DIE JOERNAAL VIR DIE VRUGTEBEDRYF IN SUID-AFRIKA DEC '19/JAN '20
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DIE JOERNAAL VIR DIE VRUGTEBEDRYF IN SUID-AFRIKA DEC ‘19/JAN ‘20
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL 1
ELKE UITGAWE BEDRYFSNUUS
EVERY ISSUE INDUSTRY NEWS
SA Fruit Journal HORTGRO and SATI SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE
Board of Directors 4 GRAPE INDUSTRY (SATI)
Deciduous fruit industry gala awards
Editorial 5 2019 – celebrations all round 8 The rose among De Doorns 16
Foreword 6 Die Sagtevrugtebedryf vier nog 'n jaar City girl meets farm charm 30
van harde werk en sukses 10
At the kitchen table:
SATI welcomes new team members 32
Waterblommetjies 68
The last word: HORTGRO
Phillip Dempsey CITRUS GROWERS’
Pieter Graaff scoops the OSH
ASSOCIATION (CGA)
serving the citrus
Reinecke Industry Leader Award 12
industry 71 Sustainable water resource
Success is a chain reaction 13 management 36
Hortfin Fund - industry funding
The 2019 Southern African citrus
formalised 18 export season 39
TO SUBSCRIBE: The woman who changed our
Succession in the citrus industry 42
Filda Booysen industry – irreversibly 20
filda@hortgro.co.za
Klein-Karoo wurg dood in
021 870 2900
droogte 22
Design and layout by
Capability to manage SA water
Colleen Goosen
in decline 27 xxx 54
colleen@paperchefs.com
Historic apple tree settles at
Printed and bound by
Novus Print Solutions
Babylonstoren 28
2 SA VRUGTEJOERNAAL | DES 2019/JAN 2020
CONTENTS
VOLUME 19 | PART 1
RESEARCH AND
TECHNOLOGY
HORTGRO SATI ADVERTORIALS
SCIENCE RESEARCH PROMOSIE
Cheeky - a ten-year perspective 46 Soil preparation for peak and Meridian Agritech: The importance
sustainable grapevine performance of a research and innovation
Bakgatboord Series: African Delight
Part 2 60 26
at St Kilda Farm 50 department
Thrips management in
The polyphagous shot hole borer 53 MBFI Old world problem, New
table grapes 63 world solution 34
Afrikelp recommits itself to South
CITRUS RESEARCH
African agriculture 58
INTERNATIONAL (CRI)
Harvista: The key to harvesting the
Extension briefs for December 2019
best quality pome fruit: Gain control
and January 2020 55
over fruit maturity at harvest and
boost postharvest life 66
SAFJ (SA Fruit Journal) is also available in electronic format on our website.
SAFJ (SA Vrugtejoernaal) is ook elektronies beskikbaar op ons webtuiste.
www.safj.co.za
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL 3
SAFJ BOARD OF CONTRIBUTORS
DIRECTORS
KONANANI LIPHADZI
CEO, Fruit South Africa CLAUDIA WALKLETT GLORIA WEARE TSHIDI RAMABU
FPEF 021 526 0379 CGA 031 765 2514 CRI 013 759 8013
claudia@fpef.co.za Gloria@cga.co.za resadmin@cri.co.za
ANTON RABE
Executive Director, HORTGRO
CLAYTON SWART ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP CARMÉ NAUDÉ
SATI 021 863 0366 HORTGRO 021 870 2900 HORTGRO 021 870 2900
clayton@satgi.co.za elise-marie@hortgro.co.za carme@hortgro.co.za
ANTON KRUGER SAFJ SHAREHOLDERS
CEO, FPEF
FPEF FRESH PRODUCE CGA
EXPORTERS’ FORUM CITRUS GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION
Private Bag X5, Century City 7441 PO Box 461, Hillcrest 3650 • Tel: 031 765 2514
Tel: 021 526 0474 • Fax: 021 526 0479 Fax: 031 765 8029 • justchad@iafrica.com
www.fpef.co.za www.cga.co.za
WILLEM BESTBIER
CEO, SATI
SATI
SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY
63 Main Street, Paarl 7646 • Tel: 021 863 0366
info@satgi.co.za • www.satgi.co.za
HORTGRO POME (SAAPPA) HORTGRO STONE (SASPA)
Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915 Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915
258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620 258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620
JUSTIN CHADWICK info@hortgro.co.za • www.hortgro.co.za info@hortgro.co.za • www.hortgro.co.za
CEO, CGA
4 SA VRUGTEJOERNAAL | DES 2019/JAN 2020
EDITORIAL
A time for everything
I
n a radio interview, SA rugby commentator Matthew Pearce published in September, states that
admitted to crying unashamedly after the momentous Springbok our methods of production and con-
win of 32:12 against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. sumption of food and usage of land
CATHERINE
accounts for $12-trillion per annum
There is indeed a time for everything: to win, to lose and some- MILWARD-BRIDGES
times even to bawl like nobody's watching. Hoekom dan nou nie? in hidden costs to the environment,
Editor: SAFJ
human health and development.
Children also tend to have a knack for reminding their parents
FOLU, launched in 2017, is an environmental lobby group com-
about timing. In fact, Professor Robert Kelly, an expert on Korean
prising an international community of organisations and individ-
relations, experienced this first hand in 2017 when he became an
uals. It aims to expedite efforts to achieve the targets for climate
Internet sensation. While explaining his subject matter live on the
and sustainable development set out in the 2015 Sustainable
BBC during an after-hours interview, Kelly’s two children (aged
Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
four and one, respectively) burst into their dad’s study, to the
We commend our growers and industry role-players who’ve rolled
comic relief of a global audience.
up their sleeves and adopted smart methods of farming to help
Our industry is amongst the best from which to learn about the
conserve the environment, as well as to respond to the evolved
importance of timing – with seasons that don’t exactly ask for
needs of the customer at the end of the value chain.
permission to occur. For us, timing remains critical: from when the
Then there’s digital transformation necessitated by the fourth in-
saplings enter the soil to when our world-class fruit is graded and
dustrial revolution (4IR). Our industry has the smarts and is adopt-
prepared in packhouses for the long voyage across the ocean.
ing technology more and more, to maximise efficiencies whilst
And the timing couldn't be better for our industry to adapt and
creating jobs. In her foreword, Konanani Liphadzi (CEO: Fruit SA)
to use our smarts to maximise the opportunities that come with
reminds us that the time to embrace 4IR as an ally is now.
an evolving landscape. There are many demands directed at our
On the topic of the relentless drought that continues to afflict
sector and industry that require that we huddle together and con-
parts of the country, we also feature a heartrending account of
tinue to deliberate, as we navigate the way forward.
growers’ plight in the Little Karoo. It’s time for government to give
Climate change, for one, requires committed efforts toward
active support to these custodians of the country’s breadbasket.
tangible change from the global population and – particularly –
Mag ons tydsberekening ‘n doelgerigtheid weerspieël;
industries. The Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) report
en mag ons ook onsself toelaat om genoeg tyd af
te knyp om saam met ons geliefdes gedurende
ADVERTISEMENTS die feestyd deur te bring.
Opinions expressed in advertisements
and promotional articles are not
necessarily those of the SA Fruit
Journal. We do not accept responsi-
bility for damage or injuries which may
arise from possible inaccuracies.
All rights reserved. None of the content
may be used in any other media
without the prior consent of the
SA Fruit Journal (Pty) Ltd.
IGNATIUS VLOK
SA FRUIT JOURNAL
082 331 2127
sales@safj.co.za SSN: 1683-4577
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL 5
FOREWORD
Positioning SA’s fruit industry
ahead of the curve
T
KONANANI he 21st century is characterised by an infor- and impact (Swaminathan & Chinnadurai, 2013).
LIPHADZI mation explosion whereby the creation, Here’s a practical example: the SA table grape indus-
CEO, Fruit distribution, use, integration and manipulation try was negatively impacted by the USA-China trade
South Africa of information are an important economic, political war last season. But what does SA’s table grape
and social activity (Wikipedia, 2019). According to trade have to do with USA-China issues? The closing
K. Mossberger, we are rightly referred to as an of the China market for USA grapes resulted in most
information society, which is comprised of digital of the grapes that would have been exported from
citizens, i.e. those who are able to use the internet the USA, remaining in their domestic market. This
regularly and effectively. meant that grapes from South American countries
SA is also caught up in the fourth industrial revolution that are usually imported into the USA needed to
(4IR) hype. I say hype, because of my previous ex- be diverted to other markets, such as Europe. With
perience with government’s catchy and fashionable Europe being SA’s biggest table grape export desti-
policy slang that is never implemented, or not imple- nation (77% of our table grape exports go to the EU
mented properly to produce the desired impact. and the UK, 2019 Fresh Produce Export Directory),
The point is, the Internet of Things (IoT) is changing this presented a significant market challenge for us.
our world significantly and progressively, whether SA Here, optimal use of MI would’ve guided strategic
is ready or not! The question I want to pose to the decisions, resulting in better performance.
fruit industry is: how are we positioning ourselves to SA is a highly connected society. According to Stats
draw maximum economic, social and cultural benefits SA’s 2017 data, nationally, 88,2% of households
from this revolution? have access to at least one cellular phone, 8,2% of
There are numerous opportunities and possibilities households have access to both a landline and a
for application of 4IR in agriculture: drone technolo- cellular phone, and only 3,5% of households did not
gy to monitor crops, pest and disease surveillance, have access to either landlines or cellular phones.
migratory pest monitoring, climate change monitor- Households in rural provinces such as Mpumalanga
ing and early warning systems, map land and other (95,0%) and Limpopo (94,4%) are reliant on the more
strategic agricultural infrastructure; digital sensors to accessible cellular telephones than landlines.
monitor soil moisture and nutrients for efficient use; Nationally, 61,8% of households had at least one
site specific or precision application of agricultural member who used the Internet either at home, their
inputs for efficient and environmentally friendly place of work or study, or at Internet cafés.
systems; virtual reality platforms for collaboration So, are SA and the fruit industry ready for 4IR? Abso-
with experts and access to the best facilities in the lutely. But there’s a proviso.
world (e.g. laboratories and technology), circum- Government and/or business need to work together to
navigating the challenge of geographic location; establish critical enablers such as a policy framework,
and market intelligence using “small and big data”. investment in relevant infrastructure, an education
The fruit industry can draw maximum benefit from stra- system that will produce the required skills, and a
tegically riding the 4IR wave, if we efficiently use infor- social compact between government, business and
mation (and “small data”) and manipulate it into market labour as current jobs are going to be impacted.
intelligence (MI). It should not simply present the facts My parting thought is this: a change of mindset is
of what happened, but it should be able to guesstimate needed where we see 4IR as an opportunity, rather
what may happen in future, its potential implications than a threat.
6 SA VRUGTEJOERNAAL | DES 2019/JAN 2020
Lonende resultate
het ‘n veilige begin
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sukses. Vroeë beskerming beteken uiteindelike beloning.
Exirel® bevat siaantraniliprool (antraniliese diamied) (Cyazypyr®) Reg. Nr. L10447 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947, versigtig.
FMC Chemicals (Edms) Bpk, Posbus 44, Postnet Menlyn, Waterkloof Glen, 0081, Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Tel: +27 12 003 2938.
Exirel® en Cyazypyr® is handelsmerke van FMC Korporasie of sy affiliate. Datum: 10/2018.
TD 18/183R
GEBRUIK PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE MET VEILIGHEID EN VERANTWOORDELIKE
7 SORG. DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL
VOLG AANWYSINGS OP ETIKET TEN ALLE TYE MET TOEDIENING VAN PLANTBESKERMINGSPRODUKTE.
Deciduous fruit industry gala awards 2019 –
The South African deciduous fruit industry presented its awards
for outstanding performance in agriculture at the 44th annual gala evening
on 13 September 2019 in Somerset West.
D
eciduous fruit include apples, pears, apricots, peaches, pumps, as well as a forklift licence. As irrigation specialist Kerneels
nectarines, plums and prunes, cherries, table grapes and is responsible for 218 ha. He also has a natural aptitude for comput-
dried grapes – all grown mainly in the Western Cape. The erised systems and is known around Rietfontein for his eagerness to
deciduous fruit industry has once again shown that hard work, learn, his honesty and his leadership.
skills development and community involvement are all key to a Elize Boer from Elim Farm in the Hexvallei, De Doorns received
successful season. the Advanced Agricultural Worker of the Year merit award for her
Four of the winners were recognised for their outstanding perfor- excellent management skills, planning abilities and care for her
mance on deciduous fruit farms, and the other three were award- fellow man. Elize is the packhouse manager and farm manager
ed for their direct and indirect contribution to the industry. of Verdorsniet Farm, which is divided into three farms: Môreson,
Mzumkhulu Colin Sijinga from Kromfontein in the Koue Bok- Lentelus and Elim. With three production managers reporting to
keveld received the merit award for General Agricultural Worker her, Elize constantly ensures that everyone does their job to the
of the Year for his exceptional work ethic and goal-driven mental- best of their ability. She believes in thorough monthly planning
ity. Colin picks a phenomenal 8 300 bags of fruit while he is also and teaches the same principles to her colleagues. Known to care
the team’s tractor driver, earning him nearly R13 000 above his sincerely for those around her, she believes that every person de-
normal wages. This past season, he was named the best tractor serves a second chance. Elize’s life motto is “stop learning when
driver at Kromfontein, while also exhibiting outstanding pruning you’re dead” and she strives to encourage this mindset in those
skills. His employers find him to be a great asset and a joy to have around her as well.
around. Amidst his hard work, Colin always displays a good sense Raymond Koopstad from the Breederiver Valley received the
of humour, ready to share a joke and a laugh. New Generation Award for his exceptional performance and
Kerneels Oncker from Rietfontein: Graaff Fruit in the Koue intelligent decision-making as a new entrant to the deciduous fruit
Bokkeveld received the Specialist Agricultural Worker of the Year entity. Koopstad is living proof of what can be achieved when
merit award for his exceptional irrigation knowledge and skills. beneficiaries of land reform who are serious about agriculture are
Kerneels started working at Rietfontein in 2003 and immediately provided with solid partnerships and adequate support. Raymond
showed great interest in irrigation. He was added to the irrigation has just had his first successful crop of nectarines on La Vouere,
team and attended various courses to gain knowledge and devel- since partnering with Georgie Hewitt and Pieter Wolfaardt from
op his skills, namely NQF1, irrigation and regulation courses for Verdun Estate. Currently, they have 20.5 ha planted and will
soon expand by an additional 12 ha, with a medium-term goal of
reaching 50 ha by 2021. This expansion is creating plenty of new
jobs in the area. Raymond believes that agriculture offers some of
the best opportunities for wealth and job creation when it comes
to transformation.
Sheila Storey, world-class specialist in the fields of soil life,
plant performance and nematode control received the Innova-
tion Award for her long-standing technical and scientific con-
tribution to the deciduous fruit industry. Spanning her career
are her many invaluable additions to her fields. This include the
founding of the commercial nematode analytical laboratory,
Nemlab, which has grown into the largest private operation of
the sort in SA and the establishment of NemaBio (Pty), which
focusses on the commercialisation of entomopathogenic
8 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020– celebrations all round
Deciduous Fruit Industry Gala Evening winners, from left: Die Sagtevrugtebedryf se Gala-aand wenners van 2019: Pieter
Pieter Graaff (OSH Reinecke Industry Leader Award), Graaff (OSH Reinecke Bedryfsleiertoekenning), Raymond Koopstad
Raymond Koopstad (New Generation Award), Kerneels Oncker (Nuwe Generasie-toekenning), Kerneels Oncker (Spesialis Landbou-
(Specialist Agricultural Worker Award), Elize Boer (Advanced werkertoekenning), Elize Boer (Gevorderde Landbouwerker-
Agricultural Worker Award), Sheila Storey (Innovation Award), toekenning), Sheila Storey (Innovasie-toekenning), Colin Sijinga
Colin Sijinga (General Agricultural Award), and Chris Burgess (Algemene Landbouwerkertoekenning), en Chris Burgess wat die
representing Landbouweekblad (Izethelo Media Award). Izethelo Media-toekenning namens Landbouweekblad ontvang het.
nematodes for the biological control of insect pests in crops. a believer in constant improvement and learning, and his genuine
A strong force in the discipline of soil science, Sheila also founded care for his employees makes him a very popular employer in the
the Soil Health Support Centre in 2015, and developed nematode Ceres area.
control programmes and guidelines for a variety of crop produc- Landbouweekblad received the Izethelo Media Award for agricul-
tion systems all over the country. tural journalism for 100 years of exceptional reporting and cama-
Pieter Graaff, the owner of Witzenberg Properties received the raderie among the South African farming community. The current
Industry Leader Award for his outstanding achievements and lead- editor, Chris Burgess, received the award on behalf of the maga-
ership role in the agricultural sector over the past 35 years. Pieter zine. Landbouweekblad teaches the farmer to farm scientifically,
is the largest individual apple producer in SA and was chosen remain market orientated, manage his or her finances properly and
by the Agricultural Writers Association as National Farmer of the to lean on each other as a community. For the past few decades,
Year last year. He is currently the chairman of Ceres Fruit Grow- agriculture has remained in the political barrage with land reform,
ers and Tru-Cape and also serves on the board of more than 10 transformation, farm security, market access, droughts and other
companies. Known as an innovative grower with a forward-think- crises. As a partner, Landbouweekblad takes the lead in providing
ing approach, Pieter has honed his skills to become one of the aid during crises, as well as playing a supporting role.
most influential leaders in the deciduous fruit industry. He is also READ THE AFRIKAANS VERSION OVERLEAF
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | INDUSTRY NEWS 9Die Sagtevrugtebedryf vier nog 'n jaar van
Die Suid-Afrikaanse sagtevrugtebedryf het hul pryse toegeken vir
uitmuntende prestasies in die landbou tydens die 44ste jaarlikse gala-aand
op 13 September 2019 in Somerset-Wes.
S
agtevrugte sluit in appels, pere, appelkose, perskes, ongeveer R13 000 bo sy normale loon. Die afgelope seisoen is hy
nektariene, pruime en pruimedante, kersies, tafeldruiwe en aangewys as die beste trekkerbestuurder op Kromfontein, terwyl
droë druiwe - hoofsaaklik in die Wes-Kaap gekweek. Die hy ook uitstekende snoeivaardighede getoon het. Sy werkgewers
sagtevrugtebedryf het weereens gewys dat harde werk, vaardig- sien hom as 'n groot aanwins en 'n plesier om in die omtrek te
heidsontwikkeling en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid die sleutel tot hê. Te midde sy hardwerkendheid dra Colin altyd sy sin vir humor
'n suksesvolle seisoen is. saam en is daar nooit te min tyd vir 'n grappie nie.
Vier mense het toekennings ontvang vir uitmuntende prestasies in Kerneels Oncker van Rietfontein: Graaff Fruit in die Koue
hul werk op sagtevrugteplase spesifiek, en drie vir hul direkte en Bokkeveld het die Spesialis Landbouwerker van die Jaar se
indirekte bydraes tot die bedryf. merietetoekenning ontvang vir sy besproeiingskennis en -vaar-
Mzumkhulu Colin Sijinga van Kromfontein in die Koue Bokke- dighede. Kerneels het in 2003 op Rietfontein begin werk en
veld het die merietetoekenning vir Algemene Landbouwerker onmiddellik groot belangstelling in besproeiing getoon. Hy is by
van die Jaar ontvang vir sy besonderse werksetiek en doelgerigte die besproeiingspan gevoeg en het verskeie kursusse bygewoon
mentaliteit. Colin pluk 'n fenomenale 8300 sakke vrugte terwyl om sy kennis te verbreed en vaardighede te ontwikkel, naamlik
hy ook die trekkerbestuurder van die span is en verdien daarom NQF1, besproeiings- en reguleringskursusse vir pompe asook
'n vurkhyserlisensie. As besproeiingspesialis is Kerneels verant-
woordelik vir 218 ha. Hy het ook 'n natuurlike aanleg vir gereke-
nariseerde stelsels. Kerneels word geken vir sy leergierigheid,
eerlikheid en leierskap.
Elize Boer van Elim Farm in die Hexvallei, De Doorns het die
Gevorderde Landbouwerker van die Jaar se merietetoekenning
ontvang vir haar uitstekende bestuursvaardighede, beplannings-
vermoë en sorg vir haar medemens. Elize is die pakhuis- en plaas-
bestuurder van Verdorsniet, verdeel in drie plase:
Môreson, Lentelus en Elim. Sy het drie produksiebestuurders wat
onder haar leierskap val en sorg voortdurend dat almal hul werk
na die beste van hul vermoëns doen. Elize glo in deeglike maan-
delikse beplanning en leer dieselfde beginsels vir haar kollegas.
Sy is bekend vir haar opregte omgee vir die mense om haar en
glo dat elke persoon 'n tweede kans verdien. Elize se lewensleuse
is “hou op leer as jy dood is” en sy wil ook sulke onderriggeleent-
hede skep vir diegene in haar werksomgewing.
Raymond Koopstad van die Breederivervallei het die Nuwe
Generasie se merietetoekenning ontvang vir sy besonderse
prestasie en intelligente besluitneming as 'n nuweling in die
sagtevrugtebedryf. Koopstad het gewys wat gedoen kan word as
begunstigdes van grondhervorming ernstig is oor die landbou en
View our user friendly, active online training portal die regte steun en vennootskappe het. Raymond het pas sy eerste
for all fresh produce, livestock and export agents. baie suksesvolle oes nektariens op La Vouere gehad sedert hy 'n
Just a few clicks . . . Better and Easier! vennootskap met Georgie Hewitt en Pieter Wolfaardt van Verdun
www.apacweb.org.za Estate gevorm het. Tans is daar 20,5 ha boorde aangeplant en dit
sal binnekort uitgebrei word met nog 12 ha, met 'n mediumtermyn-
10 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020harde werk en sukses
WINNERS 2019 PRYSWENNERS
doelwit van 50 ha teen 2021. Hierdie uitbreiding skep talle nuwe
werksgeleenthede in die omgewing. Raymond meen dat landbou Mzumkhulu Colin Sijinga
van die beste geleenthede vir welvaartsontwikkeling en werkskep- General Agricultural Worker / Algemene Landbouwerker
ping bied wat transformasie betref. Kerneels Oncker
Sheila Storey, wêreldklas-spesialis op die gebied van grondlewe, Specialist Agricultural Worker / Spesialis Landbouwerker
plantprestasie en aalwurmbeheer, het die Innovasie-merietetoeken- Elize Boer
ning ontvang vir haar jarelange tegniese- en wetenskaplike bydraes Advanced Agricultural Worker / Gevorderde Landbouwerker
tot die sagtevrugtebedryf. Regdeur haar suksesvolle loopbaan het Raymond Koopstad
sy talle waardevolle toevoegings tot haar velde gemaak, waaronder New Generation Award / Nuwe Generasie-toekenning
die stigting van die kommersiële aalwurm analise-laboratorium, Sheila Storey
Nemlab, wat gegroei het tot die grootste private onderneming van Innovation Award / Innovasie-toekenning
sy soort in Suid-Afrika en die vestiging van NemaBio (Edms), wat
Pieter Graaff
fokus op die kommersialisering van entomopatogene aalwurms vir
Industry Leader Award / Bedryfsleiertoekenning
die biologiese beheer van insekplae in gewasse. As 'n groot naam
in grondkunde, stig sy ook die grondgesondheidsentrum in 2015 Landbouweekblad
en ontwikkel aalwurmbeheerprogramme en -riglyne vir 'n verskei- Izethelo Media Award / Izethelo Media-toekenning
denheid gewasproduksiestelsels regoor die land.
Pieter Graaff, die eienaar van Witzenberg Properties, het die van hom 'n baie gewilde werkgewer in die Ceres-omgewing.
Bedryfsleier-merietetoekenning ontvang vir sy uitstekende presta- Landbouweekblad het die Izethelo-mediaprys vir landboujoerna-
sies en leierskapsrol in die landbousektor oor die afgelope 35 jaar. listiek ontvang vir 100 jaar se uitsonderlike verslaggewing en
Pieter is die grootste individuele appelprodusent in Suid-Afrika en kameraderie onder die Suid-Afrikaanse boeregemeenskap. Chris
is verlede jaar deur die Landbouskrywersvereniging as Nasionale Burgess, die huidige redakteur, het die toekenning namens die
Boer van die Jaar aangewys. Hy is tans die voorsitter van Ceres tydskrif ontvang. Landbouweekblad leer die boer om wetenskaplik
Fruit Growers en die vrugte-uitvoerder Tru-Cape, en dien ook op te boer, markgerig te bly, sy of haar finansies behoorlik te bestuur en
die direksie van meer as 10 maatskappye. Pieter, bekend as 'n gemeenskapsgeoriënteerd te bly. Die afgelope paar dekades het die
innoverende produsent met 'n vooruitdenkende benadering, het landbou in die politieke spervuur gebly met grondhervorming, trans-
oor die jare sy vaardighede geslyp om een van die invloedrykste formasie, plaasveiligheid, marktoegang, droogtes en ander krisisse.
leiers van die sagtevrugtebedryf te word. Hy glo in konstante ver- As vennoot neem Landbouweekblad soms die voortou om krisisse te
betering en kennisverbetering en sy sorg vir sy werknemers maak help verlig. Ander kere word 'n ondersteunende rol gespeel.
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | INDUSTRY NEWS 11In recognition of
Pieter Graaff scoops the OSH-
Reinecke Industry Leader Award
T
he theme I would like to depart with tonight is about the future and the con-
fidence that we need in this country, and what that means.” Pieter Graaff was
delivering his acceptance speech at the Deciduous Fruit Industry Awards 2019,
where he won the prestigious OSH Reinecke Industry Leader Award.
Pieter expressed admiration for the industry role-players present that night, who are
super-motivated to grow their businesses and create jobs.
Highlighting the industry’s potential to create a tremendous amount of jobs, this stal-
wart acknowledged that the state of our economy, with its low GDP growth, holds war-
ranted despair. He then proceeded to share a thought-provoking quote by Alec Hogg:
“It’s always darkest before any dawn. History shows us that in the past half century the
best time to have invested into SA was during one of those four confidence troughs,
when bargains were everywhere. The smart money knows the time to buy is when
everyone else is selling, because those who reflect realise that this too shall pass.”
Pieter is involved in a school where he’s witnessed the vast amount of parents with
young kids leaving the country, despite the opportunities. Speaking with unmistak-
Pieter (right) accepts the OSH Reinecke Front
able conviction, he pointed out that coming from a family that has been in SA for
Runner Award 2019 from Nic Dicey (Hortgro
close to 300 years, he’s determined to leave a legacy of confidence.
Chairperson).
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes
better, too. So we must make a contribution and try to enrich other people by setting
Pointers from Pieter: high standards ourselves. There are three things you can do with your life: you can
1. Be yourself. waste it, you can spend it, or you can invest it to help others. The best use of your life
2. Be honest. is to invest it in something that will last longer than your life here.”
3. See the positives in people. Pieter then posed a question to the audience: “What is success and what are the things
that we do that produce success?” Before aptly quoting Bernard Shaw, he highlighted
4. Set goals and share them with others.
the link between success and passion – believing in what you do: “Happy is the man
5. Learn to say thank you, and praise
who can make a living by his hobby.” Pieter confirms that this is how he lives his life
and give recognition to your colleagues.
– thoroughly enjoying what he’s been blessed to do in this industry for the last 36 years.
6. Never lose your temper.
Being a progressive thinker, Pieter urged the audience to look ahead at the oppor-
… and a few fundamentals: tunities before us. In the same breath, he encouraged the younger generation to
muster the courage to enter the industry. But he also acknowledged that as an
7. Have good financial skills.
industry, we have been through a lot. However, focussing on what is now history isn’t
8. Always honour your debt,
going to get us anywhere.
remembering that cash is king –
“There are not enough young people in our industry. The question is how do we
especially in tough times.
attract them? It is through education, and we have to instil in them a great interest
9. Know your product and research
and passion for the fruit industry – a great industry. People have to eat, and what
your market.
better way than through a fresh product.”
10. Be willing to adapt to change
Reflecting on our industry, Pieter pointed out the wonderful journey our exciting fruit
and be humble in the process.
industry has had since deregulation.
12 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020great leadership
Success is a GERRIT RAUTENBACH
chain reaction
T
he success of Pieter Graaff, winner of the coveted OS.H Reinecke
Industry Leader Award at the Deciduous Fruit Industry Gala Awards
2019, is the product of the great story of a chain with many links.
“Eight years shy of three centuries ago, the first Graaff arrived in the Cape of
Good Hope from the upper reaches of the Danube, close to what is Austria
today. That was the first link in the chain.” This is how Pieter began his story
that has resulted in him becoming one of the most successful fruit farmers in
the Western Cape today.
Entrepreneurial savvy
Pieter can rightfully claim the Western Cape as his home turf, as the Graaffs be-
fore him never took to the north, going only as far as Villiersdorp. His grandfather,
David Pieter De Villiers Graaff was one of the first to return to Cape Town, starting
a butchery on the beach with an uncle – literally – where Strand Street is today.
Apart from becoming mayor of Cape Town, his grandfather also established
the first power station, and along with it the first cold storage facility in the Pieter at home with Rocky.
Cape, which eventually became Imperial Cold Storage. This was in order to
allow him to expand his meat business, leading to more butcheries all around breeding Arabian horses. Farms, farming and
Cape Town, and more farmland to raise cattle. Eventually, he bought De Gren- business (as well as politics, to some) have always
del near what is known as Durbanville today. Pieter’s father was one of three run in the Graaff blood.
brothers who grew up on De Grendel. It is still a Graaff farm today, producing “My father, Jannie Graaff was an economist working
world-class wines, having started out as a host to Grandfather David’s hobby of in the city, but he wanted to keep CONTINUED OVERLEAF
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”
“I go back to Adam Smith, author of The Wealth of Nations, who wrote in “Have a look around you, and notice that the really
1776 that humans' natural tendency toward self-interest is that our need to successful agri businesses are family-related, ones
fulfil self-interest results in prosperity. And that is true, if you are interested in that have come through generations. But patience
something, you are going to give it your all and your best, and other people is key. It’s only the second and third generations in
will prosper from that.” these businesses that make good money and enjoy
He also went on to quote one of his favourite economists, Milton Friedman, an great opportunities. So, to all the new entrants to
American who received the Nobel Prize on consumption analysis. Friedman the industry, be patient as you spend dedicated time
believed fundamentally in free trade and free opportunities for people, and on a fruit farm. Then, the success of a sustainable
that through free trade, people will succeed: “We are over-regulated. The business will follow.”
more you regulate the less opportunities there are for people.” Pieter concluded by encouraging the rapt audience
Therefore, Pieter would encourage government to reduce regulation, as a means to band together, to ensure that our world-class
to help create jobs and stimulate the economy. And, though finances can pro- industry keeps in step in the fast-paced global arena.
duce relative success, leaving a legacy should take centre stage, says Pieter. We dare not get left behind.
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | INDUSTRY NEWS 13farming as an integral part of his life. He loved the mountains After completing school Pieter ended up in the police force for
and knew that water was essential to the successful production of his national service. After basics, not knowing what to do with the
apples. In 1954, after careful research, he bought De Eike in the recruits, the SAP posted them to stations closest to their respec-
Witzenberg Mountains in the Ceres district. It was new territory tive homes. Pieter ended up in Prince Alfred Hamlet, spending
for apples then, and I believe it’s the best area for apples in all of the rest of his service visiting all the farmers, getting to know them
Africa. and how they went about farming. Then he discovered the next
“I was born a few years later and ever since I can remember, I went link in the chain: the importance of learning from others. Pieter
to the farm almost every time my father did. Very early on in my life, noticed that the farms with the worst housing had the most prob-
I already had a dream of becoming the best apple farmer ever.” lems with their workers.
Learning from the best Education is key
Pieter’s father taught him that successful farming relies on three “Thereafter I had to choose a direction for my tertiary studies. I
core parts. Firstly, you need the best possible land that you can followed my dad’s example and enrolled for a B.Com. degree.
acquire, with the right soil, climate and water for what you plan to In farming you can always get an expert in to help you with your
grow. Secondly you need to get the best product you can lay your produce, but you really need to look after your own finances. It’s
hands on, fitting into that climate and water source. In their case it much easier to be misled with finances than with cultivation, be-
was apples, pears and to a lesser degree stone fruit. Thirdly, and cause nature will always show up your problems and weaknesses.”
possibly most importantly, it’s attention to detail. After completing his B.Com degree, Pieter studied towards a
post-graduate qualification as a CA, but then in 1983 his father
“As a kid I never went on a seaside holiday, which didn’t bother
was offered a fellowship at Oxford, which he accepted. This
me. As soon as we broke for holidays, we were off to De Eike
meant that he had to sell the farm. Pieter was devastated.
where I spent my days with my dad. The time with him on the
“What’s the price, Dad?” Pieter knew his father would not just
farm was the best quality time any child could ever wish for. He
give the farm to him. You have to earn your dreams.
never forced me into farming, it just came naturally to me.”
Pieter recalls how his father – with a doctorate in Economics –
The tide turned
used logic and common sense to design the dams and irrigation
With an interesting scheme revolving around redeemable pref-
systems on the farm. He first established what would work, then
erence shares they worked out a deal, including a discount, if he
he got the specialists in.
was able to redeem earlier than the contract, which he did.
“The industry went into seven lean years at that stage, count-
Humanity goes a long way
ing in my favour, with the weak rand. I was farming 200 ha of
“But most of all, I remember my father’s soft spot for the workers.
fruit. Today, 36 years later, it has increased sixfold to 1 200
Unlike the norm in those days, he not only knew his workers well,
ha. I started with Goldens, Reds and Grannies, having not yet
but also their wives and families – even their nicknames. And he
produced Royal Galas, Pink Ladies, Braeburns, Jazz, Envy, Kanzis
always listened to their problems. I learnt that from him, because
and Sundowners. Today, they are important players. Talking
he made me realise that, if you don’t like people, you shouldn’t
pears, Forelle was very small with Williams bon crétien being the
farm with apples.”
big one. But when canned fruit lost its popularity, the market
Pieter’s father was the first, in a time when there were no regula-
changed. This raises the importance of understanding the mar-
tions, to build decent homes for his workers. Homes with elec-
ket, and adapting to it.”
tricity, hot and cold running water and flushing toilets, provided a
lifestyle fitting for good workers. At first the surrounding farmers
The value of involvement and understanding
were annoyed with this precedent, but eventually it rubbed off
To Pieter it’s all about the value system and the value chain. From
on them too. Pieter learnt from his father that it is fundamental to
knowing your finances to how you treat your people and read-
look after your people, because then they’ll look after your apples
ing the market. Not forgetting to employ the most competent
– it’s a chain reaction. But Pieter has taken that even further, and
management tactics. And, what he thinks is often overlooked by
today his farms all have crèches, after-care centres, community
many is the importance of neatness, which promotes attention to
halls and sport facilities.
14 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020detail, culminating in delivering the best possible produce. is to sell the farm to an investment group or equity fund, to make
However, Pieter believes that the best possible product is only a quick buck. The value must always be ploughed back into the
the beginning. This is where the value chain becomes imperative. farm, creating new job opportunities, growing the business, and
He’s bought into a nursery, giving him input and control over new in turn, the industry. He likes to call it a “grower owned business”.
tree quality and better pricing. And he’s also served as chairman
of both Ceres Fruit Growers and Ceres Fruit Processors for the Future outlook
past 20 years, with a 35% voice in the former. Add to this his “Well, I’m planting new fruit trees on 50 ha this year. And cher-
chairmanship at Tru-Cape for the past 15 years, to help him with ries! There I am, the new kid on the block. With no plans of going
the marketing of his and fellow producers’ apples and pears. Then anywhere, I’m investing in the future. I still dream about becoming
there’s APL Cartons in Worcester, through which he ensures that the best apple farmer, ever.
packaging lives up to his product. Pieter’s dad established a 300 ha “More importantly, I want to make my contribution to help. We
pine plantation on the farm years ago. This prompted Pieter to are all here to make a difference by investing in both people and
erect a sawmill and a pole plant, which enable him to produce production, to create jobs and restore dignity and purpose to the
his own poles for new orchards every year. He also builds his own wonderful people of this country of ours. I got involved in a 100 ha
bins for the fruit. It’s all about containing costs, while maintaining fruit farm near Prince Alfred Hamlet with my workers. They have
full control over quality. 51% share and I have 49%, and they run it with my input. We are
Pieter stresses the importance of patience in farming, rather than making a profit, which is needed to pay off the debt.
viewing it as an asset stripping exercise where the ultimate goal “That, is the future.”
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DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | INDUSTRY NEWS 15From early on in her life, the odds were not necessarily in Elize Lambrechts Boer’s favour.
But she refused to let this get her down, or to accept her situation as fate.
She looked life square in the eye and decided she was going to make a difference –
not only in her career in agriculture, but also in the lives of her fellow humans.
Elize strongly believes in passion, perseverance and empowering people.
lize Lambrechts Boer was born in the Hex Valley, ment and finishing second in her NQF2 (mixed farming) class at
De Doorns and has lived there her whole life. Cape Agri Academy in Porterville. Mostly, she had to work full-day
She worked her way up to general manager of on the farm and study at night, but she relished it.
Môreson, Lentelus and Elim farms, collectively However, Elize realised that no matter how much knowledge and
forming Louis and Madelein de Kock’s Verdors- aptitude you have for agriculture, you need to know and under-
nietboerdery. No mean feat, and Louis will vouch for the fact that stand people. It’s the people who make farming possible. So she
it’s all on merit. Should you ask Elize how she did it, she’d pro- empowered herself with counselling courses to help workers cope
bably say, “It’s because I was a drop-out.” with their circumstances – be it HIV or diseases such as TB, foetal
Growing up in the Valley was good - no, great. At school she was alcohol syndrome, personal problems or unhappiness in the work-
a star, getting glowing report cards. In the afternoons and during place. Elize created this framework to empower people with knowl-
holidays Elise earned good pocket money working on the farm edge, which later led to her starting a clinic on the farm. Anneline
Saffier, where she was born. Yet, she believed at first that farm Sight was chosen to get qualified as the official health worker for
life wasn’t for her and dreamt of becoming a the farm, enabling her to run the clinic.
successful, famous dress designer. She has “I believe excellence is a Elize’s insatiable need for knowledge
always been hungry for knowledge, but was prerequisite for a woman to helped her make it to the top as a woman
not empowered enough to elude teenage
make it in a man’s world.” in a man’s world. She realised she could
pregnancy, at 16. Sadly, the school lost only earn their respect by being knowl-
a star pupil. Elize ended up looking after edgeable - knowledge establishes stature.
her baby and working in an old age home She uses that same knowledge to empow-
in Cape Town. That’s when she realised er the workers, which earns their respect.
how much she missed the farm, and farm-
“I believe excellence is a prerequisite for a
ing in general.
woman to make it in a man’s world. When
Refusing to wallow in self-pity, she decid- you get the chance, be it via a women’s
ed to just start at the bottom as a general empowering programme or an inheritance,
worker on a table grape farm. She had it’s only going to happen through very
nothing more than a positive attitude and hard work. Also, a good work ethic will en-
an insatiable need for knowledge. Soon sure that you become a role player in your
Elize progressed to team leader, then industry and not just another woman in a
supervisor and finally packhouse manager. man’s world. To be noticed, we women
She has now been involved with Ver- need to excel.”
dorsniet for 20 years and was the first Another initiative from Elize was to create
woman in a managerial position in the an environment looking after the fu-
Valley, the first woman to become a ture by means of a crèche and day care
general manager, and the first woman to centre, establishing a backdrop offering
complete the modular table grape course the opportunity to broaden the youths’
at Elsenburg. Amongst her other achieve- knowledge and keeping them positively
ments are obtaining an NQF4 in manage- occupied and off the streets. She went on
16 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020GERRIT RAUTENBACH
her own to see the Minister of Social Development
and got them to sponsor eight computers for the
centre. This has helped Elize to help many a child
get back their vision and zest for life. They are out
there today working as inspectors, bankers, traffic
wardens and managers in agriculture, or furthering
their studies. Elize also helps aspiring students to
obtain bursaries.
Apart from maintaining a positive environment for
the people of Verdorsniet, her main function is to run
the farm together with three production managers
who report to her for the three units totalling 53 ha
of table grapes. During packing season she oversees
around 200 people. In 2017 Verdorsniet packed a
record 250 000 cartons. Elize’s responsibilities in-
clude planning every working day: how many grapes
need to be cut, to be packed; how many pallets
need organising; or what is needed to complete the
programs of the marketing and export teams. She
also often represents Louis at high level meetings.
To quote Louis: “After many years of hard work and
dedication, Elize is truly a member of the De Kock
family. She’s a pillar of strength on the farm, in the
community and at church. When you look at Elize,
you see Elim.”
Elize managed to get the Ministry of Agriculture to
visit the packhouse. Helen Zille also visited the farm,
being shown around wearing a pair of Wellingtons.
As deputy chairperson for the Hex Valley Farmwork-
ers Association, Elize was instrumental in helping to
stop the crippling strike in 2012. She got Romeo de
Lange, director: social crime prevention to sign their
memorandum.
All in all, Elize Lambrechts Boer has made it big in
agriculture, and in life, as a colleague, manager,
counsellor and friend. This mother of three lost her
son, Ruan in a tragic car accident on 17 March this
year. But, despite this horrendous loss, she is still out
there helping to bring the best out of Verdorsniet
and its people. Because Elize believes in herself,
she also believes that women are the better choice
operators in agriculture. “Agriculture is about food –
about feeding and providing, and that’s the essence
of our maternal instinct.”
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | INDUSTRY NEWS 17Hortfin Fund
André Smit (Hortgro Stone Chairman and Hortfin board member), Louis van Zyl (GM: Hortgro and Hortfin board member),
Anton Rabe (CEO: Hortgro), Mariette Kotze (Operational Manager: Hortgro), Willem Bestbier (CEO: SATI), Beverley Farmer
(CEO of Women in Wine and Hortfin board member), Wilton September (SATI transformation), Wendy Petersen
(Operational Manager: Wine Industry Transformation Unit), Rico Basson (MD: Vinpro) and Ian van Zyl (Van der Spuy partners).
Industry funding formalised
T
he consortium agreement between industry bodies has recently been
signed which formalises the industry funding component of the
Hortfin Fund.
The agreement further demonstrates the industry bodies’ commit-
ment to growing the industry inclusively, and to contribute to
its transformation objectives. It also provides a blueprint
that lays the foundation for other funding partners with
similar development objectives, to work alongside and
augment the initiative.
Michael Brinkhuis,
CEO: Hortfin.
18 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020uppe marketing A20236/SAFJ
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DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | INDUSTRY NEWS 19The story of Miss Kathleen Murray, agricultural pioneer and a woman who was way ahead
of her time, reminds us that the power of a woman with skill,
determination, and kindness is not to be underestimated in this “man’s world” industry.
GRETHE BESTBIER
M
others, daughters, sisters, wives, grandmothers, Born in 1891 as the ninth child of the family, Kathleen was not the
friends – and agricultural pioneers, of course: in most obvious choice for the role of “successful farmer”. In 1903,
our society, the women who break down barri- her uncle Percy Molteno bought the small farm Palmiet Rivier in
ers are those who ignore the limits. Miss Kath- Kleinmond for Kathleen’s brother, Gordon who was interested in
leen Murray was such a woman who, with her gentle demean- agriculture and had been studying at Elsenburg. Kathleen was stud-
our and unmatched determination profoundly transformed ying Botany and Chemistry in England at the time. When she finally
SA’s fruit industry. Her story is simply that of an extraordinary decided to settle down in SA in 1915, Kathleen was 23 years old. She
woman with a great passion for agriculture, one who did what established herself on the Palmiet Rivier farm and took over the reins
she loved and did it impeccably. from Gordon, who hadn’t quite managed to make a success of it.
20 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020CREDITS:
By Anon. circa 1910. University of Cape
Town Manuscripts and Archives Depart-
ment. BC330, Public Domain
The Molteno Family – A History of the
Molteno & Related Families.
In his citation to Kathleen, Douglas H.D. Moodie writes that field and developed a keen interest in fruit research and scientif-
Kathleen “preferred the challenges of life to the guaranteed ic farming. In 1937, she achieved probably the most coveted of
existence”. This type of existence didn’t sit well with a woman her contributions: she convinced the government to start a Fruit
with so much ambition, which Kathleen had already displayed Research Station, which is currently known as Infruitec-Nietvoorbij.
from a young age. After her return from England in 1915, when In 1974, Kathleen was presented with the Fruit Research Farmers
it had become clear that farming was all she wanted to do, even Floating Cup for the significant advancements her efforts had
her family was more than a bit sceptical. Kathleen’s uncles, Ted brought to the fruit industry.
and Harry Molteno, who owned the larger neighbouring farm Regardless of her immense success, she never lost her gentle
Glen Elgin, tried to discourage her from becoming a fruit farmer. nature. Those who knew her attest to the love and charm with
She was wasting her time, they said, with a tiny piece of land that which she treated everyone. But Kathleen’s interests were not
had inadequate water sources . She had very little money and no merely commercial, she was also a woman who gave of herself
farming experience, both of which would prove daunting even for in all she did. Her interest in the wellbeing of others led to her
a male of Kathleen’s age at the time. generous contribution to the betterment of school facilities in
However, she would have none of that. the area.
Kathleen planted her first orchard, mostly Ohenimuri apple trees, Though she moved in the circles of prime ministers and princesses
in 1915 at the recommendation of a good friend and supporter, (Princess Alice, granddaughter of Queen Victoria visited her farm
Dr Antonie Viljoen. He had been farming at Oak Valley since often), her closest friends also included family and farmworkers.
1897. The 50 modest trees, which she planted with very little Kathleen’s love for nature and wildflowers knew no bounds and
manual help were the starting point of a long and illustrious career her garden was a joy to behold. Such a lovely sight it was, that
– one that would undoubtedly be looked on with envy by those its beauty inspired a poem by Bremer Hofmeyr: “A garden rich
who did not believe in her. From living in a small cottage with in every hue / A mountain peak of distant blue,” he starts off,
earth floors, reed ceilings and no fireplace, Kathleen transformed expressing what every visitor felt when stepping onto the Palmiet
her farm into a thriving agricultural enterprise, with the help of six Rivier estate.
mules, two horses and a bicycle. By 1925, her apples were being It is needless to mention her impact not only as a farmer, but also
showcased at the Wembley exhibition in London. a female pioneer in a male dominated industry. Bremer Hofmeyr
Hoping to broaden her expertise and skills, Kathleen attended finishes his poem on Palmiet Rivier, saying: “Here open heart and
short courses at Elsenburg and went on study tours to countries home and hearth / Receive the sons of all the earth / And man
like England, Ireland and America, to gather the latest informa- and nature’s art combine / In beauty shape to God’s design”.
tion. In 1925, she established contact with the fruit Research An individual like Kathleen was truly a force to be reckoned with.
Station at East Malling, which would later prove invaluable for our The full package, she possessed the power to create, transform
industry. As the years went by, Kathleen became an expert in her and nurture, as only a woman can.
DEC 2019/JAN 2020 | INDUSTRY NEWS 21Foto’s en teks deur
ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP
“Ek het al baie oor hierdie droogte gedink en tot die gevolgtrekking gekom,
die Here se hand is toe vir reën omdat hy ’n oorlog wil voorkom.
Al hierdie praatjies van grond afvat sonder vergoeding … die haatspraak …
Heel bo: Soos grafstene
dit is mos skietgoed vir ’n oorlog. Wie sal dan ’n plaas vat waar daar
op die land staan die nie water is nie? Die Here het die droogte gestuur as buffer tussen onse
dooie vrugtebome in die mense, om die oorlog te voorkom.”
warm son op Sunnyside.
D
Bo: Ben Kotzé op Sunny- is die mening van Anthony Bernardus, ’n Bobbejaan koggel luidrugtig, terwyl sy trop
side met dooie boorde in plaasbestuurder by Balmoral Boerdery buite skaars 100 meter verder vernielsugtig dooie takke
die agtergrond. Ladismith in die Klein-Karoo, wat tot onlangs breek. “Drie jaar gelede sou ek hulle nog verjaag
nog meer as 300 hektaar se spog uitvoervrugte het, maar nou kan hulle maar maak en breek nes
gelewer het. Balmoral, wat uit ses plase in die Hoe- hulle wil,” sê hy terwyl hy in die stof skop-skop.
kovallei bestaan, is onlangs as reddingsbesigheid Bernardus was ’n polisieman voordat hy homself
geregistreer. Bernardus lyk effens verslae waar hy in 19 jaar gelede met hart en siel in landbou gestort
’n boord vol dooie bome staan. Die droogte van die het. In die “goeie ou dae” het hy maklik vier pluk-
afgelope drie jaar het sy slagoffers geëis. spanne op die plaas Hartmansleegte ingestuur om
Mens, boom en gees. al die vrugte betyds in die pakstoor te kry.
22 BEDRYFSNUUS | DES 2019/JAN 2020Links: Matthys van der Merwe van Spera het hoop, maar ook
‘n magdom bekommernis.
Die afgelope twee jaar was nie een plukspan op die plaas nie. Geen droogtehulp
Vandag is elke boom op die plaas dood. Boorde vol Sungold,
Die droogte het ’n verwoestende uitwerking op die streek, meen
Ruby Gold, Laetitia - alles uitvoervrugte. Die vyf gesinne wat nog
Ben Kotzé, eienaar van die plaas Sunnyside en bestuurder van
op die plaas woon, kry twee maal ’n week drinkwater wat deur ’n
Longacre, ’n droogvrugtefasiliteit op Ladismith.
waterkar afgelewer word. Hulle word waarskynlik binnekort na die
Augustus 2019 was die derde jaar in ’n ry wat daar nie genoeg
dorp verskuif.
water vir sy plaas was nie. “Die plaasdamme self is tans 20% vol
“Die droogte is ’n verskriklike ding,” mymer hy. “Vir my is land-
en dit is amper die einde van die reënseisoen,” sê Kotzé. “In nor-
bou nie net ’n werk nie. Dit is my lewe. Ek dink in die boord. Ek
male jare is al die damme teen September, einde Oktober vol.”
bid in die boord. Die boom is ’n lewendige ding, net soos ’n dier.
Kotzé het met pere, perskes, appelkose en ook groentesaad
Die Here het gesê ons moet kyk na die diere en die veld. Om
geboer. “Ons het aanvanklik sommige ou boorde uitgetrek en
te sien hoe boompies van loottyd af volwasse bome word wat
begin om groentesaad te kweek, maar ons het nou ook hiermee
pragtige vrugte dra, net om dan te vrek is verskriklik. Ek weet nie
tou opgegooi. Daar is eenvoudig nie water nie.”
wat nou gaan gebeur nie. Dit vat aan jou siel. Ek was die brood-
winnaar. Wat is ek nou? Ek trek UIF (werkloosheidsversekering). Vier jaar gelede het hy nog tussen 1 200 en 1 500 ton vrugte ’n
Gelukkig het my vrou nog werk. Die toekoms is duister.” jaar gepluk. In 2018/2019 was dit ’n skamele 350 ton, ‘n allemin-
Bernardus is een van die meer as 500 werkers (permanent en sei- tige afname van 70%.
soenaal) wat op Balmoral Boerdery gewerk het en tans werkloos- Van die totale 78 hektaar van vrugteboorde en groentesaad wat
heidsversekering kry. Einde Januarie kom die geld ook tot einde. voorheen op Sunnyside besproei is, word tans gespartel om so-
“My vraag aan die regering is, hoekom is hierdie gebied nog nie wat agt hektaar peerboorde aan die lewe te hou. “Die steenvrug-
tot rampgebied verklaar nie? Hoe droog moet dit dan nou wees, boorde is almal dood, behalwe die jong boompies wat in 2016
en hoe lank moet hy ons wurg voordat hulle dit as rampgebied geplant is. Dié word nog aan die gang gehou.”
verklaar?” Vir die kommersiële landbouers wat die waterbron met Kanna-
Ladismith wat bekend is vir sy uitvoersteenvrugte, is geleë in 'n landmunisipaliteit deel is dit nie moontlik om langtermyngewasse
reeks vrugbare valleie aan die suidelike kant van die Swartberg, te verbou, tensy die wateropgaarkapasiteit van die dorp verbeter
met die kenmerkende Towerkoppiek wat oor die dorp waghou. In nie, meen hy.
1852 is die plaas Elandsvlei vir die dorp opsy gesit, en dit het in Met die droogfasiliteit gaan dit relatief goed ten spyte van die
1862 ’n munisipaliteit geword. Die dorp is vernoem na Lady Juana omstandighede. “Die droogfasiliteit is arbeidsintensief. Alles word
María Smith, die vrou van Sir Harry Smith en val tans onder die met die hand gedoen,” sê hy. “Op ’n goeie dag is hier tot 400
Kannalandmunisipaliteit. werkers by die aanleg. Met die droogte is die seisoene korter, die
Hoewel water nog altyd skraps was in die streek, het landbouers vrugte minder, en het ons minder hande nodig. Tans is hier 30
deur dekades verskeie droogtes en die 1930-depressie oorleef. Die permanente werkers.”
dorp se hoofwaterbron lê in die Swartberg. En in 2010 is boorgate Volgens Kotzé word die hele Ladismithstreek aan die gang gehou
gesink om tydens noodtoestande te help met watervoorsiening. deur landbou. “Wat hier gebeur is ’n tragedie. Die droogte bete-
In 2016 het die streek ’n buitengewone warm seisoen beleef en ken daar is ’n afname aan seisoenale werk soos pluk, snoei, en
die water het begin taan. Die boorgatpompe is toe aangeskakel pak. Die mense sit eenvoudig by hulle huise. Daar is geen werk
en sedertdien word die dorp en streek van boorgatwater voor- nie. Tot op hede, het die staat geen droogtehulp aan die vrugte-
sien, terwyl die landbouers beurtwater kry. boere gegee nie.
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