ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE GRADUATES INSPIRE HOPE
On Saturday, 7 December 2024, 189 students graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Stellenbosch with qualifications ranging from Certificates and Diplomas in Agriculture to Baccalaureus (bachelor’s degree). Fifty-two students successfully completed the learnership programme, 57 the diploma programme, 73 the B Agri programme and 7 received certificates in equine studies. Special Awards in the Learnership Programme went to: Best student in Animal Production: NQF level 4: Danelle Groenewald Best student in Plant Production: Viticulture NQF level 4: Valentino Januarie Best student in Plant...
LINDIE-ALET VAN STADEN NAMED WESTERN CAPE AGRI-WORKER 2024
On Saturday, 2 November 2024, Lindie-Alet van Staden from L’Ormarins Wine Estate, Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands, was named the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of the Year 2024. Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, described Lindie-Alet as a worthy winner. Minister Meyer congratulated Ms van Staden, “I look forward to her inauguration as a Western Cape Prestige Agri-Workers Forum member. Given her leadership abilities and skill set, she will make a valuable contribution to raising the...
WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMEMORATES WORLD FOOD DAY IN UNIONDALE
On Friday, October 11 2024, the Uniondale community gathered at their local sports field to mark the United Nation’s (UN) World Food Day (WFD). Founded by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on 16 October 1945, WFD has become one of the most celebrated events in the UN calendar. This year’s theme is “Right to food for a better life and a better future.” The day, hosted in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDOA), the Garden Route District Municipality,...
NURTURING COMMUNITIES THROUGH FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
Meet Pastor Ricardo Sloster from New Woodlands in Mitchells Plain, a visionary dedicated to making a difference. Motivated by a desire to combat crime and uplift local youth, Pastor Sloster has launched a vibrant community food garden at his church in the area. Pastor Sloster thanked WCDoA and Casidra for this thriving initiative. A shade net tunnel structure was erected to protect plants, promoting healthy growth and an irrigation system was installed to ensure efficient water use for optimal cultivation. They...
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...
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW AT JONKERSHOEK!
On 17 September 2024, Casidra signed off and handed over fencing projects for the first of five CapeNature Reserves, namely Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The project included replacing old fencing with new fencing and marking reserve boundaries to prevent land invasion. These reserves are faced with several challenges, which include threats such as livestock and human encroachment. Therefore, it is crucial to replace old fencing with secure barriers to preserve and protect the ecosystems and the species that inhabit these areas. The other four...
LIVE YOUR PASSION
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,...
LOCAL WOMEN TURN VISION INTO THRIVING CHICKEN FARM
In Hopefield, Sherley Freeman and her childhood friend Sharlene Bodenheim have transformed their vision into reality with Kauthar’s Broiler Chickens, a successful free-range chicken farm dedicated to providing high-quality poultry. The idea, first introduced by Sherley four years ago, faced initial hurdles until the women secured funding from a government business development programme. This financial support enabled them to purchase their first batch of 1,300-day-old chicks, which they quickly expanded by an additional 1,300 just two weeks later. Through CASP funding...
EMPOWERING LOCAL FARMERS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FARMING
Meet Franko Swartz, a resilient Rooibos and livestock farmer from Wupperthal, Western Cape, who has transformed his agricultural endeavours through determination and support. Recently, Casidra, an implementing company of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), supplied Franko's farm with essential resources such as animal feed, medicine, and fencing. This intervention has significantly enhanced the productivity and safety of his Rooibos tea and livestock operations. "I was facing numerous challenges, but the WCDoA and Casidra offered a lifeline. They have been instrumental...