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South Africa's Agricultural Research Council Boosts FMD Vaccine Production

South Africa's Agricultural Research Council Boosts FMD Vaccine Production

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa has released 20,000 doses of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, marking a significant step in restoring local production capacity. This follows the release of 12,900 doses in February, addressing the country's FMD epidemic. Under pressure from Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and the livestock sector, the ARC set a target to produce additional doses by March, which has been met. The ARC plans to continue producing batches of approximately 20,000 doses each, reducing reliance on imported vaccines. The vaccines target the SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 strains of FMD, supporting the national disease management strategy.
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Chinese Market Welcomes South African Citrus with New Trade Protocol

Chinese Market Welcomes South African Citrus with New Trade Protocol

Li Lei, Chairman of the Fruit Importers Chamber of Commerce at Guangzhou Jiangnan Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market in China, highlighted the strong demand for South African citrus in the Chinese market during a signing ceremony for a new trade protocol. The Supplementary Phytosanitary Requirement for Export of South African Citrus Fruits to China aims to enhance trade by lowering barriers and reducing logistics costs. The Guangzhou market, a major hub for fruit imports in Asia, plays a crucial role in distributing South African citrus across China. Li emphasized the established consumer preference for South African citrus due to its quality and taste, which has been a core product for importers. The new protocol is expected to preserve the freshness and quality of the citrus, ensuring efficient entry into the Chinese market.
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Weather Models Predict Wet Conditions and Potential El Niño Impact on Summer Grains

Weather Models Predict Wet Conditions and Potential El Niño Impact on Summer Grains

Weather models indicate a high probability of wet conditions during the summer grain harvesting period, with an 80% chance of an El Niño event developing later this year. Recent rainfall has affected large parts of South Africa, including the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and other regions. Farmers are concerned about potential challenges in harvesting due to continued wet conditions influenced by the La Niña event. Agricultural meteorologist Johan van den Berg notes that while La Niña typically supports rainfall through May, the upcoming El Niño could lead to below-average rainfall in the summer rainfall region.
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Absa Increases Fuel Cashback Amid Rising Petrol Prices in South Africa

Absa Increases Fuel Cashback Amid Rising Petrol Prices in South Africa

Absa Increases Fuel Cashback Amid Rising Petrol Prices in South Africa
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Absa Increases Fuel Cashback Amid Rising Petrol and Diesel Prices in South Africa

Absa Increases Fuel Cashback Amid Rising Petrol and Diesel Prices in South Africa

Absa Increases Fuel Cashback Amid Rising Petrol and Diesel Prices in South Africa
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South African Airways CEO Lamola Resigns Amid Financial Reporting Concerns

South African Airways CEO Lamola Resigns Amid Financial Reporting Concerns

South African Airways (SAA) is facing a leadership crisis following the resignation of Group CEO John Lamola. His departure was announced after a board meeting attended by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. Matshela Seshibe, the current CEO of SAA's catering subsidiary Air Chefs, has been appointed as the acting group CEO. Seshibe's appointment has been met with criticism due to his limited aviation experience and connections to President Cyril Ramaphosa's charitable foundation. Lamola's resignation coincides with the departure of SAA's head of human resources and three non-executive directors, as well as the recent retirement of the airline's CFO. The airline's financial health has been under scrutiny, with the Auditor-General of South Africa issuing a disclaimed audit opinion on SAA's 2025 financial statements, highlighting irregular expenditures and inadequate financial controls.
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Discovery of Youngest Dinosaur Tracks in South Africa Extends Fossil Timeline

Discovery of Youngest Dinosaur Tracks in South Africa Extends Fossil Timeline

A team of researchers has uncovered a series of dinosaur tracks along South Africa's southern coastline, dating back approximately 132 million years to the early Cretaceous period. These tracks, found in the Brenton Formation near Knysna in the Western Cape, are the youngest dinosaur tracks identified in southern Africa. The site, measuring about 40 meters long and five meters wide, contains more than two dozen probable dinosaur tracks, suggesting repeated dinosaur activity in the area. The discovery was made during fieldwork in early 2025, initially aimed at finding fossil remains such as a theropod tooth previously found in the area. The tracks are located within the intertidal zone, making them difficult to study due to water coverage at high tide and exposure to erosion.
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South African Citrus Industry Celebrates China's Protocol Amendment for Export Boost

South African Citrus Industry Celebrates China's Protocol Amendment for Export Boost

The South African citrus industry is celebrating a significant development as China has amended the plant health protocol governing citrus exports. This amendment, which introduces new cold treatment options, is seen as a major milestone that will enhance South Africa's presence in the Chinese market. Hannes de Waal, Vice Chair of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), expressed enthusiasm for the new arrangements during a signing ceremony in Pretoria. The amendment is a result of collaborative research efforts between South African and Chinese authorities, reflecting a longstanding partnership dating back to 2005. The CGA CEO, Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele, emphasized the commitment to strengthening international partnerships and maintaining high phytosanitary standards. The protocol change is expected to benefit both South African producers and Chinese consumers by improving fruit quality and reducing export costs.
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South African Citrus Industry Celebrates China Protocol Amendment for Export Boost

South African Citrus Industry Celebrates China Protocol Amendment for Export Boost

The South African citrus industry has welcomed China's amendment to the plant health protocol governing citrus exports, marking a significant milestone for the country's presence in the Chinese market. The amendment introduces new cold treatment options, enhancing phytosanitary compliance and reflecting collaborative research efforts between South African and Chinese authorities. Hannes de Waal, Vice Chair of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), expressed enthusiasm for the new arrangements, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two nations. The amendment is expected to deliver substantial benefits for South African producers and Chinese consumers, increasing fruit quality and reducing export costs.
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African Farming Imbizo 2026 Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for South African Agriculture

African Farming Imbizo 2026 Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for South African Agriculture

The African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo 2026, held at the Time Square Hotel in Pretoria, brought together over 200 delegates from various sectors within the agricultural value chain. The event focused on aligning resources, unlocking opportunities, and strengthening partnerships to accelerate the growth of South Africa's next generation of commercial farmers. Key discussions included the impact of foot-and-mouth disease on the red meat industry, investment readiness for emerging farmers, and the importance of structured business models for accessing finance. The Imbizo also featured insights from Brazil's agricultural attaché, Rodrigo Lopes de Almeida, who shared Brazil's successful transformation into a major agricultural producer through research, innovation, and policy alignment.
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High Diesel Prices Pose Ongoing Risk for Farmers Amid Global Tensions

High Diesel Prices Pose Ongoing Risk for Farmers Amid Global Tensions

Farmers are facing significant challenges due to persistently high diesel prices, despite a recent drop in oil prices following a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable as planting and harvesting seasons approach. Delays in the international oil supply chain mean that diesel prices could remain elevated, impacting operational costs for farmers. The situation is exacerbated by potential shortages and the fluctuating rand-US dollar exchange rate. The South African government has temporarily reduced fuel taxes to mitigate the impact, but this relief is set to expire soon, potentially leading to further price increases.
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South African Airways CEO John Lamola Resigns Amid Financial Reporting Concerns

South African Airways CEO John Lamola Resigns Amid Financial Reporting Concerns

John Lamola, the Group CEO of South African Airways (SAA), has resigned following a board meeting attended by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. His departure coincides with the exit of SAA's head of human resources and three non-executive directors, as well as the recent retirement of the airline's CFO. The airline has faced criticism over its financial reporting, with discrepancies in profit figures and a disclaimed audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa. These issues have raised concerns about SAA's financial controls and its ability to negotiate competitive aircraft leases. Lamola's tenure saw the airline expand its fleet and route network, but the financial challenges remain a significant hurdle.