Food for Mzansi

Food For Mzansi is a project aimed at showcasing the lesser-known champions of the agricultural sector in South Africa. We proudly highlight success stories and positive news from the farms and agri-businesses that nourish the nation. Our mission is to demonstrate how agriculture can foster unity and strengthen communities by sharing stories that often go unnoticed by the wider public.

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Unpredictable 2024/25 summer crop season challenges farmers

1 day ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Ivor Price

The 2024/25 summer row-crop season in South Africa will be remembered as one of the most unpredictable in recent years. Farmers across the country faced a rollercoaster of extremes: too much rain in some regions, not enough in others, and an unusual influx of pests and diseases that left many scrambling for solutions. “It was indeed a strange season,” reflects Hanlie Geldenhuys, agronomist at Syngenta South Africa. Despite the chaos, the national crop estimate remains broadly positive.
FMD flare-up hits SA beef exports, sparks trade fears

1 day ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Ivor Price

The livestock industry is once again under threat from a resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), raising alarm bells for the agricultural economy. This comes just months after the industry appeared to be stabilising following years of devastating outbreaks affecting cattle, poultry and pigs. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, has voiced deep concern over the persistence of livestock diseases and their impact on the country’s farming fortunes.
FAO wins award for satellite-backed farming project in Zimbabwe

2 days ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Ivor Price

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been recognised for its innovative work in helping Zimbabwe harness satellite technology to improve agricultural data and disaster response. The organisation was announced as the winner of the SDG Custodian Agency Prize at the prestigious seventh annual GEO SDG Awards held on Wednesday in Rome.
This week’s agri events: 12 - 16 May

3 days ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Duncan Masiwa

This week’s agricultural events include Food For Mzansi’s lunchtime conversations with Land Bank, Nampo Harvest Day, Nedbank’s media lunch, and RegenAg SA’s grazing tour. To include your event on the Food For Mzansi calendar, please email [email protected]. Hello Mzansi This week in agriculture promises a dynamic mix of innovation, learning, and community as industry players gather for key events across South Africa.
Dry winter forecast spells trouble for Western Cape

4 days ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Ed Stoddard

The winter rainy season for South Africa’s southwest will be more dry than wet, with implications for the region’s agriculture, including the winter wheat crop and water security. In its monthly Seasonal Climate Watch report, which looks five months ahead – in this case from May to September – the South African Weather Service has maintained its dry outlook for the southwest and extended that prognosis to September.
FMD shocker: China slams brakes on SA beef imports

5 days ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Ivor Price

South Africa’s red meat industry has been dealt a devastating blow after China imposed an immediate suspension of all beef imports from the country, following confirmation that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has spread beyond KwaZulu-Natal into Mpumalanga and Gauteng. The shock move by China – South Africa’s largest trading partner – comes despite a landmark memorandum of understanding signed just last year, intended to safeguard trade during outbreaks by allowing exports from FMD-free zones.
Let’s go! Food For Mzansi fans fired up for Nampo Harvest Day

5 days ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Duncan Masiwa

Get ready! The biggest event on the southern hemisphere’s farming calendar is back and bigger than ever, and Food For Mzansi readers are as excited as we are. From Tuesday, 13 to Friday, 16 May, the dusty roads of Bothaville in the Free State will come alive as Nampo Harvest Day 2025 rolls into town with the theme “Global agriculture, locally”.
Vaal River floods devastate farmers and tourism sector

5 days ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Ihsaan Haffejee

Residents and businesses affected by recent flooding along the Vaal River say it will take years to recover from the economic damage. The town of Bloemhof in the North West province sits on the banks of the Vaal River and relies on agriculture and tourism as its main economic activities. Over the past month, the town has experienced two flood surges which have displaced residents, flooded crops and destroyed tourism businesses along the river.
SA hosts historic CAADP strategy, Kampala Declaration launch

1 week ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Ivor Price

In a landmark event for African agriculture, South Africa on Monday played host to the official launch of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) alongside the Kampala Declaration. This gathering of continental leaders, experts, and development partners marks a critical step toward transforming Africa’s agriculture and rural economies over the next decade.
NSPCA exposes horror at state-funded Daybreak poultry farms

1 week ago | foodformzansi.co.za | Don Pinnock

The NSPCA has described shocking scenes at Daybreak chicken broiler farms as food runs out. Thousands of birds die or have to be euthanised – and it’s ongoing. A humanitarian crisis has unfolded behind the walls of South Africa’s state-funded poultry operations near Delmas, Mpumalanga. In a deeply troubling intervention last weekend, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) responded to what inspectors described as “systemic and ongoing neglect” at chicken farming operations run by Daybreak Foods.