Enabling a Skilled and Prosperous Agricultural Sector Volume 46 February 2024
AgriSETA’s Vision, Mission and Values AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER
INSIDE 01 Chief Executive Officer's Foreword 04 AgriSETA participates in the Research Conference 2024 of ARC and DALRRD AgriSETA attends Food for Mzansi Farmers Day in KZN 05 South African Beef Industry gears up for a fruitful 2024 06 07 New citrus service a boon for fruit exports 03 AgriSETA participates in the 5th Artisan WorldSkills South Africa 08 Our month in pictures 02 AgriSETA participates in a presentation to the Eswatini Human Resource Planning Mission to South Africa
Valued Stakeholders Volume 46 leans on the month of love, February. Our theme for this edition is inspired by loving habits that lead to healthy actions. The theme speaks of loving ourselves, our families, neighbours, communities, and the nation at large. Self-love entails regular exercise and healthy eating. Regular exercise and a balanced diet, all of which contribute to one’s well-being, both physically and mentally. AgriSETA is embracing health and wellness and doing so by example. I hope the picture of my office in a cycling class will inspire others to follow suit. A special thank you to Ms Caroneen Few and the members of the Wednesday class of the Wellness World Gym in Hartebeepoort Dam for allowing us to film the class. In this edition, we also cover trades which not only propel us to be productive but also grant us a sense of fulfillment and self-appreciation. Initiatives such as the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference, and Career Festival hosted by the DHET, cultivate love and passion for artisan development at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. AgriSETA, as with all SETAs, formed part of the 5th Artisan WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference, and Career Festival in Durban, under the theme: #SkillsChangeLives!. We also thank our esteemed stakeholders, Athol Mundi, Shukela and Tongaat Hullet for showing us love through their participation in the event, showcasing practical skills. Still on educational advancements, science is the vanguard of every industry’s sustainable growth and innovation. It also positions the sector to leverage on opportunities presented by the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) among others. AgriSETA joined industry experts and researchers during the 2024 Research Conference hosted by the Agriculture Research Council (ARC), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in Pretoria on 12-14 February 2024. The Research Conference aimed to bring together key stakeholders within the agriculture landscape to make contributions to agricultural science research, and to also showcase the implementation of such joint research. In continuing our work in research in sector skills and advancement, AgriSETA made a presentation to the Eswatini counterparts of the Human Resource Planning and Development (HRDP) on Wednesday, 27 February 2024. The purpose of the visit by the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) is due to their collaborative work being undertaken with the Human Resource Planning and Development Unit (HRDP), who are currently working together to develop a National Human Resource Development Policy and implementation plan for Swaziland. Since the agricultural landscape and food security is largely dependent on farming, AgriSETA participated in yet another Farmers Day, which was hosted by Food for Mzansi on Saturday, 10 February 2024, in KwaZulu-Natal, targeted mainly small-scale farmers in the province. Chief Executive Officer's Foreword Dr Innocent Sirovha AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 1
AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 2 Citrus fruits also contribute to alleviating malnutrition at homes and schools, as this remains one of the national priority programmes. The agriculture sector is charged with the focal duty of ensuring that there is enough healthy produce for both the South African and global population, through exports 365/6 days. Earlier this month, the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) announced that South Africa’s citrus export through the Durban and Ngqura ports will resume as of May 2024. Education and training programmes deliver wellequipped players to the industry with appropriate skills to sustain the sector. Skills transfer is one significant vehicle that propels our industry to remain competitive and healthy. Please continue to share love with one another through charity and respect as we look forward to next month's Human Rights month. Sincerely Innocent AgriSETA was pleased to learn about the upward projection in exports, such as the approval of the resumption of beef exports between South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in collaboration with the Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), rejuvenates economic optimism for South Africa’s meat industry. The lucrative trade agreement is aimed at strengthening South Africa’s meat industry. This development comes as an assurance that all role-players in the meat industry value chain will continue doing the work they love. More on exports, we are also pleased about our very own Citrus Growers Association (CGA) who notes positive growth in exporting citrus fruit, which is the main export fruit that contributes to high earnings in the economy. South African citrus is loved and valued globally for its high quality.
Meeting of the minds as the Eswatini delegates gain insight from AgriSETA’s Executive Management. AgriSETA building relations with the delegation from Eswatini. AgriSETA Executive Management sharing what it takes to achieve high performance. AgriSETA participates in a presentation to the Eswatini Human Resource Planning Mission to South Africa AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 3 AgriSETA made a presentation to the Eswatini counterparts of the Human Resource Planning and Development (HRDP) on Wednesday, 27 February 2024. To fulfil the request of the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC), AgriSETA shared components that can benefit Eswatini among others, are the importance of the Legislative Environment, the Skills Planning and Implementation Mechanisms, the imperative to link the Skills Development to the National Development Priorities, Productivity, and Future Economic Development. The Ewatini delegates also gained insights into the development of industry-led qualifications of agriculture, as well as the development and implementation of effective Labour market information management systems – skills forecasting and anticipation. During the presentation, our CEO, Dr Innocent Sirovha, gave words of encouragement, to the delegates. “Today the Ministry of Labour and Social Security learn from the honest experience, the leadership that corrects and builds, and a loyalty that achieves results.” said Dr Sirovha. The delegates also received support from AgriSETA board members, our chairperson of the board, Ms Sharon Sepeng, Mr Christo van Rheede, and Mr Mayoyo Mngomezulu, together with all Executive Management of AgriSETA. AgriSETA Executive Management hosting the Ministry of Labour and Social Security delegation from Eswatini. The purpose of the visit by the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC) is due to their collaborative work being undertaken with the Human Resource Planning and Development Unit (HRDP), who are currently working together to develop a National Human Resource Development Policy and implementation plan for Swaziland.
National Competition winners receiving medals from the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi. From left to right: Some of the National Competition winners and Learners at the AgriSETA exhibition stall. AgriSETA participates in the 5th Artisan WorldSkills South Africa AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 4 AgriSETA formed part of the 5th Artisan WorldSkills South Africa National (WSZA) Competition, Conference, and Career Festival hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 01 to 03 February 2024. The fifth installment of WorldSkills South Africa saw the National Competition, Conference, and Career Festival run concurrently, under the theme: #SkillsChangeLives! National Competition Competitors from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in the country battled for top spots in the respective artisan categories. Among other categories, the teams competed in Bricklaying, Plumbing and heating, Electrical installations, Auto body repairs, Air-conditioning and refrigeration, Auto mechanic, Aircraft maintenance, Fashion design, Beauty Therapy, Cooking and baking, and Health and social services to name but a few. All gold winners from each category will represent South Africa at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in France later this year, September 2024, WorldSkills Lyon 2024. During his opening address, the Deputy Minister for the Department Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, affirmed that the Department understands that training and skills development play a pivotal role in achieving success at world class competitions. “We have planned a series of initiatives to enhance skills development within our participating teams. We will organise workshops with experts and experienced professionals for our national competition winners. Our goal is to equip them with knowledge, expertise, and technical skills needed to excel in their respective fields.” he said. Conference Revered delegates comprising Government officials, industry experts, and experienced professionals congregated and exchanged valuable insights and experiences on a range of topics including training and skills development. Career exhibition AgriSETA, alongside its employers: Athol Mundy Training Centre, Shukela Training Centre, and Tongaat Hulett, provided learners with insightful career guidance at the exhibition stalls. The career festival targeted at least 6 000 learners and local youth. Minister for Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, at the 5th Artisan WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference and Career Festival in Durban. Learners at the 5th Artisan WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference and Career Festival.
Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza. ARC-DALRRD Conference held at the ARC’s Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (VIMP) Campus in Roodeplaat, under the theme: Science transforming food systems for a better future. AgriSETA participates in the Research Conference 2024 of ARC and DALRRD AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 5 AgriSETA participated in the 2024 Agriculture Research Conference hosted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in Pretoria. The three (3) day conference, held between 12-14 February 2024, was hosted at the ARC’s Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (VIMP) Campus in Roodeplaat, under the theme: Science transforming food systems for a better future. A mulitude of stakeholders attended the conference, including Provincial and National Government representatives, sector experts, researchers, universities, and the private sector. Conference discussions featured pertinent agriculture topics including Sector priorities and challenges; Trends and opportunities of 4IR in agriculture; Climate smart agriculture, The impact of the national public goods assets; and Unlocking value chains. Minister of DALRRD, Ms Thoko Didiza, addressed the conference delegates at the opening of the conference on Monday, 12 February 2024. The Minister affirmed government’s commitment to promoting and supporting research and development in the country according to the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan. Stating that the South African Government aims to grow the agriculture sector in an inclusive manner underpinned by cutting-edge research and innovation. She also highlighted some of the concerning events that affect agriculture on a global scale. “Climate change, global conflicts, food waste, and the constant detection of new pests and diseases are threatening how we have been producing, storing, and distributing our food over time.” said Minister Didiza. Delegates at the ARC-DALRRD Agriculture Research Conference.
AgriSETA’s Assistant Manager for Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Xolani Zituta, highlighted funding opportunities for co-ops, SMMEs, trusts, and CPAs. Xolani also commended the turnout of young, successful, and aspiring farmers. “It shows that agriculture is becoming a career of choice to many young South Africans and employment opportunities are being created as we register an increase in commercial scale production in various subsectors within the Agri-industry.” he said. Livestock Technical Advisor, Khomotso Mashiloane, from Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) added to the day’s discussions with a presentation focusing on best practices for livestock management. “As the red meat industry, we will come back for regular engagement with the farmers on improving their farm practices so that they can become part of the formal value chain.” said Mr Mashiloane. The discussions also featured presentations by industry experts, covering topics such as blended financing and the newly launched Agro-Energy Fund. AgriSETA attends Food for Mzansi Farmers Day in KZN AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 6 On Saturday, 10 February 2024, nearly 180 small-scale and accomplished farmers from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) gathered in Pietermaritzburg for Food For Mzansi’s KZN Farmers’ Day, hosted by AgriDevelopment Consultant and Farmer, Mr Andile Ngcobo. AgriSETA is a proud partner of Food For Mzansi’s national Farmers’ Day initiative. The session provided a platform for insightful information sharing, covering a range of topics for farmers including pesticides controls and livestock management. CropLife South Africa Stewardship Coordinator, Mr Hiresh Ramanand, explained to the attendees some of the responsible pesticide use and transportation protocols. “When transporting pesticides, it is important to ensure that transport vehicles are always in a good condition. Also, never transport pesticides with food or animal feed.” said Ramanand. Ramanand also advised farmers not to transport livestock or other animals along with pesticides. It is also advisable to protect pesticides from extreme temperatures and moisture during transportation. Depending on the pesticide, either extremely low or extremely high temperatures can alter the stability of certain pesticide formulations.” he added. AgriSETA’s Assistant Manager for Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal: Xolani Zituta at the Food For Mzansi’s KZN Farmers’ Day. Hiresh Ramanand, CropLife South Africa stewardship coordinator, at Food For Mzansi’s KwaZulu-Natal farmers’ day. Khomotso Mashiloane, livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), at Food For Mzansi’s KwaZulu-Natal farmers’ Day. Host farmer and agricultural consultant: Andile Ngcobo. This story was slightly amended by AgriSETA and is shared with the permission of Food For Mzansi.
South Africa’s beef produce. South Africa’s beef industry projects exponential growth following the approval of beef exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. South African beef industry gears up for a fruitful 2024 AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 5 The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), working hand in hand with Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) and the Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA), has successfully secured the official confirmation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opening its doors to the export of South African red meat. The success of this initiative is rooted in the Red Meat Strategy 2030, envisaging a 20% export target for the red meat industry by 2030. The strategy outlines key cross-cutting factors such as industry restructuring, a unified voice, public-private partnerships (PPPs), compartments, and veterinary services. As South Africa's beef industry looks towards the promising horizon of 2024, the approval for exports to Saudi Arabia symbolises a year marked by growth, collaboration, and significant opportunities for the South African economy. Matthew Karan, an active member of the Saudi Arabia South Africa Business Council (SASABC), played a key role in engaging South Africa's DALRRD, the Department of Trade & Industry, and the Government of Saudi Arabia to unlock this potentially lucrative market. "While the local beef market remains resilient, we see vast opportunities on the global stage. Our goal is to drive industry growth while creating employment and stimulate the South African economy by expanding our export footprint. Opening new markets, especially in Saudi Arabia, but also for local commercial cattle farmers." said Matthew Karan. The renewed access to this market is critical to South Africa’s ambition to expand beef exports, as the Saudi beef market is sizable at over US7-million in 2021, according to data from Trade Map. “While we, endeavour to broaden our export horizons, we remain committed in prioritising and nurturing our local market. Karan Beef view exports as supplementary growth avenues while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the local South African market.” Sourced from Karan Beef: https://www.karanbeef.com/insights/south-african-beef-industry-gears-up-for-a-fruitful2024-following-saudi-arabian-export-approval/ Sourced from All Blogs: https://www.rmis.co.za/en_GB/blog/news-5/south-african-red-meat-achieves-milestone- with-opening-of-saudi-arabian-market-39
Hapag-Lloyd shipment vessel. Some of South Africa’s citrus produce. New citrus service a boon for fruit exports AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 7 The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) expect South Africa to ramp up citrus exports of 15-kilogram cartons by 20 million through the improved market access and more streamlined logistics. CGA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Chadwick, earlier this month revealed that a German-based company, Hapag-Lloyd, will now be exporting South Africa’s citrus through the Durban and Ngqura ports as of May 2024. The CGA’s skipper was speaking on the sidelines of the Fruit Logistica Convention in Berlin, the capital of Germany, on 07-09 February 2024. Chadwick said the CGA's role in facilitating Hapag-Lloyd's entry into the market was undertaken in the hope of increasing both capacity and competition so that long-term sustainability for the sector can be ensured. “Last year we exported 165.1 million cartons. Recent shipping price spikes due to attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as drought-related complications affecting the Panama Canal, have shown how exposed many fruit exporters are to increases in shipping rates. The CGA views any measure that can introduce some stability and competition into the shipping market as a step forward.” Chadwick said. Chadwick pointed out that if all involved in the local citrus business work together to secure market access and more streamlined logistics, South Africa could significantly increase its citrus exports. It is the CGA's goal to export an additional 100 million cartons by 2032. “The citrus industry and the broader economy need as much access to shipping as possible. Apart from keeping the market competitive and flexible, a new entrant is also welcome in the context of the large projected increase in citrus yield over the next few years.” said Chadwick. Citrus Growers Association (CGA) Chief Executive Officer: Justin Chadwick. Fruit Logistica Convention Berlin 2024. Sourced from Southern Africa freight news: https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/new-citrus-service-boon-fruit-exports-cga South Africa’s citrus produce.
Our month in pictures AgriSETA CONNECT NEWSLETTER | 8