SAFDA CELEBRATES A DECADE AT HISTORIC 10TH ANNIVERSARY IMBIZO IN GINGINDLOVU
Mthokozisi Ndlovu
Following a successful 10th Anniversary Symposium a day before, the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) closed its milestone celebrations with a powerful and unifying 10th Anniversary Imbizo on 28 November 2025 at the Gingindlovu Sports Ground. The event drew an extraordinary crowd of over 7 000 farmers from all sugarcane growing regions, reaffirming SAFDA’s position as the leading voice of black grower development and transformation.
(1) Farmers at the 10th Anniversary Imbizo, (2) Inkosi Malusi Zondi (Zulu Kingdom Royal Chancellor), (3) Farmers arriving at the 10th anniversary Imbizo;
(4) SAFDA Executive Chairman Dr Siyabonga Madlala, (5) SAFDA Head of Grower Development Sifiso Mnguni, (6) Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza
The energy, unity, and sense of purpose that filled the venue reflected the urgency with which farmers continue to seek meaningful transformation, market access, and sustainable livelihoods in the face of persistent industry challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly, who praised SAFDA for its unwavering commitment to uplifting rural communities and championing equity within the sector. Didiza emphasised the importance of farmer organisation, collaboration, and policy alignment in ensuring long-term stability. She further encouraged growers to actively participate in shaping agricultural reforms, noting that the future of the sector depends heavily on empowered and well-supported farmers.
(7) Programme director Siyabonga Thwala, (8) Acting Director-General of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Clinton Heimann, (9) Farmers arriving at the 10th anniversary Imbizo
The Imbizo also offered a moment of collective reflection on SAFDA’s decade-long journey since its founding in 2015. Farmers and leaders celebrated the organisation’s successes in advocating for transformation, improving grower support mechanisms, and ensuring that black farmers gain equitable access to opportunities within the industry’s value chain. Among others, speakers included the MEC TP Madlopha-Mthethwa, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Clinton Heimann, Zulu Royal Chancellor Inkosi Malusi Zondi, Chair of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Inkosi uShinga and Deputy Mayor Ngema.
Building on the insights and discussions from the 10th Anniversary Symposium, Imbizo reinforced key themes such as transformation, sustainability, and the centrality of farmer empowerment. While the symposium focused on policy, research, and strategic industry interventions, Imbizo connected these high-level discussions to the everyday realities of growers on the ground.
Speakers from SAFDA leadership encouraged farmers to remain united, organised, and focused as the industry navigates both economic and climate-related uncertainties. They highlighted SAFDA’s commitment to scaling up its grower support programmes, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for an inclusive and sustainable sugar industry that leaves no farmer behind.
The 10th Anniversary Imbizo ultimately stood as a powerful symbol of solidarity and progress. With thousands in attendance, the event demonstrated the strength and resilience of South Africa’s black sugarcane growers and the pivotal role they play in the future of the industry. As SAFDA embarks on its next decade, the organisation remains dedicated to deepening its impact, championing transformation, and driving meaningful change for farmers and rural communities across the country.
Mthokozisi Ndlovu is Communications Officer at SAFDA