On Friday, 31 October and Saturday, 1 November 2025, two dynamic young farmers, Keneilwe Raphesu and Hlobisile Yende, once again brought together some of South Africa’s most passionate producers and agri-industry experts for the second AgriDuo Masterclass.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
Launched in 2024, the initiative was born out of a simple but powerful vision: to make agricultural knowledge accessible, practical and personal.
This year’s masterclass, which was held in Heidelberg in Gauteng, attracted a mix of new-era and established farmers eager to deepen their understanding of agribusiness management, compliance and market access.
“Our goal is to create intimate learning spaces where farmers feel free to ask questions and gain real answers,” explained cofounder Raphesu. “We want every participant to leave with clarity, not just notes.”
From Information to Empowerment
The programme featured a lineup of seasoned professionals and fellow farmers who each brought a unique perspective to the table, connecting compliance with practice and business with purpose. Ernest Makua, representing Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), reminded farmers that compliance is not just a formality but also a pathway to growth. He unpacked how digital traceability systems, proper documentation and transparent processes ensure that farmers can confidently supply both domestic and export markets. “Compliance is a language of trust,” he said. “When your records are accurate and your processes are visible, buyers see you as reliable and opportunities multiply.”
Also read: AgriDuo Consulting: Planting the seeds of a sustainable future
Next, Resego Njoro, an award-winning commercial farmer, captivated the room with her journey from small-scale beginnings to running a thriving agribusiness. He spoke about the importance of soil preparation, crop rotation and market planning, urging farmers to invest in learning before planting.
“You can’t control the rain,” he said with a laugh, “but you can control how prepared your soil and your business are for the season ahead.”
Seeds of Knowledge and Market Realities
Lehlogonolo Maesela from Sakata Seed Southern Africa spoke passionately about how quality seed choices determine yield and profitability. He encouraged farmers to match their crop selection with climate and soil conditions, stressing that seed quality is often the foundation of successful farming.
“You can’t plant compromise and expect excellence,” he said. “When we choose the right variety at the right time, we protect our soil, our investment and our future.”
Pic 5 Farmers and trusted partners came together at the AgriDuo Masterclass to exchange knowledge, strengthen networks and champion growth in agricultural communities. Photo: Supplied
Adding a practical trading perspective, Someleze Jali from the Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market discussed how farmers can position themselves better in competitive marketplaces. He emphasised the value of consistent supply, packaging standards and building trust with agents.
“Markets reward consistency,” he explained. “The goal is not just to sell but to become a dependable supplier who can negotiate from a position of strength.”
Compliance as a Business Advantage
To end the day, Raphesu led a powerful discussion on the business side of farming, focusing on compliance, recordkeeping and financial discipline. Drawing from her own experience in production, she explained how many small-scale farmers lose opportunities not because of poor production but because of missing paperwork and non-compliance.
“Compliance is not punishment, it’s protection,” she said. “It shields you from risk, opens doors to funding and positions you for partnerships.”
Also read: Agriduo: Empowering young farmers through innovation and community
Building a Culture of Learning
The AgriDuo Masterclass proved once again that meaningful agricultural training doesn’t need to happen in crowded halls or as one-off conferences. By keeping the sessions small and interactive, Raphesu and Yende, created a safe space where farmers could learn, share their experiences and connect with peers who face similar challenges.
Farmers left the session informed and also inspired, taking with them new ideas about soil management, traceability and marketing strategies that could transform their operations.
As Raphesu noted in closing, “If each of us applies what we’ve learnt and shares it with another farmer, we double our impact. That’s how we grow agriculture together.”
Also read: Heritage cultivates success in young criminologist-turned-farmer
