GENERAL

WESTERN CAPE CELEBRATES WORLD FOOD DAY – WATER IS FOOD, WATER IS LIFE, LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND

On 6 October 2023, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer kicked off Food Security Month at a World Food Day (WFD) event held at Kranshoek in Plettenberg Bay. World Food Day, held on 16 October commemorates the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). This year’s theme is “Water is Food, Water is Life ‘Leave No One Behind”. During his address, Minister Meyer said that addressing the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition remains...

MANDELA DAY 2023 DONATIONS BRING MORE SMILES!

Caption: 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 for the generosity received. Mosaic Paarl is a home for orphans...

The GRDM source R1 million for Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project

CAPTION: 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 clusters (groups of experts), to drive projects. This specific project...

LET’S MOVE MOUNTAINS TO ADDRESS THE ENERGY CHALLENGE IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Photo: 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 mountains to lower the sector’s reliance on Eskom.” The impact...

Casidra 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, the Economic Development Manager for the Perdekraal East Wind Farm,...

CASIDRA ENTERED INTO THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE GARDEN ROUTE MUNICIPALITY

Executive 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

Tri 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. We received protective clothing, seedling trays, seeds, growing medium...

WESTERN CAPE LAUNCHES THE 2023 WESTERN CAPE PRESTIGE AGRI-WORKER COMPETITION.

Western 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 will be announced by the end of August and will...

CHIEF EXECUTIVES MEET FOR POSSIBLE BUSINESS COLLABORATIONS

Our 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.

WESTERN CAPE TRADE VISIT TO MAPUTO SEES “MISSION ACHIEVED” FOR AFRICAN AGRI STRATEGY.

Today, 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 agri-preneurs seeking access to African markets. Mozambique offers a significant...

Thank you to the donor sponsors for the pebbles project 2022

Thank 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

This 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 received from Casidra and its sponsors. Our CEO, Keith du Plessis,...

INTEGRATION OF SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES IS NOW THE FOCUS AS THE NUMBER OF ACCREDITED FARM AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHES CONTINUE TO GROW

Last 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 working towards advancing rural safety. The key message coming out of...

WESTERN CAPE LAUNCHES AGRI-PROCESSING ON WHEELS INITIATIVE IN OVERBERG

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 agri-processing is emerging as an essential sub-sector with the potential...

WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF FOOD GARDEN COMPETITION

On 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 Home, One Garden Campaign is a drive to combat the...

WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE EXTENDS MOU WITH COMMODITY ORGANISATIONS

Officials 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 Industry (SATGI), South African Poultry Association (SAPA), Potatoes SA, Raisins...

WESTERN CAPE COMMITS R5M TO COMBAT LOCUST INFESTATION IN THE KAROO

The 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 the new areas they have migrated into, have placed enormous...

We welcome new Board members

Thandiwe Moutlana has more than 20 years of industry and consulting experience with large local and multinational companies in mining, manufacturing, financial services, biotechnology, fast moving consumer goods, and government. Thandiwe is the CEO of Managed Analytics, a mining-tech company that provides analytics, optimisation and decision support solutions.  She is also the founder and Director of Brown Ivory Group, a consulting firm focusing on supporting black-owned SMEs in Southern Africa.  Thandiwe has worked in multiple firms including SABMiller, Fevertree Consulting,...

WEST COAST PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED BY WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE

With much excitement, the Greenhands Community Food Garden project in Stompneus Bay on the West Coast and Middelpos Farm near Malmesbury received the news that the Western Cape Government will be funding their respective projects in this current financial year. Petronella Ponie of the Greenhands Community Food Garden Project says that the project will provide Stompneus Bay with an affordable,  nutritious and sustainable food source. Ponie says: “It has been hard work to get the garden established. Our volunteers are mostly women....

MINISTERS DIDIZA AND MEYER COMMISSION EBENHAESER IRRIGATION SCHEME

On Saturday 12 June 2021, the National Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza and Western Cape Minister for Agriculture, Ivan Meyer, officially commissioned the Ebenhaeser Irrigation Scheme, West Coast District. The commissioning of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation Scheme follows the successfully concluded 2020 Ebenhaeser land restitution claim. In terms of the claim, the national and provincial government would ensure the revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation Scheme and upgrade the off-farm irrigation infrastructure to ensure the on-farm viability of farming. The...

The Department of Agriculture receives Silver award for ‘One Home One Garden’ during Premier’s Award Ceremony

Congratulations to our Food Security team, led by Michael Mackenzie, on a job well done!  This team spent approximately R9 million to deliver food garden services to a total of 7144 beneficiaries during the 2020-21 financial year. Thank you for constantly flying the WCDoA's and Casidra's flags high!

Casidra’s Regional Office implementation of Garden Route Municipality SMME Support Project

Casidra is currently implementing the Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMME) project on behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality to support and develop entrepreneurs in the area. This Municipality has made R608 000 available to grow and develop 20 identified small emerging businesses to grow and develop after facing serious challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The identified businesses being supported range from needlework initiatives, funeral parlours, construction companies, events management companies, etc. Casidra, known for its reputable financial management, will...

PREMIER ALAN WINDE AND MINISTER MEYER CONGRATULATE DRONE PILOTS

Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde joined the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, at the Wings Ceremony of 18 newly qualified drone pilots. The officials recently completed the South African Civil Aviation Authority examination to obtain a Remote Pilot License (RPL).  Speaking at the event, Minister Meyer highlighted that the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) embraces the 4th IR and the use of associated technologies such as drone technology. Minister Meyer: “Drone technology will play an increasing role...

YOUTH INSPIRED FOOD GARDEN MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN ELSIES RIVER

Yesterday, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, visited the Trinity Youth Garden based at Trinity Place in Elsies River. Inspired by the Climate Justice Movement and a desire to make a difference in their community, brothers Geronimo and Valentino de Klerk began the garden in a dumping space previously utilised as an escape route by local criminals. The open space has been transformed into a community garden supporting several local feeding projects in the area. De Klerk: "We have been...

e-BOOKLETS TO FAST TRACK CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

Yesterday, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, launched the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s (WCDoA’s) e-booklets on climate change entitled “The Mercury Rises”. Based on the popular award-winning radio series “Die Kwik Styg", the e-booklets are available in the three official languages of the Western Cape – English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa. Speaking at the launch Minister Meyer highlighted that climate change is one of his ministerial priorities. Meyer: “Addressing the impact of climate change is one of my Ministerial priorities....

WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE BUDGET 2021 – “A BUDGET TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC RECOVERY”

Today I tabled the Western Cape Agriculture Budget 2021 in the Provincial Parliament. I announced a total budget of R909.086 million. This budget facilitates the critical role that the Agricultural Sector plays to drive the economy and create jobs in the Western Cape. We have allocated R122.724m to Sustainable Resource Use and Management R274.986m to Agricultural Producer Support and Development R97.093m to Veterinary Services R141.115m to Research and Technology Development Services R46.971m to Agricultural and Economic Services R57.393m to Agricultural Education and Training and R28.958 to Rural Development   To support the...

ALIEN CLEARING PROJECTS CREATE 1000 JOBS PER ANNUM

Earlier today, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, visited the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's (WCDoA) alien clearing project at Zonquasdrift located downstream of the Berg River in the Drakenstein Municipality, Cape Winelands. According to the Minister, protecting, maintaining, and restoring the Province's ecological infrastructure is a critical part of the work done by the WCDoA. Minister Meyer: "Firstly, removal of invasive alien plants (IAP's) that use excessive amounts of water will increase water available to the agricultural, domestic...

A YOUNG FEMALE FARMER FEELS EMPOWERED

Mrs Lesley Morrison, a 35 year old female farmer of free range chicken and CASP beneficiary based in Hopefield, received the transfer of ownership documentation for a Mahinda Bolero loader 2.5 with a towbar and canopy from Casidra's Project Manager, Mr Khaya Dzula, on the16th of February 2021. Her project's application for a vehicle was approved and funded by the WCDoA's White Meat CPAC in 2017. We wish her every success with her project.

TRANSFER OF ASSET TO BIADICA 60 FARM

Casidra handed a Isuzu vehicle (bakkie) to Shereen Abrahams, a beneficiary/farmer of Biadica 60 on the 5th of February 2021. This follows after Biadica 60 received CASP funding from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture five years ago. We are very excited and wish them all the success with their farm. #FortheLoveofAgriculture.

FIRST GROUP OF DRONE PILOTS RECEIVE THEIR WINGS

On the 25th of November 2020, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, officiated at the Wings Ceremony of recently qualified drone pilots affiliated to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA). The WCDoA assisted the group consisting of students, interns and officials to successfully sit for the South African Civil Aviation Authority examination to obtain their Remote Pilot License (RPL). Training was provided by Drone-X, a Civil Aviation Authority approved drone training school. Speaking at the Wings Ceremony, Minister Meyer congratulated the...

RECORD GRAIN HARVEST WILL BOLSTER ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, accompanied by Executive Mayor Sakkie Franken of the Overberg District Municipality and Mayor Paul Swart of the Cape Agulhas Municipality recently visited grain farming enterprise, Agri Dwala (Pty) Ltd in Napier in the Overberg region. The visit comes off the back of the news that the Western Cape is expecting one of the largest winter grains and oilseed crop in recent history, shattering previous records. Commenting on the forecasted bumper year, Minister Meyer said: “The...