Table of contents for 22 - 29 May 2020 in Farmer's Weekly

During the first week of Level 4 of the lockdown, which has been imposed in South Africa to slow the initial spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the tragic news broke that Caxton Magazines, the division within the Caxton publishing group that publishes Farmer’s Weekly, would be closing the majority of its titles. After five weeks in lockdown, this was the worst possible end to what had already been a strange and frightening period. I and the rest of the Farmer’s Weekly team were relieved and grateful that out of all the print titles, our magazine was the only one that would be retained within the larger company, and that the magazine would continue to be published. But we don’t operate in isolation. Many of the support staff and many…

Water has a vital role to play in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). From detecting the presence of COVID-19 in sewerage systems, to maintaining basic hygiene standards, ensuring an adequate water supply has never been more important. On 15 April 2020, Minister of the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu published directions in terms of the Disaster Management Act 2002 to implement the emergency procurement of water supply and sanitation services, and deploy these to identified areas that lack water for basic hygiene purposes to combat the spread of COVID-19. COMMAND CENTRE The National Disaster Water Command Centre (NDWCC) has been established to achieve these objectives and will be staffed by representatives from various water boards, as well as officials from the…

In a recent televised address to South Africans, President Cyril Ramaphosa explained the risk-adjusted approach to the national lockdown that was instituted to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. He also announced that “the sale of cigarettes will be permitted”. As a result, on 25 April, the Minister of Co-operative Governance, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced draft regulations that included the decision to allow cigarettes to be sold. However, a few days later, that decision was controversially reversed. This opened the door for all kinds of speculation. Most prominent was the argument that the Dlamini-Zuma faction of the ANC steamrollered Ramaphosa into withdrawing his decision. A popular angle of this theory proposed by some political parties was that Dlamini-Zuma reversed the decision to benefit the illegal trade in tobacco, especially Adriano…

Entities responsible for protecting South African consumers from unscrupulous practices are sorting through an unprecedented number of public complaints related to alleged excessive pricing of foods products by retailers during the national lockdown to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Competition Commission (CompCom) spokesperson, Sipho Ngwema, told Farmer’s Weekly that the CompCom had so far received over 1 500 complaints about sellers of foodstuffs across the spectrum allegedly unjustifiably inflating prices. “There has definitely been an escalation since people have been unable to shop around for better prices. Some foodstuff sellers have been abusing their market power in this situation,” he said. National Consumer Commission (NCC) spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba, said the NCC had received 39 complaints of alleged price gouging by food retailers. She added that affected food products included…

Helping and supporting the hungry and destitute is the right thing to do, according to Renata Stols, whose husband, Martin, farms near Bothaville. She initiated a support group to help sustain impoverished people in the town and adjacent township amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. “We help as far as and where we can. We are particularly concerned about people who do not qualify for state support during these trying times. Many of the people we help do not have identification documents, and are therefore disqualified from any form of state support,” she said. Community leader Nontsizi Maloisane, who acted as coordinator for the project, had been invaluable in the efforts to ensure that food and clothing reach the people who needed it most, Stols said. The support group had,…

Maize farmers in the central and southern parts of Brazil have received below average rainfall during April, which is a critical growth period for the country’s second annual crop of maize. This crop accounts for about three-quarters of Brazil’s output. Weather forecasters in that country have also predicted frost for the state of Paraná during May, which could result in further losses, according to a report by Reuters. Agribusiness consultancy INTL FCStone revised Brazil’s second maize harvest forecast down 1,75% to 72,6 million tons due to the drought. “The risk of maize losses has increased a lot,” said weather forecaster Marco Antonio dos Santos at consultancy Rural Clima. According to him, the situation would result in lower yields that would drag down the overall national output of the second harvest,…

There is no evidence that South Africa’s water supplies could become contaminated with the coronavirus responsible for the global coronavirus disease pandemic, according to industry stakeholders. This emerged in a panel discussion in a webinar hosted by Messe Muenchen South Africa, organiser of IFAT Africa, an environmental technology trade fair for sub-Saharan Africa focusing on water, sewage, waste and recycling. Although international scientists were using the genetic material of the virus found in sewage to track the prevalence of the disease in communities, there was no evidence that the virus could pose a risk if present in water sources. Hennie Pretorius, industry manager of water and waste water at Endress and Hauser, said, “with proper disinfection of waste water, we should not see the virus entering rivers.” Moderator Benoit Le…

There is a general consensus that South Africa’s economy will shrink by at least 10% this year, with some estimates suggesting the decline could be as high as 16%. This was according to agricultural economist Prof Johan Willemse, speaking during his quarterly agricultural markets outlook workshop hosted via an online webinar recently. He said new figures released by National Treasury and other entities suggested that the economy could contract up to 16%, with predictions for job losses at between three and four million. He also estimated that the state’s debt ratio could increase to between 80% and 85%. Willemse warned agricultural role players, from farmers to agribusinesses, that the current situation would negatively affect their businesses, and it was also expected to bring about changes in food purchasing patterns. “We…

As part of my project management work in communal farming areas in the northern reaches of the Eastern Cape, I’ve noticed livestock handling facilities are either dilapidated or non-existent. This makes it difficult to hold auctions and most sales thus go through livestock speculators who do not always pay market-related prices. In turn, this makes it increasingly difficult for communal farmers to realise a profit. Farmers also need to remember that larger market role players, who would be willing to send trucks to load larger quantities of livestock during marketing days, need good loading ramps and associated facilities to be able to weigh and load animals. PLANNING A MARKETING DAY Some important initial planning goes into arranging a marketing day: • Remember, you need to be able to collect a…

Financial uncertainty, changes in the economy, the downgrading of South Africa to sub-investment grade, and the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have all forced South Africans to re-evaluate their priorities. Farmers are no exception, and the old adage, ‘’n boer maak ’n plan’ (a farmer finds a solution) is once again being put into action. Given the above changes, as well as today’s highly variable weather patterns and rainfall, it seems logical that so many farmers have diversified their economic activities. It is always a challenge, though, to decide how to do this, and which activities will create sustainable and profitable additional sources of income. Much privately owned agricultural land contains pockets of undisturbed nature, and these could be used for a number of economic activities. In recent research…

Livestock production systems are the world’s largest users of land resources, and the situation in Southern Africa is no different. Approximately 84% of the surface area of South Africa is available for agriculture, of which only about 13% is arable. The greater part of South Africa is suitable only for extensive livestock production. The livestock value chain has a responsibility to be fully aware of these facts and that the industry stands to suffer as a result of global warming. MITIGATION OF HEAT STRESS Temperature, solar radiation, humidity and wind all affect animals directly, with temperature having the greatest direct effect on livestock production. Most livestock perform at their best at a temperature between 4°C and 24°C. Given the effects of global warming, the temperature in large parts of Southern…

Potatoes are consumed by people and livestock, and are also used for industrial purposes. They can be boiled, fried (crisps and chips), baked, mashed and used in stews. They are also used as livestock feed and to make starch, spirits and industrial alcohol. Despite this demand, growing potatoes can be risky due to fluctuating market prices, high production costs, and the pests and diseases that threaten the crop. Potatoes are the fourth-most important food crop in the world after wheat, maize and rice. Amongst vegetables, they contain the second-highest level of protein (second only to soya bean) and have a more balanced content of minerals and vitamins than any other major carbohydrate food crop. CLIMATE Potatoes are a cool-weather crop and achieve their highest yield and best quality in temperate…

SAVOURY Broccoli and cauliflower soup What better way to warm up cold nights than by serving hot, cheesy soup? For a stronger flavour, replace the feta with Stilton. Serves four A small quantity of butter 3 leeks, sliced 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes 1ml dried parsley 1 litre (4 cups) water 2 chicken stock cubes 1 head of cauliflower, broken into small pieces 1 head of broccoli, broken into small pieces 125ml (½ cup) Cheddar, grated Salt and pepper 1 circle of feta, crumbed 1. Melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan. 2. Add the leeks, and sauté until soft. 3. Add the potatoes and parsley. Sauté for about six minutes or until the potatoes change colour. 4. Add the water and stock cubes, and stir until…

With the unfolding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis in South Africa, many health officials have highlighted the importance of a healthy immune system. Below are a few ways in which to boost your immune system before the onset of winter. Drink liquids, preferably warm or hot, regularly. This flushes viruses into your stomach, where strong acid will destroy many of them, instead of multiplying in your nose and oral cavity and spreading to your lungs. Eat plenty of onions, raw or cooked; they contain quercetin, a natural pigment and antioxidant that aids your resistance. If you already have a viral infection in the lungs, take quercetin with a zinc supplement to combat viral replication and help lower fever. ANTI-INFLAMATORY One of the many benefits of zinc is that it supports the…

Maria Magdalena Laubser was born on the wheat farm Bloublommetjieskloof, a few kilometres south of Malmesbury in the Western Cape, in 1886. The eldest of six children, she was a rather shy and lonely girl. Once she had completed her day’s schooling at the farm school and done her homework, she would ride out into the beautiful countryside, exhilarating in the freedom and wide open spaces. She also carried out her household chores and simple farming tasks such as attending to the chickens. At the age of 11, Laubser entered Bloemhof Seminary in Stellenbosch as a boarder, but after just four years of tuition, she returned to the farm to make way for her younger siblings to receive their education. HER FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION WAS A CRITICAL AND FINANCIAL DISASTER…

At a time when most industries will be reducing employment, it is hoped that agriculture will at least maintain employment in primary activities. Agriculture has kept its employment levels up because by nature it is a labour-intensive sector, employing nearly 900 000 people in South Africa directly. In fact, there are many agricultural industries, such as fruit exporters, that are currently increasing employment, albeit seasonal work. Another reason that agriculture deserves recognition is that on a commercial level, it is a strong employment multiplier. This assists in alleviating poverty and even helps in the establishment of new businesses and investment. LESSONS FROM A CRISIS It is well documented that food production and availability is strategically crucial to any country, but the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis has also shown the importance…

11 MAY 1990 Wouldn’t wood straighten matters? 30 YEARS AGO Robin Blyth began his toy-making business to help generate more money on the farm. As this article shows, this was a game changer. Habit dies hard, but the child in us even more so. While many farmers have an artistic flair of some kind, you don’t often come across one such as Robin Blyth of ‘Netherton’ near Elandslaagte, who makes toys for a living. Blyth says there was not enough work on Blyth Farm, which comprises 50ha, for both himself and his father. They keep a flock of 50 to 60 Dorper, Dohne Merino and Suffolk sheep, mainly for meat, and grow a little maize and oats to supplement winter diets. About another 1 300ha are leased. Having worked in…

The livelihoods of farmworkers, especially seasonal female farmworkers, are under threat due to the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and the lockdown regulations implemented to contain it. This was according to Colette Solomon, co-director of the Women on Farms Project. Solomon was among the panelists speaking during a webinar hosted by the Institute of Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), where the effects of COVID-19 on farmworkers in South Africa were discussed. The panelists also included Motlanalo Lebepe, director of the Nkuzi Development Association and Ryno Filander, president of the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union. Solomon explained that seasonal female farmworkers were a vulnerable group, as prior to the pandemic, their livelihoods were already precarious and insecure. She pointed out that these women and their families were already…

Although the kiwi fruit industry in South Africa is small, there has been a keen interest in kiwi fruit exports, with local producers having exported yellow kiwi fruit for the third consecutive season. This was according to Peter Turner, director of Variety Innovation, the license holder for the Soreli yellow kiwi fruit variety in South Africa. He said production took place on approximately 350ha, with the main export destinations being countries in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Turner added that only yellow-fleshed kiwi fruit were exported, and the export volumes were still relatively low due to the orchards “being young”. “Around 500t were exported [during] this past season.” Turner added that he believed there was a bright future for both the domestic and export markets. “At present,…

ITALY A deadly bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, has killed millions of olive trees in southern Italy. One of the hardest-hit areas has been the Lecce province in the Puglia region. The bacterium, which has no cure, “is almost like the coronavirus of olive trees,” said Maria Saponari, a plant virologist at the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection in Italy. Since 2013, it has killed millions of olive trees in Italy and was now threatening Spain and Greece. AFRICA A recent paper published by the International Institute of Environment and Development, is offering suggestions on how policy-makers, donors and development agencies can better support African farmers to improve agricultural production in sustainable and climate-friendly ways. The paper sums up the findings of a three-year research study into trade-offs in agricultural intensification, including…

Many of South Africa’s smaller-scale livestock producers are experiencing serious cash flow problems as a result of strict regulations pertaining to the marketing avenues for animals during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) national lockdown. This was being compounded by these farmers’ widespread lack of access to, or understanding of, online livestock auctions that were intended as an alternative marketing platform to conventional live auctions. This was according to Aggrey Mahanjana, managing director of the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO). He explained that cultural practices, poor digital communications in many rural areas, a widespread lack of understanding of digital technologies and processes, and limited financial resources, were some of the main factors making it difficult for many smaller-scale members to market their animals via online auctions. “Even where our members…

Predicting the full effect of the human, economic and geopolitical consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is, at this stage, impossible. The only way to get through this time is to adapt to the ‘new normal’. All businesses have been faced with immediate and considerable operational challenges due the lockdown. But how do you adapt your business for the effect the pandemic might have over the medium to long term? And while you may have put in place mitigating policies and practices to ensure continued profitable growth that will help carry your company through this turmoil, what you may have forgotten to do is have a serious look at your insurance portfolio. GET REAL Insurance should reflect realities within your business. If you have done any of the following…

Muller van Rensburg of Bethlehem in the Free State writes that he and his family have been visiting the Kruger National Park for the past 20 years. Looking for the Big Five, they often used to stop alongside vehicles, only to learn that the occupants were birdwatchers. Van Rensburg failed to understand how people could be so interested in birds. Intrigued nonetheless, he decided to give birdwatching a try. He began by looking for birds on his parents’ farm in Senekal, going into the veld armed with only a camera, and trying to name as many birds as possible. It didn’t take long before he was hooked. Since then, says Van Rensburg, the hobby has opened up a whole world for him, taking him and his family to Lesotho in…

Diplodia ear rot, which is caused by the fungus Stenocarpella maydis, occurs worldwide. Drought in the early part of a production season, followed by rain during the late season, create favourable conditions for an epidemic, especially where high inoculum sources are present in the stubble (stover) on the soil. MAIZE ALREADY WEAKENED BY STALK AND LEAF DISEASES IS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DIPLODIA S. maydis causes hardened, round, black, spore-producing structures. These can overwinter on maize stubble and produce spores in spring. After rain, or during high humidity, the structures release spores into the air; these land on maize plants and infect the base of the ear-leaf junction. The disease then spreads upwards into the ear. The entire ear becomes filled with a white mycelial growth that affects grain quality. Infected…

Combine harvesters become more sophisticated every season. A host of sensors and algorithms monitor and manage the threshing process to ensure it is run optimally from the header onwards to minimise losses. Yet, according to a study by Iowa State University in the US, no less than 60% of all maize losses were found to occur at the header itself. US farmers mentioned losses becoming a problem when harvesting at moisture levels below 20%; their new hybrids dry down faster. But farming conditions in South Africa are even drier. Our moisture levels of 13% pose a far greater risk of losses. An ear of maize is thus more fragile under South African conditions, and the aim is therefore to keep it intact all the way into the combine for threshing.…

Dear Sipho, Thank your email and our chat on the phone. To recap, some years ago, I drew up plans for you for simple guest cottages in Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal with no additional amenities (see FW, 9 September 2011). You have now requested an eight-bedroom guest complex that will have dining and socialising facilities. As I mentioned to you, we shall need to consider a number of factors when designing the layout. The first is that the style of the facility should complement that of the guest cottages. Another should be to establish whether the bedrooms are for day visitors, weekenders, local casual visitors or permanent workers in the vicinity. For all of these possibilities, there needs to be a place nearby where guests can eat, drink and socialise. In…

AFRICA FIRST! by Jakkie Cilliers (Jonathan Ball, R295) The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis has meant that many writers have either found their books suddenly out of step with the times or trampled on by its effects. Cilliers, founder of the Institute for Security Studies, would undoubtedly have liked to add a chapter or two about how the pandemic has affected African economies and, indeed, why the growth revolution he advocates is needed more than ever. But his basic argument remains sound in the post-pandemic world, where the global north is likely to be even more equivocal about supporting Africa with aid or foreign direct investment. Unusually for a book whose chapters concentrate mainly on socio-economic issues, it has a full chapter on revolutionising the continent’s agriculture sector, and…

Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, South Africa’s National Coronavirus Command Council has announced a nationwide lockdown, resulting in many events in the Farmer’s Diary being cancelled or postponed. At the time of going to print, Farmer’s Weekly could not confirm whether some of the listed events had been officially cancelled. However, most of the organisations hosting these events are due to make announcements in this regard shortly. Readers will be kept up to date. Farmer’s Weekly urges its readers to contact the relevant organising body before attending any course or event to confirm whether the event has been cancelled or postponed. CANCELLED EVENTS 19 TO 20 MAY IFU Fruit Juice Conference, Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch. Visit ifu-fruitjuice.com/event/ JuiceConference2020. 24 JULY TO 2 AUGUST The Royal Show, Pietermaritzburg.Visit royalshow.co.za.…

The last week of April brought further evidence that there is no need for protectionist policies on the global grains market, as there are abundant supplies available. Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia are among countries that recently announced export quotas and bans on rice and wheat exports. This led to an increase in global prices of these commodities because of the large export contribution these countries make. Vietnam and Cambodia collectively account for 18% of global rice exports, while Russia accounts for 10% of global wheat exports. Data recently released by the International Grains Council (IGC), shows that the 2020/2021 season will add to already high global grains supplies. The data suggests that in 2020/2021, global maize production could increase 4% year-on-year (y/y) to a new record high of 1,2 billion…

In April, South Africa’s wine exports dropped 73% compared with the same month last year, according to figures released by the South African Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS). The figures indicated that South Africa exported 29,1 million litres of wine in April 2019, while this year, only 7,7 million litres of wine were exported during this month. According to Maryna Calow, communications manager of Wines of South Africa, the decrease could be attributed to lockdown regulations imposed by government to combat the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Both local sales and wine exports were prohibited during the Level 5 lockdown period. However, on 1 May restrictions were lifted to allow for the exporting of alcoholic products, including transporting these products to ports and airports, as well as related activities…

Beekeepers in parts of France, who are celebrating what some are describing as the best spring honey harvest in four decades, are pinning their hopes on a smooth unwinding of the country’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown to find a market for their produce. Franck Portefaix, a beekeeper near the town of Chantilly, told Reuters that “the blossom was almost three weeks early and the harvest is very, very good.” In April, temperatures in the l’Oise region north of Paris, soared to as high as 30°C, which was more typical of early summer, he said. This spring, Portefaix said, the best performing among his 500 hives could produce up to 20kg of honey each, compared to a “mediocre harvest” of between 4kg and 6kg, or up to 10kg for a good…

A South African champion of amphibian conservation recently became the country’s latest recipient of the prestigious international Whitley Award. ALL SA’S FROG SPECIES ARE UNDER THREAT Dr Jeanne Tarrant, who manages the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Threatened Amphibian Programme and has been dubbed South Africa’s ‘Frog Lady’, will be using the £40 000 (approximately R920 000) prize-money to support her ongoing work. A statement issued by the Whitley Fund for Nature in the UK, which bestows the annual Whitley awards, explained that Tarrant was one of only seven such award winners in 2020. The statement added that amphibians were the most threatened group of animals on Earth, with 41% of all species within this group currently at risk of extinction. Almost two-thirds of South Africa’s 135 frog species were found…

Virtually every farm begins as a family business, but how many farms in your district are run by the second generation? And how many third-generation farms are still successfully under the control of the founding family? Very few make it this far! The same phenomenon can be seen the world over, as family business consultant Tony Balshaw points out in Thrive – Making Family Businesses Work (Human & Rousseau). Mum and Dad start the business, the second generation siblings build it up, and the third generation loses it! But if it can get through the ‘cousins consortium’ stage, it has a good chance of becoming a household name. SETTING THE RULES OF THE GAME One reason so many family businesses fold, and incompatible members so seldom part politely, is a…

What are the trends shaping the pig feed industry? Prof Barry Bradford from Michigan State University’s Department of Animal Science (BB): The amplified focus on feed safety is one of the biggest trends. In the US, for example, there’s less trust in Chinese ingredient sources because of evidence that devastating viruses, such as African swine fever [ASF], can be transmitted via feed. In addition, feed suppliers are enhancing the focus on biosecurity to limit the risk of any such transmission. Of course, the economic pressure for greater efficiencies throughout the production system remains constant. Dr Gerardo Morantes, director of food safety at the Bühler Group, a feed processing equipment manufacturer (GM): ASF is a major trend, which is shaping up to become a big threat to the global swine herd…

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: fresh fruit and vegetables are our frontline troops in the fight against disease. As I write, I’m munching on a tasty pear. Now that we have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its attendant restrictions, the importance of fresh produce is being heralded by medical and nutritional experts. They are all urging us to eat more fresh produce. Wonderful! I’m not going to beat that drum more than I’ve done in the opening paragraph. I would like, instead, to consider lack of respect for fruit and vegetables. POOR HANDLING Despite the world being more technologically advanced than ever, poor handling practices are still allowed to cause expensive and entirely unnecessary damage to fruit and vegetables. This is a worldwide problem, although…

The John Deere SMART campaign is a bold initiative to raise Africa’s agricultural productivity by helping smallholder farmers mechanise, improve yield and increase profitability. Its name stands for Solutions for farmers, Mechanisation for higher yield, Access to finance, Reliability for lower costs, and Technology and training. At the same time, the campaign is assisting governments and their partners to create jobs and lift citizens out of poverty through the establishment of vibrant mechanisation businesses. BENEFITS Under the SMART programme, tractors supplied by John Deere are equipped with a telematics device from Hello Tractor, a Nigeria-based company. The device and the service behind it offer the following benefits: • Tracking of work completed as well as other activities involving the tractor; • Tracking operators to prevent fraud and improve service quality;…

Suck it up! Karcher’s WD3 WET & DRY 1 000W super powerful, multi-purpose vacuum cleaner features a tough, impact-resistant plastic container. The cartridge filter enables vacuuming of wet and dry dirt without filter replacement, while the blower function can be used where vacuuming is not possible. Improvements to this model include a newly designed hose and floor nozzle for efficient removal of dirt particles. The WD3 comes with an easily removable handle that allows for direct attachment of accessories to the hose. The suction tube and floor nozzle can be tucked away conveniently when the machine is not in use. Key features include 1 000W power and 200W suction power. Its dirt capacity is 17l. At a weight of only 5,5kg, this vacuum cleaner is reasonably lightweight and easy to…

Fishbrain, with more than 10 million global users and eight million logged catches, is rated as one of the world’s best fishing apps. “It’s about helping anglers catch more and bigger fish. They want to know where and when to go and what gear to buy,” says Fishbrain’s chief technology officer, Brian Mattson. The app also gives you the opportunity to brag and share your catch with other fishing enthusiasts. HOW IT WORKS Once the app has downloaded, you create an account and, if you wish, select an area on a map. You also have a choice of the type of fishing you prefer: surf casting, sea angling, fly fishing and so on. Fishbrain can automatically detect the photographs in your camera that feature fish, and select them for your…

If you were given R30 million to invest in agriculture, either in new or existing farming activities or in the agriculture value chain, how would you spend it? I’d invest in an e-commerce system that would allow farmers and agripreneurs to lease farm machinery, something along the line of a farm machinery Uber service. I’d also put some of the money towards an indigenous goat farming business to supply the Indian and Nguni communities with animals for their cultural and ceremonial activities. What is the best advice you have ever been given, and who gave it to you? ‘Never view challenges through the lens of being a victim.’ I got this advice from Dr AS Myburgh when I was a student at Stellenbosch University. At the time, I wasn’t certain…