FNAS

NWU to revolutionise agriculture through its Ask-a-Prof initiative

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:01:27 +0000

NWU to revolutionise agriculture through its Ask-a-Prof initiative

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/16/2025 - 12:01

When smallholder farmers face agricultural challenges, who can they turn to for advice? The new Ask-a-Prof initiative of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the Zen Raseto Joint Venture, is at their service.

This pioneering programme is set to revolutionise agricultural support in the North West Province by providing farmers with real-time, expert guidance from leading university professors and researchers.

Addressing agricultural challenges in the North West Province

Agriculture is the backbone of the North West Province’s economy, yet many farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, face significant challenges. Limited access to expert advice, knowledge gaps in modern farming practices, and environmental uncertainties hinder agricultural productivity and sustainability. The Ask the Prof initiative seeks to bridge this gap by offering farmers direct access to academic expertise, helping them overcome obstacles in crop management, pest control, soil fertility, livestock health and climate adaptation.

How does the initiative work?

The Ask the Prof initiative is designed as a multi-platform support system, ensuring accessibility for all farmers:

· Online portal: Through a user-friendly web-based platform, farmers can submit questions, access expert responses and browse a knowledge base of common agricultural challenges and solutions.

· Mobile support: Recognising the limited internet access in some areas, farmers can submit questions via SMS or WhatsApp for direct responses from university experts.

· Radio interviews: Weekly radio presentations by experts will cover various agricultural topics including research done by the university.

· Workshops and on-site consultations: Regular in-person engagements will provide farmers with practical demonstrations and tailored advice to address complex farming issues.

The Zen Raseto Joint Venture comprises Neo Rampa and Jovi Chen who are business experts, partnering with Motlatsi Tolo, a farmer in the North West Province. The venture approached the NWU to partner with it in facilitating knowledge transfer and guidance through the rich base of agricultural experts from the university. It is anticipated that this

partnership will enhance the unique role of the NWU’s veterinary services in providing support to farmers in the North West.

“This initiative will be driven by university professors, lecturers and postgraduate students specialising in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, economic and management sciences, and engineering,” says Neo.

“These experts will be available on a rotational basis across the various platforms to ensure comprehensive and specialised support to the farmers. Furthermore, the Ask the Prof initiative will document farmer queries, providing valuable data for academic research and helping shape future agricultural innovations,” he adds.

Expected impact

This initiative should yield short-term and long-term benefits to the farmers in the province, says Prof Sydney Mavengahama, an associate professor who specialises in agronomy and plant breeding and is one of the implementers of this initiative.

“It will assist farmers with short-term benefits that include immediate expert advice, leading to better farm management decisions, improved crop yields and enhanced operational efficiency. In the long term, the initiative is expected to foster a deeper collaboration between the NWU and the agricultural community, drive sustainable farming practices and contribute to economic growth in the region,” Prof Mavengahama says.

The Ask the Prof initiative marks an exciting step towards integrating academic knowledge with real-world agricultural needs. By making agricultural expert advice more accessible, this programme has the potential to transform farming practices and strengthen the agricultural sector in the North West Province.

For more information, stay connected with NWU’s Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences, and following interviews on the NWU radio stations NWU FM (105.5) every Thursday at 17:15, and at Mahikeng FM (96.7) every Tuesday at 19:40.

Unveiling the evolution of intelligence science in South Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:20:49 +0000

Unveiling the evolution of intelligence science in South Africa BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 04/14/2025 - 09:20

By Gofaone Motsamai and Nikelo Mehlomakulu

The evolution of South Africa’s intelligence services and the academic study of intelligence science took centre stage at a public lecture hosted by the North-West University (NWU) on 3 April 2025. Delivered by retired lecturer and intelligence expert Henning van Aswegen, the lecture explored the historical foundations, transformation and modern-day challenges of intelligence in South Africa.

Henning, a former lecturer at the South African Intelligence College and author of Die Buro and Spioenmeesters, provided an in-depth analysis of how intelligence evolved from a wartime necessity into a sophisticated academic discipline. “Intelligence is not just about secrecy – it is about understanding the world,” he remarked, emphasising the role of intelligence in governance, national security and democratic accountability.

The lecture traced the roots of South African intelligence back to the colonial era, where intelligence gathering was a strategic tool in military and political conflicts. During the apartheid years, intelligence agencies such as the Bureau of State Security played a controversial role in state surveillance and counterespionage, often operating with limited oversight.

However, Henning noted that intelligence had to transition from a purely operational tool to a structured academic field. The establishment of the South African Intelligence College marked a turning point, with intelligence being studied alongside disciplines such as psychology, criminology and political science. “The perception of intelligence as just ‘spying’ is outdated,” he said. “It has become a structured science that requires strategic thinking, ethical considerations and advanced analytical skills.”

The role of intelligence in post-apartheid South Africa

Following the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa’s intelligence agencies underwent significant restructuring. The formation of the National Intelligence Agency and the South African Secret Service aimed to align intelligence work with democratic principles, ensuring transparency and accountability while maintaining national security.

Henning highlighted the shift from a security-driven intelligence model to one that focuses on counterterrorism, cyber intelligence and economic security. He pointed out that intelligence professionals today are tasked with protecting not just state interests but also economic stability and digital infrastructure. “In the modern era, intelligence agencies are combating cyber threats, organised crime and geopolitical risks that extend far beyond traditional espionage,” he explained. “The field has evolved, and so must its practitioners.”

The lecture emphasised the need for ongoing academic engagement with intelligence science. Henning commended institutions such as the NWU for fostering discussions on the subject and encouraged students to consider careers in intelligence analysis, risk assessment and cybersecurity.

Intelligence expert Henning van Aswegen explored the historical foundations, transformation and modern-day challenges of intelligence in South Africa.

Focus Area for Pure and Applied Analytics at NWU: Where curiosity meets mathematical mastery

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 08:41:50 +0000

Focus Area for Pure and Applied Analytics at NWU: Where curiosity meets mathematical mastery

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/10/2025 - 10:41

In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, certain institutions stand out not only for their age or size, but also for their unyielding commitment to curiosity and innovation. North-West University (NWU) in South Africa exemplifies this spirit, particularly through its Focus Area for Pure and Applied Analytics (PAA) research entity. This group is not only pushing the boundaries of mathematical and statistical sciences, but also redefining how these disciplines intersect with real-world applications.

At its core, the PAA is dedicated to fundamental research in the basic principles and paradigms of the mathematical and statistical sciences. Its mission is ambitious: to operate at an internationally competitive level, advancing scientific knowledge while fostering an environment where different branches of the mathematical and statistical sciences converge. This holistic approach encourages the integration of different sub-disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of complex research problems.

What sets PAA apart is its eclectic mix of research areas. The group has unique expertise in areas such as Applied Linear Algebra and Operator Control Theory, Quantum Field Topology, Quantum Function Spaces, Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) and Dynamical Systems, as well as Measure, Probability, Stochastic Processes and Predictive Analytics. This diverse portfolio enables PAA to tackle a wide range of challenges, from the abstract realms of pure mathematics to tangible, real-world applications.

The PAA is committed to keeping abreast of new developments in the mathematical sciences and to strategically expanding its capabilities to remain at the forefront. This commitment is not just about keeping up with trends, but setting them, ensuring that its research remains relevant and impactful in academia and in practice.

Recognising that today's young researchers are tomorrow's pioneers, the PAA places a strong emphasis on mentoring and development. By providing an accessible forum for graduate students and emerging researchers, the group fosters an environment where new ideas can flourish. This inclusivity extends to the wider South African mathematical and statistical sciences community, ensuring that the benefits of its research are widely disseminated.

The scope research projects undertaken by the PAA is as diverse as it is impressive. In Functional Analysis, Operator Theory, and Applied Linear Algebra, researchers delve into Banach Spaces and Operator Algebras. The Algebra, Topology, and Combinatorics team explores areas such as Algebraic Combinatorics and Quantum Field Topology. Meanwhile, the Mathematical Physics group is working on Noncommutative Analysis and Theoretical Fluid Dynamics. Each project reflects a commitment to exploring new frontiers and applying mathematical principles to solve complex problems.

PAA doesn't just dwell on the theoretical; it actively seeks to apply its research to global challenges. The Modelling team, for instance, works on Life Science Modelling and Financial Modelling, demonstrating the real-world applicability of its work. Similarly, the Environmental Mathematics group tackles pressing issues such as Disease Modelling and Climate Change Linkage, demonstrating how mathematical insights can inform and improve our understanding of environmental challenges.

Behind the PAA's success is a team of dedicated experts. Director Prof Roelof Coetzer leads the group with a vision that balances depth and breadth. The team also includes specialists such as Dr Gabriel Magalakwe, the Applied Mathematics subprogramme leader, known for his work in Symmetry Analysis and Theoretical Fluid Dynamics. This leadership ensures that PAA remains both innovative and grounded in rigorous academic standards.

For those whose curiosity is piqued by the intricate dance of numbers and theories, PAA offers a gateway to a world where mathematics and statistics are not just subjects, but tools for unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Whether you're a budding mathematician looking for a nurturing environment or an industry professional seeking cutting-edge analytical insights and solutions, PAA is ready to engage, collaborate, and innovate.

In a world increasingly driven by big data and complex systems, PAA’s research and development is not only relevant, but essential to solving global problems related to industry, government and social challenges, including the environment, climate change and risk, financial risk, urbanisation, and others. By leading through curiosity and innovation to explore new ideas, PAA exemplifies the transformative power of the mathematical and statistical sciences.

Academic elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:48:18 +0000

Academic elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society

by Mafumane Tlhapi

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/07/2025 - 13:48

Prof Amare Abebe, research director at the Centre for Space Research at the North-West University (NWU), has been elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

AfAS was established to create a globally competitive and collaborative astronomy community in Africa.

Prof Abebe’s focus will be on expanding membership, fostering research collaboration and enhancing astronomy education and outreach across Africa.

He highlights the need to increase membership across African nations, noting that Africa, with a population of nearly 1,5 billion people, has about 500 active AfAS members.

"To put matters in perspective, in the United States, with 340 million people, the American Astronomical Society has more than 6 000 members, and in the United Kingdom, with 68 million people, the Royal Astronomical Society has over 3 000 members."

Prof Abebe also emphasises the importance of building stronger ties between AfAS, governments, industries and international organisations to foster interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships and policy support.

"Out of the more than 50 countries in Africa, no more than 20 of them have any meaningful astronomy programme. There is a lot of room for growth, and there needs to be enhanced public awareness of astronomy across Africa, particularly in underserved regions."

He identifies outreach programmes, educational initiatives and integration into school curricula as key to increasing interest in astronomy. "Improving data-sharing infrastructure across African nations, possibly facilitating better collaboration and access to global astronomical databases, will lead to enhanced collaboration," he says.

Prof Abebe mentions the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, led by South Africa, as an example of infrastructure that supports collaboration between African countries and scientists.

"One of AfAS’s objectives is to bring leading African and international scientists together during its different annual activities to foster collaboration and create professional networking opportunities for its emerging astronomers and students."

He stresses the need to use traditional media and digital platforms to raise awareness. He says active outreach and education campaigns, especially in astronomically speaking underdeveloped regions, as well as formal workshops and conferences, are a great way to introduce astronomy to future astronomers.

Prof Abebe notes that astronomy has long captured human imagination and encourages critical thinking. "On the practical side, it encourages interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), fostering a skilled workforce and driving technological innovation. Astronomy has become a highly collaborative endeavour, enhancing collaborations among people from different cultural, geographical, and socio-economic backgrounds."

Prof Amare Abebe, research director at the NWU's Centre for Space Research, has been elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

Indigenous agricultural practices promote food security

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:09:05 +0000

Indigenous agricultural practices promote food security

by Oscar Mosiane

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:09

Although indigenous agricultural practices play a major role in enhancing food security in local communities, they are still undervalued, overlooked and regarded as old fashioned. A master’s student at the NWU is conducting research that could help to give indigenous agricultural practices a place in the sun.

Thato Hazel Seemise, a master’s student in indigenous knowledge systems at the Mahikeng Campus, is studying the indigenous agricultural practices used to enhance food security among the Batswana of Moruleng in the North West province.

Since food security (having access to an adequate amount of nutritious food) is a basic need, Thato says that understanding indigenous knowledge associated with indigenous agricultural practices is fundamental to promote food security at household level.

These practices have the potential to gear the agricultural sector towards sustainable agricultural production, which promotes at least three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are SDGs 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production).

“Indigenous agricultural practices are significant for small-scale farming worldwide, as they are crucial in guaranteeing food abundance, community well-being and economic benefit,” Thato says.

She further adds that regardless of the challenges, indigenous agricultural practices remain the shield in preventing food insecurity within the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela in Moruleng.

“Documenting, disseminating and recognising these practices deserves special attention. There is a need for policymakers to stimulate the utilisation of indigenous agricultural practices and acknowledge their contribution to the agricultural sector.”

Thato Hazel Seemise

Academic earns spot in global grant programme

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:33:58 +0000

Academic earns spot in global grant programme

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 13:33

Articulating the social value of her research is a key priority for North-West University (NWU) researcher Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, who has been selected for a top global programme on cutting-edge grant-writing and related skills.

Prof Babalola, director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area at the university, has been chosen for the 2025 Leaders of Africa Institute’s Grant Writing and Funding (GWF) Programme.

The programme equips researchers with advanced grant-writing skills, stakeholder engagement strategies and resource mobilisation techniques. It builds on the Leaders of Africa Institute’s Research Methods Programme and supports the objective of fostering an international research community.

Prof Babalola expressed her enthusiasm over her acceptance to the programme. “Since yesterday, I have been speechless. I can't wait to begin this journey. I am ready to mobilise resources for social impact.”

She highlighted the support accompanying her selection. “The acceptance comes with a prestigious impact scholarship to support my training.”

The GWF Programme focuses on identifying the cost of research and articulating its value to stakeholders and society. It is open to researchers, lecturers, graduate students, institutional administrators and social innovators worldwide.

Prof Babalola leads the NWU’s Microbial Biotechnology subject group, which has produced 25 master’s and 35 PhD graduates. She also serves as vice president of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, overseeing operations in 46 African countries.

Her research focuses on rhizosphere microbiology and integrating beneficial microbiomes into agriculture. Her work supports food security efforts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger.

With more than 350 research outputs, Prof Babalola is making an impact on the scientific community and agricultural sustainability, and the grant will ensure she continues to do so.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

Setswana experts assist the NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences to translate study guides

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:06:25 +0000

Setswana experts assist the NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences to translate study guides BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 12:06

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Gofaone Motsamai

In a significant move to enhance multilingualism at the North-West University (NWU), a team of Setswana language experts is assisting the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) to translate study guides into Setswana. This initiative aligns with the NWU’s commitment to its functional multilingualism policy, which recognises Afrikaans, English, Setswana and Sesotho as official languages at the university.

The project, led by Thatayaone Dire, a Setswana language specialist at the FNAS, aims to make scientific and technological content more accessible to Setswana-speaking students. This effort is designed to bridge language barriers and ensure that complex academic material is more comprehensible for students within the FNAS.

Professor Thebe Medupe, the NWU’s deputy dean for Teaching and Learning at the FNAS, emphasised the crucial role language plays in academic success. “Setswana is an integral part of our identity, and ensuring that study guides reflect this language helps our students engage with the material more effectively. If we can translate everyday terms like 'cell phone' into Setswana, there is no reason why we cannot discuss complex topics like quantum mechanics in Setswana,” said Professor Medupe.

The translation team comprises several prominent Setswana language experts, including renowned Setswana authors and linguists like Mr Manfred Molebalwa, Mr Sethunya Kgafela, Dr Solly Magaleta and Mr Steve Selemale. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge in Setswana literature and linguistics, ensuring that the translated terms are not only accurate but also culturally relevant and widely understood.

Their work involves not just translating existing terms but also standardising them to ensure consistency across educational resources at the university. This is a crucial step in creating a uniform scientific vocabulary in Setswana that can be adopted across the NWU and beyond.

The project aims to extend beyond just the FNAS. Professor Medupe shared his long-term vision: “While we are starting with the FNAS, the goal is to make this initiative available across other faculties and institutions. We aim to create a unified scientific vocabulary in Setswana that will benefit the broader educational community.”

The translated study guides will serve as valuable resources for students, educators and researchers, ensuring that Setswana becomes a more prominent language in academic discourse. By integrating Setswana into the scientific lexicon, this initiative strengthens the role of indigenous languages in higher education and supports the NWU’s policy of multilingualism.

Through this project, the NWU is setting a positive example for other institutions, demonstrating how the inclusion of indigenous languages in education can make academic content more accessible, inclusive and relevant to a wider audience.

From left to right: Dr Solly Magalefa, Manfred Molebaloa, Prof Thebe Medupe, Sethunya Kgafela, Steve Selemale and Thatayaone Dire.

First-ever publication in Nature highlights space debris threat

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:14:24 +0000

First-ever publication in Nature highlights space debris threat

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 09:14

The North-West University (NWU) has achieved a milestone with its first-ever publication in the journal Nature with Prof Thembinkosi Malevu of the subject group Physics sharing possible solutions to the risks posed by space junk.

Co-authored with Prof Richard Ocaya from the University of the Free State, the research focuses on the risks posed by space debris, pieces of old satellites and rockets, falling back to Earth.

The study highlights incidents where large metal fragments have crashed in places like Kenya and Uganda. As more satellites are launched into space, the chance of debris falling into populated areas increases, creating risks for people, buildings, land and air traffic.

The study explains that many space agencies and companies do not have clear plans for removing old satellites from orbit. Most of these satellites fall back to Earth, making it difficult to predict where they will land.

The research also discusses international agreements that hold countries responsible for damage caused by falling space debris, but these agreements were created before modern satellite technology and do not fully address today’s challenges.

The researchers warn about a possible chain reaction in space where pieces of debris collide with working satellites, creating more debris that could make space travel and communication systems unsafe. They point out that many small fragments are too tiny to track, making it difficult to prevent accidents.

The study calls for better monitoring systems and stronger rules to manage space traffic and prevent dangerous collisions.

To reduce the risks, the study suggests solutions such as better satellite designs that ensure old equipment burns up safely in the atmosphere. It also explores possible cleanup methods, including robotic arms, nets and lasers that could remove large pieces of debris from orbit.

The NWU’s first publication in Nature is an important step in addressing global challenges related to space safety. The study contributes to discussions on policies, environmental impact and the future of space exploration.

*The journal Nature, established in 1869, is a multidisciplinary science journal that has a 90.0 CiteScore, according to Scopus, a SCImago journal rank of 18.509 and a Source Normalised Impact per Paper (SNIP) rating of 10.010. Nature is not to be confused with journals in the Nature Portfolio.

Prof Thembinkosi Malevu

Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:34:22 +0000

Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 08:34

On 30 March, the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness and fostering global action towards waste reduction, sustainable resource management, and environmental preservation.

South Africa is making progress in waste management, with experts such as Prof Linda Godfrey leading the charge in research and innovation within the waste sector.

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) highlights the remarkable, award-winning work of Prof Godfrey, whose research focuses on waste and circular economy science.

She is the Manager: Circular Innovation SA, the Principal Scientist: Circular Economy, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and an extraordinary professor in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Prof Godfrey received the prestigious 2024 NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award of the NSTF-South32 Awards, known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa.

North-West University and Agricultural Research Council Co-Hosts 2025 NGRP Annual Meeting

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:25:48 +0000

North-West University and Agricultural Research Council Co-Hosts 2025 NGRP Annual Meeting

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 03/17/2025 - 12:25

Food security, climate change and sustainability. These are some of the issues that will take centre stage from 19 to 20 March when the North-West University (NWU) and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) will be co-hosting the 2025 National Grain Research Programme (NGRP) Annual Meeting, themed Farming 2.0: Smarter & Greener.

This event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policy makers and students from across South Africa to discuss innovative approaches to farming and grain production.

Agriculture remains a vital sector for South Africa, contributing significantly to employment, GDP, and rural livelihoods. However, the country faces numerous challenges, including erratic weather patterns, soil degradation, and the growing need to optimise resource use. Events such as the NGRP Annual Meeting serve as crucial platforms for experts to share knowledge and explore cutting-edge technologies that can reshape the industry for the better, and is one of many ways the NWU and ARC are taking proactive roles in addressing the future of agriculture.

The three-day event, which will be held in Potchefstroom, will feature insightful discussions on precision farming, on-farm research, breeding for the future, and grain research programs. The conference will include keynote speeches from industry heavyweights such as Wandile Sihlobo (Agbiz), Dr Lukeshni Chetty (SANSOR), and Dr Vicki Tolmay (ARC), alongside several other esteemed professionals.

The first session, chaired by Prof Gerhard du Preez, will focus on new technologies in precision agriculture. Topics will range from soil nutrient mapping and high-throughput phenotyping to drones in agriculture and soil spectroscopy. With the adoption of advanced data analytics, automation, and remote sensing, the goal is to enhance efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

On-farm trials and climate adaptation strategies will be the focus of the second session, led by Dr Marinda Visser. Discussions will emphasize modernizing agriculture, fostering research partnerships, and responding to climate change with innovative grain production techniques. The session will be followed by a visit to the NWU Agrihub, where attendees can witness firsthand the advancements in climate-smart agriculture and remote sensing applications.

With climate change posing a significant threat to crop yields, the third session, chaired by Dr Zaid Bello , will delve into breeding programs for drought and disease resistance. Presentations on dry bean breeding, phenomics, and organic soybean farming will highlight the intersection of genetic research and sustainable practices.

Food safety and soil health will take the spotlight in the final session, led by Prof Anne-Marie Botha. Presentations will cover mycotoxin mitigation, fungal forensics, and nematode management, ensuring that South Africa’s grain industry remains competitive, sustainable, and resilient against emerging threats.

With South Africa’s agricultural sector facing both challenges and opportunities, the collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry players is critical. The NGRP Annual Meeting provides an essential platform for knowledge-sharing, fostering partnerships, and implementing innovative solutions that will shape the future of farming in the country.

As the world transitions toward sustainable agricultural models, South Africa must embrace technological advancements and adaptive research to ensure long-term food security. Events like these not only drive progress but also reaffirm the nation’s commitment to greener, smarter, and more resilient agricultural practices.