Grain SA’s Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) will host the inaugural Ukukhula Conference and Day of Celebration at Nampo Park on 2 October. This landmark event combines two historic moments into one integrated programme on South Africa’s agricultural calendar.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
This year marks a milestone as the first-ever PGP Conference will be hosted during the day, culminating in the annual Day of Celebration that evening. Together, these events will provide a powerful new platform for black grain farmers to lead discussions, share success stories, exchange ideas and engage in robust dialogue with government, funders and value-chain stakeholders – while also being recognised for their achievements.
“Ukukhula”, meaning growth in isiZulu and isiXhosa, reflects the journey of farmers – from subsistence growers to new-era commercial producers – as they strive for sustainability, inclusion and prosperity in South Africa’s agricultural economy.
A National Conversation
At a time when debates on land reform, financing, climate resilience and transformation dominate South Africa’s headlines, the Ukukhula Conference is the first national platform dedicated to black grain farmers.
The programme features representation by Government (including the Free State MEC for Agriculture and the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development), the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), the South African Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA), the Kgodiso Development Fund, FNB and Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS).
This line-up ensures discussions are practical, informed and solution-oriented.
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Four Pivotal Sessions for Commercial Development Farmers
Session 1: Land Tenure – Unlocking the Future of Farming
With government presenting on land policy and reform, farmers will debate how tenure security and title deeds can unlock financing and generational business growth.
Session 2: De-risking Through Insurance
SAIA and insurers will explore solutions to make crop insurance affordable and accessible, protecting farmers against climate shocks while supporting food security.
Session 3: Agricultural Financing Options – Unlocking Capital Through Innovation
SACTA will lead discussions on innovative financing models – including blended finance and levy-based mechanisms – with insights from the Kgodiso Development Fund and financial institutions on breaking down barriers to capital.
Session 4: Livestock Integration – Balancing the Enterprise
RMIS and partners will explore practical strategies for integrating livestock into grain operations to stabilise income, improve resilience and manage risk.
Break-away Sessions for Small Development Farmers
Here the focus will fall on subsistence and smallholder farmers, addressing their unique challenges, such as:
• Access to quality inputs
• Mentorship
• Storage and markets
• Affordable finance
• Livestock nutrition
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Day of Celebration
The conference will conclude with the PGP Day of Celebration, continuing its tradition of honouring excellence within the farmer development programme. Farmers across Southern Africa will be recognised for their strides in productivity, innovation and resilience, with awards presented in four prestigious categories:
- New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year
- Potential Commercial Farmer of the Year
- Smallholder Farmer of the Year
- Subsistence Farmer of the Year
This event is both a celebration and an inspiration – spotlighting the hard work, innovation and commitment of farmers who are paving the way for a sustainable agricultural future.
Why It Matters
The Ukukhula Conference is historic because:
- It is the first national platform where black grain farmers speak for themselves on real issues, real challenges and real solutions.
- It ensures inclusivity, uniting subsistence, smallholder and commercial farmers under one roof.
- It creates a space where government, financiers, insurers and the value chain must listen and respond to farmer-led priorities.
Leadership Perspectives
Jeremia Mathebula, PGP Chairperson: “For too long, black grain farmers have had to operate on the margins of national debates about land, finance and markets. Ukukhula is about bringing our voices to the centre to shape the solutions we need for sustainability and growth.”
Sibusiso Mabuza, PGP CEO: “This is more than a conference – it is an engine for transformation. Farmers will lead the conversations while government and stakeholders respond. And by ending the day with the Celebration, we honour those who are already showing what is possible.”
WATCH: Grain SA Day of Celebration
About Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP)
PGP is Grain SA’s flagship farmer development programme. Extending from helping subsistence farmers improve yields to guiding new-era commercial producers through modern production practices, PGP provides:
• Mentorship
• Access to inputs
• Access to markets
• Access to finance and advocacy
This ensures black grain farmers have a strong, united voice in shaping agriculture’s future.
To register for the event, click here: https://bit.ly/PGPUkukhula
