SAFDA HOSTS LANDMARK 10TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPOSIUM TO CHART THE FUTURE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Mthokozisi Ndlovu
The South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) marked a major milestone on 27 November 2025 as it hosted its 10th Anniversary Symposium, bringing together over 150 delegates from across the agricultural sector. Held at KwaShukela, the historic home of the sugar industry, the event reflected SAFDA’s decade-long journey of transforming the sector while opening new pathways for black sugarcane farmers.
Above, from left: Mike Gcabo (CEO Ekim Wildlife), Dr Sfiso Ntombela (Special Advisor to the Speaker of National Parliament), Andrew Makenete, CEO: DICLA, Mokete Ismael Tsiame: CEO, SAGRA.
The symposium provided a dynamic platform for engagement, drawing government officials including the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nokuzola Capa, researchers, financial institutions, agribusiness leaders, development partners, and grower representatives. The energy in the room underscored the urgency of strengthening the industry’s resilience and accelerating inclusive growth at a time when farmers continue to confront market volatility, climate pressures, and structural inequalities.
Guided by the event’s theme, “Re-imagining the agricultural sector in South Africa,” the programme focused on critical interventions required to safeguard the future of farming for small-scale and land reform farmers. Delegates engaged in robust dialogue on transformation gains over the past decade, the evolving policy landscape, financing challenges and the role of sustainable farming practices in securing long-term competitiveness.
A key highlight of the symposium was a thought-provoking panel discussion on agricultural and agro-processing financing. Experts unpacked the persistent barriers faced by black farmers, including misaligned qualifying criteria, institutional bottlenecks, and the readiness gap that often prevents growers from accessing vital funding opportunities. The discussion not only interrogated these challenges but also explored practical, actionable solutions that could reshape agricultural financing in favour of historically marginalised farmers.
Speakers also reflected on SAFDA’s journey since its establishment in 2015, an organisation born out of growers’ determination to fight for representation, equity, and justice within the sugar industry. Over the past ten years, SAFDA has grown into a formidable force advocating for transformation, improved grower support systems, and economic participation for black farmers. Many speakers acknowledged that despite the significant progress achieved, more work lies ahead, and collaboration among all industry stakeholders remains essential.
The 10th Anniversary Symposium ultimately served as more than a celebration, it was a strategic moment of reflection, learning, and recommitment. Delegates left with renewed optimism and a shared understanding that the rise of black grower participation is central not only to transformation but also to the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s Agricultural sector.
As SAFDA enters its next decade, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission: to transform the agricultural landscape, uplift rural communities, and ensure that black farmers take their rightful place in shaping the future of the sector.
Mthokozisi Ndlovu is Communications Officer at SAFDA