Standerton’s agricultural spirit was on full display on 18 September as the Seriti Institute hosted its 3rd Annual Farmers’ Day at the local showgrounds in Mpumalanga. The gathering drew more than 500 people – from smallholder farmers and families to youth and industry partners – for a day that celebrated farming, community resilience, and future opportunities.
With its theme, “Rooted in the land, growing with the market,” the event combined agricultural exhibitions, knowledge-sharing, and youth empowerment activities. More than 46 exhibitors showcased practical tools, sustainable farming methods, and innovative technologies designed to strengthen small-scale agriculture and boost food security.
Farming excellence & community development
At the heart of the day were live demonstrations that drew farmers eager to learn about cost-saving techniques, new machinery, and modern solutions to agricultural challenges. Local producers proudly displayed their fresh vegetables, highlighting the quality and diversity of food being grown by smallholders in the region.
Seriti Institute also used the platform to spotlight its flagship community development programmes. Exhibitions showcased “Work. Learn. Grow”, which supports enterprise and agricultural skills; aRe Bapaleng, a caregiver-focused early learning initiative; GreenWorks, which promotes green jobs; Hluma Roots, the organisation’s social enterprise branch; and two mobile platforms – the aRe Bapaleng App for parents and caregivers, and the Community Fresh App, which links farmers directly to buyers.
External exhibitors added depth to the day, with strong representation from agribusiness, financial services, and government institutions. Companies such as Astral (Meadow Feeds and Goldi), Standard Bank, Afgri retail, Land Bank, Khula!, Advanta Seeds, and the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market joined NGOs, seedling suppliers, and state departments to share expertise and opportunities.
A crowd favourite was the drone demonstration by Bateleur Agri Solutions, which gave farmers a glimpse of precision agriculture in action. From reducing expenses to boosting yields, the technology sparked interest among those looking for efficient ways to scale production.
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A family-focused celebration
Running alongside the farming programme was the aRe Bapaleng Jolly Event, a space dedicated to children and caregivers. With jumping castles, face painting, and even a fire truck tour courtesy of the Lekwa Local Municipality, families embraced the festive atmosphere while learning about Seriti’s early childhood development work.
The blend of technical knowledge and family activities reflected Seriti’s holistic approach. As CEO Juanita Pardesi explained, “This year’s Farmers’ Day was more than an agricultural showcase; it was a platform for transformation. By combining it with the Jolly Event, we brought together farmers, caregivers, and youth to imagine new futures.
“Since starting in Standerton with Astral in 2020, we have made an impact that speaks for itself, creating opportunities, building resilience, and leaving behind a blueprint of what true collaboration can achieve in communities.”
Empowering smallholder farmers
A key highlight was the handover of branding and marketing materials to 14 small-scale farmers who had graduated from Seriti’s Social Employment Fund programme. Supported by Citi Foundation and the DG Murray Trust, the initiative equips farmers to position their businesses competitively in the market.
For Lesiba Daniel Kekana, founder of Tshemelong Agri-Business, the moment was significant.
“With this branding, we now have the opportunity to stand out in a crowded market and compete with bigger businesses. These are more than just logos; they represent recognition for our work. We are truly thankful to Seriti and its partners for making this possible,” Kekana said.
Partnerships driving transformation
Supporters of the event emphasised the power of collaboration. Sheila Ross, CSI manager at Astral Operations, said, “This year’s Farmers’ Day proved that when we stand together, we can do more than feed communities; we can change their future.
“At Astral, we are proud to walk this journey with Seriti, creating opportunities that uplift farmers, nurture families, and build stronger communities.
“Ever since our partnership with Seriti began, we have been touching the lives of many farmers and communities, and from this Farmers’ Day going forward, we will continue to do so with even greater commitment.”
Sheila Ross
Exhibitor Wandile Mbonani from Khula agreed, noting that the day was not just about showcasing their services.
“It was about conversations, showing farmers how tools and technology can help, and listening to the realities they face. When we connect like this, we build partnerships that drive transformation in agriculture,” Mbonani said.
Looking ahead
As the day closed, Pardesi reflected on the journey so far and the legacy being built.
She said, “We are deeply grateful for the journey that began with Astral in 2020 — what started as a local initiative to support Standerton families has since evolved into a thriving ecosystem powered by the Social Employment Fund (SEF), the National Youth Service (NYS), and generous private sector donors like Citi Foundation, Standard Bank, and DGMT.
“Together, we have created a powerful example of what is possible when communities, government, and the private sector walk hand in hand. This Farmers’ Day is not just an annual celebration; it’s a living testimony to collaboration in action. It shows that with shared purpose, we can build local resilience, create meaningful jobs, and grow thriving community-based enterprises where farming, families, and the future flourish side by side.”
The farmers’ day was made possible through the backing of Citi Foundation, Standard Bank, Astral, and the National Youth Development Agency, among others. Their support underpins Seriti’s vision of resilient communities where smallholder farmers thrive, families are supported, and the next generation is empowered.
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