MINISTER IVAN MEYER ENCOURAGE FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS TO PREPARE FOR THEIR FUTURE ROLES IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
On Friday, 24 January 2025, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism welcomed first-year students to the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI) in Stellenbosch. Addressing the students, Minister Meyer urged them to seize every opportunity EATI offers, as it is their first step in their journey towards helping to grow the province’s critical agricultural sector. Minister Meyer said, “Human capital development is at the core of the Western Cape Government’s economic growth ambitions. Being a student at EATI allows...
Embracing the Current Harvest Season & Welcoming Those About to Harvest!
Nothing is as exciting as reaping what you sow, especially at the beginning of the year. The harvest season is in full swing, and for many, the fields are buzzing with activity! Whether you’ve already started gathering your crops or are gearing up for the harvest ahead, this time of year reminds us of the tireless work, dedication and care that go into bringing nature’s bounty to life. To those already harvesting, we celebrate your hard work and the fruits of...
Congratulations to the Matric Class of 2024!
CASIDRA extends a heartfelt congratulations to all the learners who have worked tirelessly to achieve outstanding results in their matric exams! Your dedication, resilience, and commitment have truly paid off, and today, we celebrate your success. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Whether you’re continuing with further studies, entering the workforce, or pursuing your dreams, we’re confident that you will continue to shine and accomplish even greater things. Here’s to the Class of 2024—your hard work has set the...
CASIDRA Kicks Off the New Year with Open Doors for All Stakeholders!
As we step into 2025, CASIDRA is excited to welcome a new year filled with opportunities for collaboration, growth, and community development! Our office is now open and ready to serve all stakeholders as we embark on a fresh journey of innovation and impact. We believe that our collective success comes from strong partnerships, and we invite all stakeholders—partners, communities, and collaborators—to engage with us this year. Whether you're an organisation looking to work together on transformative projects, or a community member...
EMPOWERING LOCAL FARMERS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FARMING ON IMVELO FARM
Imvelo Farm under the leadership of its proud owner Deon van Wyk, has reached an exciting milestone. On the 5th of November 2024, Deon officially signed off on his project, marking a new chapter for his small-scale livestock farming operation located in Robertson. Deon's journey began from humble beginnings. He started Imvelo Farm from scratch, driven by a desire to build a legacy of hard work, dedication, and success—one that he hopes to pass down to his children. For aspiring farmers,...
CASIDRA AND PALS EXPLORE SYNERGIES FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM
Dr. Keith du Plessis, CEO of Casidra, recently hosted a courtesy visit from Lennox Plaatjies of Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS). The meeting aimed to explore the potential synergies between the two organisations to advance agricultural development and land reform initiatives for local communities in the Western Cape. This partnership lays the foundation for a potential future collaboration aimed at supporting sustainable farming practices and driving rural economic growth in the region. PALS, a private sector initiative founded in 2015 in...
NURTURING COMMUNITIES THROUGH FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
Pastor Ricardo Sloster from New Woodlands in Mitchells Plain is a visionary who is dedicated to make a difference in the lives of his community. Motivated by a desire to combat crime and uplift local youth, Pastor Sloster has launched a vibrant community food garden at his church. The WCDoA and Casidra erected a shade net tunnel structure to protect plants, promoting healthy growth and an irrigation system was installed to ensure efficient water use for optimal cultivation. They also received...
FOSTERING COMMUNITY GROWTH THROUGH FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
Meet Toni Khulule and Xolani Siswana, the visionary owners of the Spring Foundation Project, a 1.2-hectare garden at the Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital in Mitchells Plain. Their remarkable journey began when Toni, a former garden worker, joined forces with Xolani to establish a flourishing oasis. Support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and Casidra has been pivotal, providing: An efficient irrigation system for optimal water management; Quality seedlings and essential gardening tools for abundant harvests; Water tanks to ensure reliable storage; A cold freezer...
HOW A FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GARDEN IS TRANSFORMING FOOD SECURITY FOR JASPER
Meet Jasper Nieuwoudt, an experienced farmer from Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape, with an unwavering dedication to agriculture spanning 35 years. Building on his expertise, Jasper diversified his operations by establishing a thriving food and vegetable garden at his Vanrhynsdorp Catering Resort. Thanks to strategic funding and equipment support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and Casidra, Jasper's garden has flourished. Yet, his greatest legacy is his generosity, as he donates fresh produce to his local community. "Access to capital is pivotal,...