Agriculture

Breaking into the economy is challenging for many young South Africans. For young women, the barriers can be even greater, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, where access to land, funding, training and networks often remains limited. Rather than being discouraged by these realities, 24-year-old Reaipela Kgaje saw an opportunity where others saw an unused piece of land. Near Kuruman in the Northern Cape, the family that owned 2.5 hectares of abandoned riverside land gave her permission to farm it. The land had stood unused for decades, but Kgaje saw its potential. With no land of her own, no formal agricultural qualification and no start-up funding, Kgaje decided to take a chance. Starting small and learning as she went, she focused on restoring the neglected land and gradually building a future for herself through farming. Today, that decision has grown into Molapo Eco Farm, a business creating opportunities for both Kgaje and her community. Her story is a reminder that progress often begins when determination meets opportunity, and that young women are increasingly challenging traditional barriers in agriculture and entrepreneurship. Growing up in Maruping Village, her connection to farming started early. Watching her mother tend a small garden sparked a passion that stayed with her throughout her school years. "Farming is something I always wanted to do," she says. Without formal agricultural training, Kgaje learned by doing. She started with a single hectare and approached farming one step at a time, solving problems as they emerged. Restoring the neglected land was one of her first challenges. Unable to afford commercial fertilisers, she sourced manure from local households and used it to improve the soil. The process required persistence and hard work, but over time it transformed the land and laid the foundations for Molapo Eco Farm, which she established in August 2024. Today, she also uses artificial intelligence tools to strengthen …

Many of us think of winter as the gardening ‘off-season’ as we patiently wait for spring. But while your garden may appear still above ground, there's still a remarkable amount happening beneath the surface and on every leaf. It just has its own quieter way of communicating: leaving small clues for those paying attention. According to Fathima Mathen, Marketing Manager at GARDENA South Africa, winter can be one of the most revealing seasons for gardeners if you know what to look for. "It’s then that you are able to spot which areas are more sheltered, where frost settles first, and how different plants respond to the season. Those observations can help you make more informed gardening decisions throughout the year," she says. Put another way, your garden is quietly telling you everything you need to know; you just have to be listening. Here's what it might be saying this winter: "I'm not the same everywhere." Every garden is made up of its own tiny microclimates. Step outside on a winter’s morning, and you'll soon see why. One area may still be holding onto frost while another is already warming in the sunshine. A wall facing the winter sun can create a warmer pocket, while a low-lying area may collect colder air overnight. This happens because cold air naturally sinks and pools, creating frost pockets.¹ Understanding these differences helps explain why one plant thrives while another, only a few metres away, struggles. It can also help you choose the best spot for new plants or understand why certain areas of the garden always seem to perform differently. "That sparkle doesn't tell the whole story." A lawn glittering with dew on a crisp winter morning can look as if it has been watered, but appearances can be deceptive. After a clear, calm night, grass cools enough for moisture in the air to condense into dew. And while those tiny droplets make a beautiful show, they sit on top of the grass rather than soaking into the soil, so they …

Kwagga Smith Shares How He Tackles More Jobs With One Sprayer Whether he's making crucial turnovers on the rugby field or managing the day-to-day demands of a farm in Dullstroom, Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith knows the value of versatility. At Kareekraal, Kwagga's working farm and home to several guest cottages, every day brings a different set of demands. From maintaining the land to keeping guest areas in top condition, he relies on equipment that can adapt as quickly as the work requires. "The principle is simple," says Kwagga. "A piece of equipment earns its place by how often it can be put to work. There's always something that needs attention on a farm, so the most valuable tool is a versatile one that can be used for more than one task across different areas of the property." He points to sprayers as a prime example: an essential piece of agricultural kit that earns its keep well beyond a single job, Kwagga shares three jobs his Husqvarna battery sprayer helps him tackle: 1. First line of Defence When guests arrive expecting fresh country air and peaceful surroundings, the last thing they want is unwelcome pests turning a relaxing retreat into a swatting match. Targeted treatments sprayed around the cottages create a protective barrier that reduces the chance of any uninvited visitors making their way inside, while also helping to deter any from entrances, patios, and walkways. A sprayer also allows precise pest-control application, focusing only where it's needed and avoiding unnecessary treatment of the surrounding area. 2. Protecting the Harvest Healthy crops don't happen by chance. Producing a quality harvest takes careful management throughout the growing season, and sprayers play an important role. Smith uses his for a range of treatments: from weed control to those that help protect his pecan and walnut trees against pests and disease. And because these applications differ, so do their requirements. While using …