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Agri-processing an ideal vehicle to drive economic growth in the Northern Cape

(Photo: iStock by Getty Images)

Work has already been done in providing manufacturing facilities for the speciality tea, rooibos, at Niewoudtville in the Northern Cape. Investments have also been made in fisheries and new vineyard development for groups of people who previously had not had exposure to the grape and wine sector.

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was behind the rooibos tea factory, which now trades as Bokkeveld Rooibos. The factory takes tea from 85 local farmers with the goal of helping to integrate these farmers into the agricultural and agri-processing business chain.

Two particular areas of interest to assist small-scale farmers are being explored with regard to hemp and crops that can produce liquor. The dry interior of the Northern Cape is suitable for the growing of Agave that provides the source material for tequila, and there are several other opportunities. The rapidly changing legislative environment for hemp and marijuana holds potential in textiles and medicine.

Long-term thinking underpins the adoption by the provincial government of the Northern Cape Climate Change Adaptation Response Strategy. This allows for a framework to tackle drought and other climate change issues.

Occupying 36-million hectares, the Northern Cape is the largest province in the country, almost a third of South Africa’s total land area. Although the province is a predominantly semi-arid region, agriculture is a major component of the economy of the regional economy and the province’s farmers contribute 6.8% to South African agriculture.

Photo by Pieter Zeeman on Pixabay

The agricultural sector also plays a vital role in the broader economy of the Northern Cape, employing as it does about 45 000 people. This represents about 16% of employment, a much higher figure than the national figure of 5.5%.

Agricultural development takes place along defined corridors within the province:

In the Orange River Valley, especially at Upington, Kakamas and Keimoes, grapes and fruit are cultivated intensively. High-value horticultural products such as table grapes, sultanas and wine grapes, dates, nuts, cotton, fodder and cereal crops are grown along the Orange River.

Wheat, fruit, groundnuts, maize and cotton are grown in the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme in the vicinity of Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp. The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is one of the biggest systems of its kind in the world. Ranging over more than 30 000ha, it has transformed a semi-desert zone into a productive area that sustains cotton, wheat, maize, lucerne, citrus, peanuts, fruit, grapes, olives and pecan nuts.

Vegetables and cereal crops are farmed at the confluence of the Vaal River and the Orange River in the vicinity of Douglas. Of the nearly 40-million 10kg bags of onions produced in South Africa (outside of linked production chains set up by supermarkets), about 10-million 10kg bags come from the Northern Cape.

Wool, mohair, karakul, Karoo lamb, venison, ostrich meat and leather are farmed throughout most of the province. The province is second only to the Eastern Cape in terms of the number of sheep farmed and it is the fourth-largest wool-producing province based on annual sale of producer lots. The Beefmaster abattoir in Kimberley is one of three abattoirs in South Africa to export frozen beef to China. The company processes and packages about 30 000 tons at the abattoir.

The karakul-pelt industry is one of the most important in the Gordonia district of Upington. Agri-company KLK is the only organisation that handles these pelts in South Africa, which are sorted in Windhoek before being sent to Copenhagen for auction.

Photo by Ascyrafft Adnan on Pixabay

Leading agricultural companies active in the region

KLK is based in Upington and does much more than karakul pelts. The company’s interests include 19 retail outlets, 12 petrol stations, four Build it franchises and a strong auction division.

KLK runs three abattoirs in Calvinia, Carnarvon and Upington that slaughter lamb and beef carcasses. SA Dorper manages the production and export of dorper skins and the production of cattle hides.

GWK is another company with its headquarters in the Northern Cape, in this case the town of Douglas. In 2016 GWK invested R400-million in a wheat mill, pasta plant and biscuit factory in Modder River. GWK Farm Foods’ new plant has a capacity of 25t/h for wheat flour, 1.3t/h for biscuits and 1t/h for pasta. R60-million was spent on increasing silo capacity to feed the plant. The company reported turnover in 2016 of R8.3-billion.

Senwes is one of the country’s biggest agri-companies and its Northern Cape area of operation is mostly around the Vaalharts irrigation area, which is fairly close to the headquarters just over the provincial border in North West, at Klerksdorp. Storage and handling of grains and oilseeds are the speciality of Senwes.

OVK controls the large Gariep abattoir at Strydenburg, which has a daily capacity of 1 300 sheep, 100 cattle and either 250 ostriches or 750 small game animals. OVK also has trade branches, vehicle dealerships, a finance division and manufacturing facilities for maize meal and wheat meal.

Kaap Agri is a Western Cape company with a presence in the Northern Cape and Namibia.

Rooibos tea

Health trends around the world are helping the sales of rooibos tea, most of which is farmed and processed in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces.

Recent studies proving that rooibos tea increases antioxidant capacity in human blood are further proof of the beverage’s healthy qualities. The unique climate and soil of the western part of the province support this niche crop. About 6 000 tons of tea is exported to more than 30 countries and domestic consumption is about 8 000 tons.

In several coffee shops in London, Red Espresso has replaced the traditional double-shot of pure coffee, and a more recent use of the tea is to spruce up cocktails. The Rooibos Council states that more than 5 000 people are employed in the rooibos industry.

Only the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis (a legume that is part of the fynbos family) are used in making rooibos (Afrikaans for “red bush”). Harvested while still green, the leaves are left to dry and ferment in the sun after being cut up. Naturally high in a range of vitamins and potassium, zinc and iron, its low tannin content makes it an excellent alternative as a hot drink. Fair Cape Dairies has a product called Rooiboost.

Photo by miiya from Pixabay

Plans in place

Consulting firm Aurecon was involved in doing a feasibility study and compiling a business plan for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the irrigation scheme and agribusiness development in the Vaalharts and Taung areas, a major concern of the DALRRD. The aim is to anchor the project in Ganspan. Another goal is to establish black pecan nut farmers in the area.

Another new area where the DALRRD is involved is in issuing permits and licences for trout production at the Vanderkloof Dam. This aims to create new stream of food production, reduce anxiety related to food security and create jobs.

Other priority projects to support the rollout of agri-processing include:
  • Namaqua irrigation development
  • Rooibos development
  • Vanderkloof fisheries
  • Vaalharts revitalisation
  • Vineyard development scheme

The Agri-parks initiative is designed to promote inclusivity in agriculture and to grow agri-processing, particularly closer to where farmers farm. The concept brings together farmers, traders and agri-processors (such as abattoirs) in convenient sites within each district municipality. Within these parks, support for rural smallholders will be available in terms of equipment hire from a central source, storage facilities, packaging of produce and getting products to market. The Agri-park intends to provide a network for farmers and manufacturers. There will also be training available.

The provincial department has a programme to place unemployed agricultural graduates at land-reform farms in the province to make sure that the farms are run well, at the same time giving the graduates hands-on experience.

The commercialization of the goat project which has been running in the Northern Cape for some time has been expanded into Namibia. Emerging farmers in Namibia are being exposed to the benefits of the programme.

Aquaculture and mariculture

The Northern Cape’s 313 kilometers of coastline means that the province is well placed to take advantage of a growing global demand for abalone.

The aquaculture consultancy Sustainable Environmental Aquaculture Services (SEAS) helped create an abalone farm at Kleinzee which will produce 200 tons of product per year when it is at full capacity. The Western Cape company Tuna Marine is contracted to buy abalone from the Kleinzee facility, which is owned by Ponahalo Holdings (the empowerment partners of De Beers Consolidated Mining South Africa).

With food security an important consideration, the provincial government has committed to supporting small-scale fishers. Forty farmers have signed up for a Catfish Project in the Vaalharts area. The scheme lies in the Phokwane Local Muncipality, north of Kimberley, which falls under the Frances Baard District Municipality.

A joint venture by the National Department of Science and Technology (DST) and HIK Abalone is running an abalone project in Hondeklip Bay with the intention of producing 120 tons of abalone for sale. This seaside town is very well known for its kelp. The coastline of the Northern Cape has 2 000 hectares of kelp beds. There is a growing domestic and international demand for kelp.

The old John Ovenstone factory in Port Nolloth is now the site of small-scale hatcheries for abalone and oysters. Premier Fishing has a lobster-processing plant in Port Nolloth.

Fishing boats, Port Nolloth (Source: Northern Cape Business)

Nuts

Nuts-in-shell pecan nuts are popular in China. South African producers are able to supply fresh nuts for the Chinese New Year when demand for the snack is high.

Some analysts believe that the Northern Cape could become a global centre for pecan nut production. Figures released by the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA) suggest that huge increases in production and the extent of land planted to nuts is already underway.

Production of pecan nuts grew from 5 000 tons in 2010 to 10 500 tons in 2015, and the figure continues to rise as world markets react positively to the South African product. At one time it was thought that pecan nuts were better suited to tropical and subtropical climates, but the consensus is now that the Northern Cape is ideal for the cultivation of the versatile and healthy nut.

Hot summers and short, cold winters are perfect, together with the dry air which has made areas like Prieska, Upington, the Orania district and the Vaalharts area the site of many new groves. SAPPA says that 90% of the new plantings in South Africa are happening in the drier, western parts of the country. Farmers have to be patient because the nut takes a long time to grow.

Find more Northern Cape business and investment insight in the Northern Cape Business 2019/20 edition (digital journal):

Additional agriculture sector resources:

Water projects are stimulating economic growth in the Northern Cape

[Picture supplied by Sedibeng Water]

From providing water for an attempt on a world land speed record to laying on bulk water facilities for small rural municipalities — national, provincial and local authorities have a wide range of challenges to overcome in ensuring that life is sustained, and economic activity can thrive.

The dry area around Hakskeenpan in the Northern Cape is ideally suited to driving vehicles fast, but the world record land speed attempt is going to attract big crowds (and large technical support teams) and so a special effort has been made to provide infrastructure that will make sure that a reliable water supply is on tap. This investment will also secure the venue as a future site of similar open-air events or competitions.

Six municipalities in the Northern Cape have been identified for the eradication of informal settlements. A major obstacle in the municipalities of Sol Plaatje, Phokwane, Tsantsabane, Dawid Kruiper, Gamagara and Ga-Segonyana is the lack of bulk water and sanitation facilities. Ring-fenced funding in terms of the Division of Revenue Act has been approved.

Two projects being run by the Provincial Government of the Northern Cape in conjunction with national government departments relate to water. Solar water heaters are being provided to residents of the Sol Plaatje Municipality and training for maintenance and repair is also being offered by the National Department of Energy. The National Department of Public Works is running a Shared Water Efficiency Programme on 30 Northern Cape provincial government properties. The provincial government has adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Response Strategy.

Water assets in the province

Two of South Africa’s great rivers meet in the Northern Cape at a point south-west of Kimberley. After absorbing the Vaal River, the Orange River continues westwards to the Atlantic Ocean and provides the basis for agriculture all along its path.

North of Kimberley, the confluence of the Vaal and the Harts rivers encompasses one of South Africa’s most intensely irrigated areas. The Vaal-Harts irrigation system is one of the most productive in the country, covering about 38 000 hectares with a variety of crops. Various water users’ associations (WUAs) representing particular areas (such as the Vaal-Harts) are recognised by the national water authority.

Two of South Africa’s biggest dams, the Gariep and Vanderkloof, also provide water for irrigation and hydro-electric power.

But many parts of the province are dry with sections of the north and north-west classified as semi-arid and arid. The southern Kalahari Desert receives rain (sometimes a lot of rain in a very short space of time) but the fact that mining is a primary economic activity in the dry regions of the province presents many challenges. The town of Kuruman is an exception in that it has a natural and prolific spring, the Eye of Kuruman.

The National Department of Water and Sanitation is consolidating the country’s water boards into nine regional water utilities. Some boards have merged to create new entities while others have extended their area of supply. Sedibeng Water now offers water supply services across three provinces, including most of the Northern Cape.

Sedibeng Water’s Central Laboratory, based at Balkfontein near Bothaville, is a SANAS-accredited facility. A new laboratory has been built to monitor the quality of water at the revamped Vaal Gamagara scheme. The laboratory’s four sections cover Instrumentation, Wet Chemistry, Sewage and Microbiology. When the laboratory gains SANAS accreditation, it will be the first in the province to have such a rating.

Projects

The Vaal Gamagara and Namakwa bulk water supply projects hold the key to boosting the mining sector and laying the foundation for expansion in outlying districts. The projects will give additional security to mines, businesses and households in the target areas.

Engineering group ELB Group has been appointed by Vedanta Zinc International to do a wide range of jobs at its new Gamsberg project. This includes laying a water pipe from the Orange River to the mining company’s processing plant.

The town of Springbok has been plagued by water supply problems for several years, with pipes failing on a regular basis. The copper mining company that used to see to water delivery operations in the area has closed down. The Namakwa water project will deliver water to about 11 000 households. Twenty-two villages in six municipalities will benefit from the Vaal Gamagara Refurbishment and Upgrading Project.

The existing scheme, run by Sedibeng Water, supplies about 22-million m³ of water to industry, mines, agricultural enterprises and domestic users, but demand is growing. Existing manganese and iron ore mines near Hotazel and Kathu are heavy water users and if any new mines are to be considered in the area, a reliable water supply is needed.

The cost of the project, which falls under the National Department of Water and Sanitation, is R18-billion.

Sedibeng Water has been selected as the implementing agent for the project and it will work with the Kgalagadi Joint Venture. Once the project is complete, the scheme will be able to deliver water to neighbouring country, Botswana.

Additional water sector resource links:
Find more Northern Cape Provincial sector insight in the Northern Cape Business 2019/20 edition (digital journal):

President of the Republic of Sierra Leone to attend Mining Indaba 2020

Investing in African Mining Indaba, an international event that brings thousands of delegates to the CTICC.

President Bio was elected as the 5th President of the Republic of Sierra Leone in May 2018 and is popularly referred to as the “Father of Democracy” because of his contribution towards the restoration of democracy and attainment of peace in the country.

Sierra Leone has large reserves of diamonds, iron ore, rutile and bauxite as well as small-scale artisanal mining of gold and diamonds. The country possesses one of the largest rutile reserves in the world. Whilst mining contributes about 20% to the national GDP, it is said to account for around three quarters of the country’s exports.

Prudent management of natural resources is a stated pillar of the national Agenda for Prosperity, and there is a strong commitment to using the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as a tool to bring reforms that will attract much-needed investment in Sierra Leone.

As part of their drive to attract investment, Sierra Leone will be exhibiting at Mining Indaba and their delegation will also include the Minister of Mineral Resources, Hon. Foday Rado Yokie who will be presenting a country case study – “The new direction for Sierra Leone’s mining sector” – where he will be reporting on the recently completed airborne geophysical survey and the achievements that the country has made in formalising the artisanal mining sector which has not only benefitted local communities, and women in particular, with a source of income but also the economy as a whole. Minister Yokie will also be participating in the West Africa panel discussion as part of the Intergovernmental Summit on Wednesday at Mining Indaba.

President Bio’s vision for the future of Sierra Leone is underpinned by his belief that the key to economic development lies in the investment in human capital – 20% of the national budget supports free, quality education, and women admitted to university to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics receive a full scholarship.

“We will have a healthier, better educated and highly skilled young population fit for the 21st century global economy, and that will lead and drive the country’s national development. They will be well-equipped to deploy science, technology and innovation which in term will attract investment.” Explains President Bio.

“The theme for Investing in African Mining Indaba 2020 is Optimising Growth and Investment in the Digitised Mining Economy – and His Excellency Julius Maada Wonie Bio is the new generation African leader recognising that innovation and technology with drive mining investment on the continent.” comments Tom Quinn, Head of Content for Mining Indaba.

The programme content for 2020 is geared towards exploring the key drivers of investment decisions within the African mining market and forging the future direction of the African mining industry. The Ministerial and Government programmed is set to attract some 38 ministers from across the African continent and beyond, cementing Mining Indaba’s reputation as the world’s largest mining investment event.

Following the success of the 25th anniversary, Mining Indaba 2020 is gearing to attract even more junior, mid-tier and major mining companies and even more investors with the aim of facilitating deal-making and investment opportunities.

2020 will also bring industry-leading content including the brand-new General Counsel Forum, Mining 2050, the Intergovernmental Summit, resource nationalism, innovations in technology, Battery Metals Day and the return of the popular Investment Battlefield.

Register for Investing in African Mining Indaba 2020

Impact of African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) on Africa’s energy sector

The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) will constitute the world’s largest free trade area, consolidating an integrated market of 1.3 billion consumers with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $3.4-trillion. The objective is to realise a continent-wide single market for goods and services with free movement of business, persons and investments.

The AfCFTA envisions to expand intra-African trade and intensify regional integration by successively eliminating tariffs on 90% of product categories. Removal of such trade barriers assures to not only improve efficiency, enhance competition, and incentivise development of strategic solutions to local challenges through regional economies of scale, but essentially advance the efficacy of resource allocation.

Successful implementation of the agreement is set to have a profound impact on the continent’s energy sector. Regional integration pertaining to energy represents a viable solution for emerging economies, to enhance their energy landscapes in furtherance of realizing social, environmental and economic benefits. Regional integration is pivotal to ensure that energy resources get from localities where they are most affordable, to where they are required.

Regional integration on account of the AfCFTA, is forecast to improve security of supply. Integrating operational reserves and installed capacity enables combined power systems from having to invest in additional facilities. In the event of emergency situations, regional collaboration provides an alternative source of supply for operating reserves and support thereof. Sharing with neighbouring countries can provide advanced system flexibility and reliability by expanding the supply portfolio of diverse energy resources, as opposed to exclusively relying on regional and established resources and supply infrastructure.

To address the continent’s existing energy infrastructure gap, African governments are proactively aiming to expand electricity access, deliver clean cooking solutions and pursue inclusive sustainable energy development.

While these efforts are locally supported through existing platforms such as the regional power pools, the AfCFTA provides an entirely new platform to expand these efforts regionally and pursue energy development to relieve the infrastructure restraint. For instance, one key anticipated outcome of the agreement is the acceleration of industrial output that would comparatively depend on the availability, affordability and security of energy supplies at a scale for industrial growth.

Improved energy trade and energy integration initiatives will boost economic development in Africa by reducing transaction costs and enabling market and economic collaboration, conclusively accelerating investment incentives. Furthermore, removal of impediments to intra-African trade by AfCFTA portends additional US public and private investment in Africa’s oil and power sectors, since increased investment is aligned with US policy as well as sound business consideration.

Africa is renowned for its abundance of renewable energy resources, which include wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower. These constitute a consequential impetus for regional energy integration. Progression and mobilisation of such clean renewable energy sources through regional collaboration efforts afford the continent’s citizens improved environmental quality. “Developing renewable energy resources to address the demand for energy in Africa, will be in the spotlight at the upcoming Africa Energy Indaba. The conference will discuss the AfCFTA and how investors and energy project developers can benefit from the agreement and how this can catalyse the development of renewable energy projects,” commented Liz Hart, Managing Director, Africa Energy Indaba.

The 2020 Africa Energy Indaba is set to assemble leaders from the regional and international power and energy community to discuss the status of critical projects, identify lucrative investment and development opportunities, how best to capitalise on those prospects, as well as to share industry best practice.

The 12th annual event will be hosted 3 – 4 March 2020 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa.

Register to attend

 

SAI Global QPRO and SAIGAS acquisition deal closes

NOSA Group is pleased to announce the closing of the transaction to acquire QPRO and SAIGAS, the Assurance South African businesses of SAI Global, a recognised leading provider of integrated risk management solutions and assurance services.

This acquisition, through our wholly owned subsidiary Aspirata (trading as NOSA Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC)), follows the acquisition on December 1 of the Deltamune Group, and enhances NOSA TIC’s position as the largest group of sector-focused laboratories in South Africa.

The newest acquisitions – QPRO and SAIGAS – are among the most highly regarded and recognised companies offering food safety assurance and certification in Southern Africa and neighbouring African countries.

Bringing these entities into our portfolio complements our overall process, retail food safety and occupational health and safety audit offerings, and will solidify our vision of being the ‘one-stop shop’ for Risk Management throughout South Africa, Africa and the Middle East.

SAI Global Assurance has welcomed the transaction, with John Rowley, CEO of SAI Global Assurance, saying: “We believe NOSA is the right partner for QPRO and SAIGAS, and that together they have an excellent opportunity to continue to develop on QPRO and SAIGAS’ track record with food safety auditing and microbiological testing, while also executing on existing customer commitments.”

For more information visit www.nosa.co.za

 

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is confirmed to attend Mining Indaba 2020

His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [Source: Investing in African Mining Indaba - https://www.miningindaba.com/]

Investing in African Mining Indaba is excited to announce that His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has confirmed his attendance at the event taking place in Cape Town 3 – 6 February 2020. The President will be accompanied by a large delegation from the DRC including two newly appointed cabinet ministers, Hon. Eustache Muhanzi Mubembe, Minister for Energy and Hydrocarbons, and Hon. Willy Kitobo Samsoni, Minister of Mines.

President H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, became the leader of the Democratic of the Congo in January 2019, after the first peaceful and democratic transfer of power. He is known for his involvement and leadership in Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) and currently serves as the second vice president of the African Union.

The country’s large presence at Mining Indaba is aimed at positioning the DRC as a premier mining investment destination. His Excellence President Felix Tshisekedi will address Mining Indaba’s senior audience on the main stage on Monday 3rd February, the opening day of the event. The main stage will also see a DRC Focus session which will examine the rise of cobalt and how the government’s policy and new mining code positions the DRC in a positive investment light.

On 5th February Minister of Mines, Honourable Willy Kitobo Samsoni, will deliver a speech at the Intergovernmental Summit where he will highlight the Newly Developed Mining Code which was approved and signed in 2019.

“Mining Indaba’s Intergovernmental Summit is an open platform for African Ministers and senior government decision-makers from across the globe to debate issues affecting the mining sector and improve bilateral trade and economic relationships and it is very exciting for us that the platform is attracting such senior interest”, comments Simon Ford, Portfolio Director of Mining Indaba.

As one of the main government sponsors of the event, the DRC will also host its annual Breakfast session on Wednesday 6th February where an in-depth conversation about the latest mining developments in the country and gather the key public and private sector stakeholders for an open conversation on the future of mining in the DRC.

Secure your place now for the world’s largest mining investment event

Blueberries for job creation

Photo credit: iStock by Getty Images

In discussions about what crops to promote, Wandile Sihlobo of Agbiz believes that South Africa should focus on horticulture, partly because it is labour-intensive. He gives an example of blueberries, which need 2.64 workers for every hectare planted. There are signs that his advice is being followed: gross value rose from R15.8-million in 2008 to R1.25-billion in 2018 with the total area planted expanding four times.

Berries of all sorts thrive between George and Swellendam and sales of chippers in this area have grown because blueberries have to be vigorously pruned. This process produces lots of green waste which many farmers are choosing to process themselves. More than 70% of the blueberry crop is exported and two-thirds of production occurs in the Western Cape.

Swellendam, which lies beneath the Langeberg mountains, produces 90% of the world’s commercially grown youngberries, a crop of about 600 tons per annum. Youngberries are sensitive and labour-intensive.

The Agri-Processing Support Programme run by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) helps small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) improve their business processes and get better access to markets. This is part of the broader Project Khulisa growth strategy that sees SMMEs as key for expanding economic growth.

New Western Cape Premier Alan Winde announced in his first State of the Province address in 2019 that the province intends making agriculture a bigger part of the educational offering available to pupils. He announced that to the traditional focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), two A’s (the Arts and Agriculture) would be added to create the concept of STEAMAC.

Nearly 30% of exports come from agriculture, with food and beverages contributing a further 24%. Key sectors in many of the province’s non-metro towns (such as retail and manufacturing) have a strong dependence on agriculture and agri-processing.

The Western Cape Provincial Government reached its target of 100 000 new jobs in agri-processing in 2016 but the sector has since been buffeted by bouts of avian flu and a once-in-a-generation drought.

The drought in 2015 and 2016 had severe consequences in Southern Africa. StatsSA noted the following price increases in that period: vegetables (12.7%), bread and cereals (16%), while nearly 400 000 ha less was planted in the country in 2017 than it was in 2014.

The agricultural sector has had to make the biggest adjustments to climate change. The Provincial Government introduced a Smart Agri plan to coordinate efforts to tackle the effects of climate change on agriculture.

The sector supports almost 10 000 farms and employs 214 000 people. Farming carried out on the Western Cape’s 13-million hectares of agricultural land comprises approximately 21% of South African commercial agriculture.

Seven of the 10 biggest export earners are either agricultural products or agri-processed goods. These are citrus, wine, apples and pears, grapes, fruit juice and tobacco.

The province’s climatic regions vary from Mediterranean around Cape Town and on the coast (where annual rainfall can be 2 000 mm at places) to the drier regions of the inland Karoo districts where annual rainfall figures can be below 150 mm. Just over three-million hectares of the province is cultivated and 270 000 ha are under irrigation.

The Breede River Valley is an especially fertile area for fruit. The Western Cape specialises in apples, plums, pears and cherries. Peaches and nectarines can be found in most parts of the province. Raisins are a speciality of the Vredendal area on the West Coast.

The Sandveld region on the West Coast is known as South Africa’s Potato Pantry. Citrusdal unsurprisingly does a strong line in citrus and, with nearby Clanwilliam, is also famous for rooibos and buchu.

Wheat is another of the province’s strong sectors: the Western Cape’s 310 000 ha planted to wheat represents 64% of South Africa’s crop. Japan is a major destination of the province’s maize production. In canola, the Western Cape is even more dominant, with 99% of the nation’s hectares (StatsSA).

Companies

The ostrich processing industry has two major players which merged in the course of 2019, subject to an agreement not to retrench any workers for a three-year period, a condition imposed by the Competition Tribunal. Between them, Klein Karoo International and Mosstrich have four abattoirs in three provinces and tannery facilities in Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay. There are more than 400 registered ostrich farms in South Africa, the majority of which are in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.

Zeder Investments is the agricultural arm of investment holding company PSG Group. Zeder controls Capespan, which has a turnover of R7.6-billion across three divisions: farms, logistics and fruit. Zeder is also a 39.6% shareholder in Kaap Agri Ltd. Kaap Agri has more than 200 operating points.

Zeder also owns 27.2% of Pioneer Foods which makes and distributes many big food and drink brands across Southern Africa, including Weet-Bix, Liqui Fruit, Ceres, Sasko and White Star.

Caledon-based Overberg Agri is an unlisted company with a wide range of investments in several sectors, including mining, pet food and industrial fasteners. SSK (Sentraal Suid Ko-operasie) has outlets in the Overberg and in the Southern Cape as far east as George.

Resources:
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Your ultimate business connection in the Northern Cape

Image source: https://web.facebook.com/nocci.kimberley

Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Our heritage in brief

NOCCI was established on 22 February 2000 when the Chamber of Business and the Kimberley Afrikaanse Sakekamer amalgamated. At the time, these two organisations had served the business community of Kimberley for 120 years.

Membership advantages

A Chamber assesses and evaluates the needs of the local business community, especially regarding the need for services to small business at a reasonable cost:

  • Monitors developments at the local level
  • Mobilizes business opinion on local issues
  • Exerts a positive influence on the environment in which business operates and helps prospective members grow their business
  • Promotes and encourages the pursuit of a high standard of business ethics
  • Disseminates information that is useful to the business fraternity
  • Creates opportunities for improving business skills
  • Extends business contacts locally, regionally and nationally, and allows individual business people to share in the provincial and national business decision-making processes
  • Upholds the market economy and private enterprise system
  • Has committees which are ideal places for members of diverse interests to consolidate and unify their thinking as they work together – committees accurately sense the environment, process information and provide valuable guidance to the member
  • Holds functions and special events, allowing members to network and learn about interesting topics

Through affiliation with national organised business structures, the “Voice of Business” is representative as memberships grows. The “Voice of Business” is a binding force combining the skills and influences of men and women engaged in all forms and sectors of business.

Can you afford not to belong?

The increasingly complex business and social environment requires a comprehensive support structure to ensure the most favourable climate for the continued viable existence of individual businesses in a system of free enterprise. At the same time, the Chamber movement facilitates adjustment by business to those realities that cannot be altered.

Involvement in the Chamber movement bears abundant fruit for the well-being of each business. Thousands of successful business people can testify to the enrichment of their own skills and the development of a network base through active participation in the Chamber affairs. If you are a businessperson with vision, you cannot afford not to join the Chamber movement.

Contact NOCCI

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Visit the NOCCI website at www.nocci.co.za
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Water Quality Testing Laboratory sets high standards

Technicians from GSDM Water Quality Testing Laboratory during an awareness programme to schools.

The Water Quality Testing Laboratory is situated on the N17 corridor in Ermelo. This location is bounded by the Ekurhuleni Metro of the Gauteng Province to the west, Sedibeng District Municipality of the Northern Free State to the south-west, Ehlanzeni District Municipality to the north-east, Nkangala District Municipality to the north, Amajuba District Municipality to the south-east and eSwatini to the east.

The District Municipality’s Water Quality Testing Laboratory is the only SANAS-accredited, government-owned facility in Mpumalanga Province and is evidence of Gert Sibande District Municipality’s vision to be “A community-driven district of excellence and development”.

This is also in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) vision 2030 which is “To ensure that all South Africans have access to clean running water in their homes”.

The Water Quality Laboratory is an accredited facility meeting the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The centrality and the strategic location of this facility ensures easy accessibility by all stakeholders within the district and the neighbouring districts.

Services

Accredited Water Quality Testing Laboratory situated in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.

Informed by the need to improve water quality in the district, the laboratory was established in 2011 to guarantee safe drinking water provided to millions of citizens within the district according to section 9 (1) of the Water Services Act No. 108 of 1997.

The facility provides chemical analysis, microbiological analysis and physical analysis. These services are available to all stakeholders and customers, including local municipalities and industries. The price list for water quality testing offered is available on request.

In addition, the Gert Sibande Water Quality Testing Laboratory promotes water quality and care for water in communities through active involvement in awareness programmes offered by local municipalities in the district. It also promotes careers in science by providing opportunities to students in the form of in-service training.

The laboratory boasts the provision and delivery of superior laboratory services and aims to promote and support development and culture of scientific learning. The Gert Sibande Laboratory regards its clients as valuable stakeholders whose interests are a priority for the laboratory.

For more information, contact laboratoryservices@gsibande.gov.za or go to https://www.gsibande.gov.za/

Driekoppies Dam is the perfect event venue

The stunning beauty of the Driekoppies Dam and its surrounds has made it possible for the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) to convert the dam into a suitable site for commercial and private recreational use. This means that at a very low fee, the public can explore and discover the scenic beauty and entertainment attractions of the Driekoppies Dam.

In order to make the information about KOBWA’s trans-boundary nature more appealing, KOBWA uses the edutainment approach by hosting educational tours around the dam and sports tournaments. Here, people can be educated about KOBWA in a relaxed, enabling environment and this is accommodated at the Driekoppies Dam.

The Driekoppies Dam is a popular venue for music shows and private events such as picnics, braais, family fun days, baby showers, and weddings. This is because of its spacious entertainment area which overlooks the exquisite dam. Regulars are young entrepreneurs from areas surrounding the dam who host Sunday Sessions and the Food Market.

It also offers a venue for traditional authorities wishing to host cultural activities and traditional meetings. Bike rallies and fishing tournaments by various associations are also held at the dam.

KOBWA puts safety at the forefront of all planning. There is an implementable Emergency Preparedness Plan that involves every segment of society, from government agencies to traditional authorities at community level. This ensures that entertaining at the dam is not a risk.

The Driekoppies Dam is readily available for young people who live in the Nkomazi area as a way to promote entrepreneurship among young people. With so many interesting things to do, especially on weekends, the Driekoppies Dam is the perfect destination for any event.

About KOBWA

The Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) is a bi-national company formed in 1992 through the Treaty of the Development and Utilisation of the Water Resources of the Komati River Basin. The treaty was signed by the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Government of the Republic of South Africa. The authority was tasked with designing, constructing, operating and maintaining two dams and associated infrastructure.

This resulted in the construction of Driekoppies Dam in Schoemansdal South Africa (1993 to 1998) and Maguga Dam in Eswatini (1998 to 2003). The two dams were constructed mainly to provide assurance of water supply to the irrigators in both member states.

Tourism is one of the spin-offs of the development of the Driekoppies and Maguga dams. There has been an increase in recreational activities around both dams.

Images courtesy of the Komati Basin Water Authority.

www.kobwa.co.za

 

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