By Lebogang Mashala

Farmers nationwide are preparing for the second African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo, taking place tomorrow and Friday at the Times Square, the Maslow Hotel in Menlyn, Pretoria.

This initiative aims to mobilise and align support from a variety of stakeholders to unlock the potential of South Africa’s emerging agricultural sector. Founded in 2020, African Farming – an extension of Landbouweekblad, South Africa’s largest and leading agricultural media brand – strives to promote black commercial farming by providing informative and inspiring content and creating platforms that help farmers develop and thrive.

The Imbizo presents a unique opportunity to connect and empower the next generation of agricultural change-makers. Last year, the Imbizo successfully matched attendees with opportunities from various stakeholders, including commercial farmers and agribusinesses, who participated in the event.

Gauteng’s MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, will deliver the opening keynote address on Thursday morning. This will be followed by a series of discussions addressing the challenges faced by black commercial and smallholder farmers, as well as the impact of inadequate development in this sector on the broader agricultural economy.

This year’s speakers are key players who have significantly impacted agricultural development through various programmes aimed at supporting smallholder farmers. Among them is Nick Serfontein from the Sernick Group in Edenville in the Free State. His development programme is recognised as one of the best in South Africa’s beef industry. Serfontein, whose work has greatly benefited many black livestock farmers, will address the challenges of transformation and propose solutions based on the Sernick model during his speech on the topic “Focusing on inclusive growth for sustainable development in South Africa.”

The programme features an impressive lineup of speakers, including Pravin Dwarika, the Managing Director of AFGRI Farmer Development. With over 100 years of experience, AFGRI understands what it takes to be a successful farmer. Since its establishment in 2012, the AFGRI Farmer Development programme has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous black commercial farmers across the country.

Keneilwe Mabona, Standard Bank’s senior manager for agriculture, will offer insights and tips on how farmers can better position themselves for funding, as the bank has successfully supported several black commercial farmers.

Other invited speakers include Kobela Mokgohloa from Korema Farms, Mokgethi Tshabalala, the Director of Grow Fresh (Thebe Investment), and Wandile Sihlobo, Senior Economist at Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), among many others.

During the Imbizo, over 200 farmers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders will gather to network, discuss and explore solutions and strategies to overcome barriers related to finance, markets, skills and training.

More Imbizo news:

• Strengthening Africa’s food security – ‘We have to start now!’

• Agricultural Outlook: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

• Working with nature rather than against it – regenerative farming for a sustainable future

• From soil to success: How a macadamia farmer secured financial backing

• Bridging the gap between tradition and progress in farming

• AFGRI: A trusted partner in the African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo

• ‘Land reform cannot work unless we empower people to farm successfully’ – Nick Serfontein

• ‘Meaningful transformation in agriculture is impossible without strong partnerships’

• Harnessing technology for smarter farming

• Genetics and breeding technologies in livestock farming

• Strategic partnerships driving transformation and inclusive growth