-billion rand companies relatively quickly. This was achieved by looking at every facet of the businesses to see where things could be...

2021-02-11By CEEDEE, GENERALRead more...